Bitcoin surged above $91,000 during market closures, with forced short liquidations driving $130M in closures.
Bitcoin moved sharply while global markets remained closed, drawing attention to crypto’s unique liquidity window.
A sudden breakout above $91,000 followed geopolitical tension, short liquidations, and shifting macro narratives.
With no competing markets open, crypto alone reflected risk sentiment, raising questions about conviction, structure, and confirmation.
Bitcoin Rallies Above $91,000 During Global Market Closure
Bitcoin surged above $91,000 while equity and bond markets remained inactive worldwide.
The move followed losses linked to Venezuela related geopolitical tension. Price rebounded roughly $2,500 from those intraday lows.
Consequently, crypto became the only liquid market available for positioning.
🚨BREAKING: Bitcoin has broken above $91,000 and it’s now up $2,500 from the Venezuela attack lows.
$83 billion has been added to the crypto market and $130 million in shorts were liquidated in the last 12 hours.
This move happened while Traditional markets were closed.… pic.twitter.com/ncirgflQkS
— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 4, 2026
The rally added about $83 billion to the total crypto market value. Data showed $130 million in short positions closed within twelve hours.
Hence, forced liquidations amplified upward momentum during thin trading conditions. This reaction occurred without confirmation from traditional risk markets.
Liquidity Dynamics and Institutional Market Structure
K33 Research reported Bitcoin realized volatility near 2.24% during 2025.
This level marked the lowest reading since 2012. Meanwhile, institutional ETFs absorbed roughly 160,000 BTC across regulated products.
Therefore, structural demand continued operating during periods of uncertainty.
The past year has been a conundrum. Fundamentals are stronger than ever, yet BTC has underperformed major asset classes. When prices and fundamentals diverge, opportunities arise, and we believe 2026 sets the stage for a strong BTC resurgence.https://t.co/V9ShCehgEv
— K33 Research (@K33Research) December 23, 2025
Long term holders also redistributed over 1.6 million BTC held dormant for extended periods.
These coins moved toward ETFs, funds, and corporate treasuries. Additionally, this transfer reduced abrupt sell pressure during drawdowns.
As a result, price reactions appeared more measured despite rapid moves.
DeFi Metrics Support Stability During the Move
DefiLlama data showed Bitcoin related DeFi total value locked near $7.09 billion. The figure increased 1.45% within twenty four hours.
Moreover, chain fees reached $238,613 during the same period. These metrics signaled steady on chain participation during the rally.
Active Bitcoin addresses totaled roughly 618,923 across the network. Inflows exceeded $254,000 over the session.
Hence, user activity remained consistent despite low liquidity hours. This stability helped Bitcoin sustain levels above $91,000.
Related Reading: Bitcoin’s $80K-$140K Range: What 2026 Holds
Macro Narrative and the Risk of a Sunday Pump
Market attention also turned toward reports of expanded US control over oil reserves.
Estimates placed potential value near $17 trillion. This narrative supported expectations of stronger future economic positioning.
However, confirmation depends on broader market reactions.
Analysts are watching equity market openings for validation. Bitcoin holding above $91,000 alongside green stock markets may confirm strength.
Failure could frame the rally as a temporary Sunday imbalance. Support remains monitored near $85,000 and then $74,508.