Bitcoin Primed for $83.1K Surge: Could Short-Squeeze Be the Catalyst?

Key Points

• Bitcoin is nearing a critical threshold with its price close to tightly packed short liquidation levels.
• The short positions cluster is between $83,100 and $83,500, setting the stage for further volatility.

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, is approaching a significant threshold, with its price now nearing closely clustered short liquidation levels.

On 30 March, Bitcoin was positioned at $82,621.9, sandwiched between two opposing liquidation zones on the market charts.

Market Volatility

The short positions cluster was found between $83,100 and $83,500, while the long liquidations were lower, below $82,400. This indicates an impending volatility in the market.

The short liquidation band was just 0.6–1.1% above the spot, while long exposure seemed to be more dispersed, creating an asymmetrical pressure zone favoring bulls if the upper boundary is breached.

Exchange platforms like Binance and Bybit had the most concentrated short positions, suggesting platform-specific risk. If the price begins to climb, these clusters could trigger stop-outs first, pushing Bitcoin into a forced buying cycle.

Coinglass data also showed that Bitcoin rose from $80,673 to $83,618 on 31 March, with liquidation leverage surging to $35.43M during this move.

Funding Rates and Open Interest

The funding rate between 24-28 March was negative, indicating a short-dominant sentiment. However, by 30 March, it turned positive, indicating rising long exposure. This could mean that shorts may be closing, and longs may be starting to re-enter.

Open interest fell from $25.39 billion to $23.12 billion over the last week of March, indicating large position closures or liquidations. As Open Interest falls and funding rises, it often marks the early stages of market repositioning.

If Bitcoin manages to break above $83,100, it may push towards $83,500, with low resistance extending to $83,877. However, if Bitcoin fails to clear this resistance, bearish sentiment may return.

Therefore, market timing remains critical, and the window for upside is narrowing.