The crypto market witnessed over $1 billion in liquidation. Traders and whales cite weak market structure and liquidations as reasons for the selloff, not SpaceX’s bitcoin sales or China’s real estate giant Evergrande’s bankruptcy filing.

CoinGape Media first reported a likelihood of a massive selloff after the FOMC Minutes release. US stock market indices continued to fall this week amid banking concerns and weakening China’s economy. US Federal Reserve looking for further rate hikes and crypto longs liquidations amid weak market structure on Wednesday already triggered a correction.

Traders now await the likely decision in the Grayscale vs SEC lawsuit on Friday, which will give a clear direction to the market. Approval of a Bitcoin ETF this year majorly depends upon Grayscale’s win against the SEC. In fact, GBTC is looking strong despite a fall in BTC price, as per data by Coinglass. Grayscale Investments has also put out an advert to employ a Senior ETF Associate as it nears the tail end of its lawsuit with the SEC.

Also Read: XRP Price Plunges 20% to Pre-Court Ruling Levels, More Correction Likely?

Indicators That Signaled A Crypto Market Selloff

CryptoQuant revealed that the market structure was weakening since mid-July after Bitcoin failed to hold the $30k psychological level. Bitcoin open interest (OI) of short positions was increasing since mid-July amid price declines.

In addition, the selloff was preceded by a period of low demand for Bitcoin, resulting in a negative Coinbase premium. The BTC price remained stuck in a range near $29300. Also, an increase in whale spending activity before and during the selloff was recorded.

Currently, the sentiment remains negative, with negative funding rates indicating that traders are willing to go short. Traders are skeptical about recovery after longs liquidation. Thus, the price action to likely remain weak until the end of the month.

BTC price trades at $26,577, down 7% in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, ETH price is trading at $1694, recovering from a 24-hour low after reports of SEC to approve Ether futures ETF.

Evergrande filing for bankruptcy?

Space X supposedly selling its #BTC holdings?

Largest $BTC liquidation event since FTX crash in November 2022?

Whatever the narrative

Whatever the catalyst

It doesn’t matter how to explain the move now that it has happened

Those who have… pic.twitter.com/p3zjqzi38U

— Rekt Capital (@rektcapital) August 18, 2023

Also Read: Shibarium Restarts Block Production, SHIB And BONE Rebounds

Varinder has 10 years of experience in the Fintech sector, with over 5 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. Being a technology enthusiast and analytical thinker, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 5000+ news, articles, and papers. With CoinGape Media, Varinder believes in the huge potential of these innovative future technologies. He is currently covering all the latest updates and developments in the crypto industry.

The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.