Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Faces $80K Turning Point: Will a Short Squeeze Ignite or Is a Further Decline Ahead?

Bitcoin’s sharp drop toward the $80,000 mark

has sparked intense disagreement among market experts over whether the digital asset is set for a short-squeeze bounce or a deeper slide into bear territory. The recent plunge, triggered by a mix of global economic worries, ETF withdrawals, and widespread on-chain selling, has left investors debating the likelihood of a rebound to $90,000 or the risk of further losses.

By November 22, 2025,

(BTC) , representing a decline of about 30% from its October high above $126,000. The downturn has wiped out more than $1 trillion from the crypto sector since early October, in net outflows just this month. —where BTC’s 50-day moving average falls below its 200-day average—has added to the bearish mood, a signal often associated with extended declines. $800 million in realized losses over the last week, the largest since the FTX collapse in 2022, as short-term investors face increasing margin calls.

Negative funding rates in perpetual futures have become a crucial signal for possible short-term reversals. As

neared $80,000, funding rates dropped below zero, indicating that long positions were under pressure and shorts were in control. This situation often leads to a short-covering rally, but analysts warn that —fueled by $20 billion in leveraged liquidations on October 10—could postpone any recovery.

Expert opinions remain sharply split. Optimists, such as Standard Chartered and Bitwise Asset Management, still predict Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of 2025, pointing to institutional interest and the possibility of Federal Reserve rate cuts. On the other hand, more cautious analysts believe BTC may trade sideways between $80,000 and $100,000 through December, with Harvard University’s recent $443 million allocation to spot Bitcoin ETFs suggesting some big players see value in buying the dip. Meanwhile, bearish forecasts warn that if selling continues, Bitcoin could revisit its April 2025 low near $74,500.

The market’s vulnerability is highlighted by crypto funds experiencing outflows for a third straight week, totaling $3 billion, and the “Support Becoming Resistance” effect, where investors sell near their entry price, limiting recovery potential. Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, however, has reaffirmed his $150,000 year-end target, viewing BTC as a corporate reserve asset as more companies like Japan’s Metaplanet adopt it.

Several major risks remain. A worsening global economic slowdown, regulatory changes, or a drop in institutional demand could prolong the slump. Conversely, an unexpected Fed rate cut or renewed ETF inflows could spark a rapid rally—though some analysts see this as highly unlikely given current market instability.

At present, traders are closely watching whether BTC can hold the $80,000–$82,000 support area. A decisive move below $75,000 would likely confirm an extended bear market, while a quick rebound to $90,000 could trigger renewed short-covering and speculative activity.