BTCUSD: Bitcoin Steadies Below $82,000 as ETF Flows Reverse Sharply. When Bottom?

Bitcoin recovers modestly after following technology stocks lower. A sharp reversal in ETF demand and Friday’s options expiry put the focus on whether buyers can defend $80,000.

📉 Bitcoin recovers after the technology selloff

• Bitcoin BTCUSD traded near $81,700 early Friday, recovering from Thursday’s low around $80,700.
• The decline had taken the OG coin more than 4.5% below Wednesday’s peak above $84,800, reversing much of its recent recovery. Ether also steadied near $2,410 after suffering a sharper pullback during the selloff.
• The immediate pressure came from the retreat in technology stocks. The Nasdaq Composite fell 2.6% Thursday as earnings updates renewed doubts about AI spending and financing.
• Falling Treasury yields provided little immediate protection. The US 10-year yield returned below 5%, but investors seeking safety favored government bonds and the yen.

💸 ETF demand reverses ahead of options expiry

• US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $635.6 million in net outflows Thursday. BlackRock’s IBIT accounted for $254.1 million, Fidelity’s FBTC lost $217.5 million and Ark’s ARKB shed $109.4 million.
• The week’s buying has been reduced substantially, although it remains positive. Monday through Wednesday attracted $1.075 billion combined. Subtracting Thursday’s withdrawals leaves roughly $439 million in net inflows through four sessions.
• About $1.3 billion in Bitcoin options are scheduled to expire Friday at 8 a.m. UTC. The reported “max pain” level is $82,000 — the settlement price that would minimize the outstanding options’ aggregate intrinsic value.

📊 The $80,000 area becomes the next test

• Thursday’s low near $80,790 is the immediate downside reference, followed by the psychological $80,000 level. Sustained trading beneath that area would strengthen the case that the latest recovery has failed.
• Recovering $82,000 would be an initial improvement, but buyers face further work around $85,000. That region combines a level highlighted by Bitfinex with the latest failed advance.
• Leverage can make either direction more abrupt. Traders using borrowed money can face automatic position closures when collateral becomes insufficient, adding selling during a drop.
• Keep in mind, Bitcoin flexes the no-days-off mentality, trading throughout the weekend, although at lower volumes. That leaves it exposed to headlines while US ETF trading is closed.