Bitcoin surges 5% to $81,000 as $140M in shorts liquidated

Bitcoin jumped about 5% to roughly $81,000 amid roughly $140 million in short-liquidations. The forced covering intensified upward momentum and amplified intraday volatility as stop-losses and margin calls compounded buyer pressure. The size of the liquidation indicates a crowded short side, temporarily reducing downside pressure but leaving the market exposed to rapid reversals while leverage remains elevated. Market participants should expect heightened volatility and watch open interest and funding rates for signs of further squeeze or unwind.