Bitcoin News Today: BTC Drops Toward $85K Amid Macro Stress

Key TakeawaysBitcoin price weakness deepens as BTC trades near $86,500Heavy leveraged liquidations exceed $200M across derivativesTechnical momentum remains negative as all major moving averages trend lowerLiquidation Cascade Deepens BTC’s Short-Term WeaknessBTC’s sharp drop was amplified by a liquidation cascade during Asian trading hours. Over $188M in long positions was flushed as open interest which was already elevated, unwound aggressively. In the past 24h, a total of $201M in long and short positions for BTC were liquidated.Source: CoinglassFunding rates turned negative, reflecting unbalanced long exposure and renewed downward momentum.Several analytics platforms reported that derivatives activity accelerated once Bitcoin broke below the $90K psychological threshold, triggering algorithmic flows. Exchange reserves rose, indicating heightened risk aversion among traders.Key short-term level: $85,600, the Nov. 17 swing low, remains a crucial area for stabilizing market confidence. Macro Headwinds Intensify: BoJ and U.S. Labor Market PressureExpectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike on Dec. 18–19 have grown sharply. This shift pressures global risk assets via a potential unwind of the yen carry trade, a mechanism that historically impacts crypto market liquidity.Japanese 2-year yields hit their highest levels since 2008, while market-implied odds of a BoJ hike now sit above 50%. A stronger yen forces deleveraging across global markets, including Bitcoin and altcoins.At the same time, a softening U.S. labor market has introduced uncertainty. Softer data can support future easing but also cools risk appetite in the near term. Technical Structure Shows Persistent DowntrendBitcoin's technical posture remains under pressure as the asset trades below all major moving averages, each signaling continued downward bias:Source: TradingViewAll trendlines point to persistent bearish momentum, with BTC decisively below the 38.2% Fibonacci level previously highlighted in market reports.The daily chart also shows a confirmed bear flag breakdown, projecting potential downside toward $67,700, where major historical liquidity sits. Institutional Dynamics: Concentration And Sensitivity RisingWith 17% of BTC supply now held by companies and governments, institutional behavior exerts increasing influence on crypto market structure.ETFs continue to hold over 7% of supply, reinforcing Bitcoin’s linkage to traditional macro flows.This concentration means greater high-impact volatility, especially during macro data surprises or yield spikes. BTC Outlook: What To Watch NextSeveral catalysts will shape Bitcoin forecast expectations in the days ahead:$85,600 remains the key near-term supportLiquidity pockets sit between present levels and $79,600, which may attract further price testingA confirmed macro shift, such as weak U.S. ISM or softer wage data, could ease pressure