Bitcoin Short Positions Mass at $113K: Fueling Hopes for Major Short Squeeze Rally

Bitcoin Short Positions at $113,000 Fuel Hopes for Major Short Squeeze Rally

Bitcoin (BTC) has shown remarkable resilience in recent trading sessions, reclaiming levels above $103,000 and triggering significant short liquidations. As of November 5, 2025, the leading cryptocurrency trades at approximately $103,743, marking a swift recovery from weekly lows near $100,000. This bounce has ignited speculation about a potential short squeeze, with cumulative short positions building up to $113,000 across major exchanges.

Rebuilding Short Liquidity Signals Potential Upside Pressure

Open interest in BTC futures has surged by $1 billion in the past 24 hours, reaching $33.52 billion. Notably, over 71% of positions remain long on average, but platforms like Hyperliquid stand out with more than 43% of whale accounts holding short positions. This aggressive shorting at elevated price levels could set the stage for a relief rally if buying pressure intensifies.

Historical patterns support this optimism. Liquidity rebuilding on the upside has previously catalyzed rapid price surges. Just hours after high-leverage shorts clustered around $105,000, BTC rallied sharply, liquidating $18.33 million in shorts on a four-hour timeframe. Overall, the move wiped out $5.9 million in BTC shorts and an additional $9.6 million in Ethereum (ETH) shorts, pushing ETH back above $3,400.

Short Squeeze Risks and Rewards in Focus

A full-blown short squeeze up to $113,000 remains a plausible scenario, potentially driving BTC toward fresh highs. However, experts caution that accumulated shorts do not guarantee upward momentum. In October 2025, similar liquidity peaked at $130,000 without triggering a significant squeeze, highlighting the market's unpredictability.

On the flip side, downside risks persist. A sweep of long positions could target the high-leverage cluster near $100,500, exacerbating volatility. BTC's six-month volatility index stands at 1.98%, the highest in recent memory, underscoring the coin's erratic behavior.

Market Sentiment Shifts from Extreme Fear

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has inched up to 23 from a low of 21, still firmly in "extreme fear" territory. Despite this, BTC has maintained its ascending channel, avoiding bear market signals. The recent dip is widely viewed as sentiment-driven rather than a structural breakdown of the bullish trend.

Ethereum Price Rebound Incoming? On-Chain Data & Short Squeeze Hint at $4,400 Rally

Short-term holders have undergone another capitulation phase, often a precursor to bottoms. Whale activity shows increased spot buying, complemented by Bitcoin ETFs resuming inflows after brief outflows. These on-chain metrics reinforce the narrative of a local bottom around $100,000.

BTC Dominance Highlights Altcoin Weakness

Bitcoin's dominance sits at 58.4%, propelled more by altcoin underperformance than BTC's standalone strength. This dynamic has funneled capital back into the flagship asset, bolstering its recovery. Altcoins, meanwhile, lag behind, with many failing to reclaim key support levels amid the broader market correction.

Broader Crypto Funding and Institutional Interest

October 2025 proved robust for crypto investments, with funding rounds totaling $5.11 billion—the second-highest monthly figure this year. This influx underscores sustained institutional confidence, even as retail sentiment wavers. Venture capital continues targeting infrastructure, DeFi, and layer-2 solutions, providing a supportive backdrop for BTC's potential rebound.

Key Factors Watching for BTC's Next Move

Short Liquidation Cascades: Monitoring clusters beyond $105,000 for squeeze triggers.
On-Chain Accumulation: Rising whale orders and ETF buys signal demand revival.
Volatility Management: Expect swings, but channel support holds key to bull case.
Macro Influences: Interest rate expectations and regulatory news could sway trajectories.

While 24-hour long liquidations exceeded $300 million, the shift toward short pain indicates changing dynamics. Traders are advised to watch resistance near $105,000 and support at $100,500 for confirmation of trend reversal.

Bitcoin's ability to bounce swiftly from lows demonstrates underlying strength. If short positions continue rebuilding without corresponding downside follow-through, a squeeze-fueled rally could propel prices toward $110,000 or higher in the near term. Market participants remain vigilant, balancing fear with data-driven optimism in this high-stakes environment.

The cryptocurrency space evolves rapidly, with BTC at its core. Staying informed on liquidity maps, sentiment indicators, and institutional flows is crucial for navigating potential opportunities. As always, volatility cuts both ways—position sizing and risk management remain paramount.