Bitcoin price today: Bitcoin hovered near the $80,000 mark on Monday, October 26, 2026, after briefly slipping below the closely watched psychological level. Recent outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), leveraged position liquidations, and uncertainty ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision have weighed on cryptocurrency market sentiment.
With major economic announcements approaching, traders are watching whether BTC can stabilize around $80,000 or face another period of selling pressure.
Bitcoin Price Today: BTC Struggles Around $80,000
Bitcoin fell as low as approximately $79,332 during the latest trading period before recovering toward $80,000, according to Decrypt’s October 26 market report.
Another market update from Investing.com placed Bitcoin around $80,560 earlier on Monday.
These figures are snapshots from different times during the session, not live prices or official daily closing values.
The decline follows Bitcoin’s unsuccessful attempt to sustain a recovery toward $85,000 during the previous week.
Bitcoin ETFs Record $773.5 Million in Two-Day Outflows
Institutional fund activity has become a major focus for investors after U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded approximately $773.5 million in combined net outflows over two trading sessions.
According to crypto.news, the funds experienced approximately $635.6 million in withdrawals on Thursday, October 22, followed by another $137.9 million on Friday, October 23.
The sharp reversal came after several sessions of inflows, highlighting how quickly institutional demand can change.
However, the broader weekly picture was less negative than the two-day figures suggest.
Despite the late-week withdrawals, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs finished the week with approximately $301 million in net inflows, according to Decrypt.
ETF flow data provides insight into investment demand, but net outflows do not necessarily represent an identical amount of immediate selling on cryptocurrency spot exchanges.
Crypto Liquidations Add Pressure to Bitcoin
Leveraged cryptocurrency positions have also contributed to recent volatility.
Data cited by crypto.news showed approximately $154 million in cryptocurrency liquidations over a 24-hour reporting period, affecting more than 62,000 traders.
Long positions accounted for the majority of those liquidations, indicating that traders betting on rising prices faced particularly heavy pressure.
When leveraged positions are automatically closed, the resulting transactions can intensify short-term price movements.
This dynamic may help explain why Bitcoin experienced sharp moves around the $80,000 level.
Federal Reserve Decision on October 28 in Focus
The next major market catalyst is the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy announcement scheduled for Wednesday, October 28.
Investors broadly expect the central bank to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. Nevertheless, policymakers’ comments about inflation and the future path of interest rates could influence demand for risk assets.
Bitcoin has become increasingly sensitive to changes in broader financial conditions, including U.S. Treasury yields, the dollar, and investor appetite for technology-related assets.
If the Federal Reserve signals that restrictive monetary policy may continue for longer, cryptocurrency markets could face additional pressure.
Conversely, a less restrictive outlook could improve market sentiment, although a positive reaction is not guaranteed.
Bitcoin Price Outlook: Key Levels to Watch
Bitcoin’s recent trading behavior has placed several price areas in focus.
$80,000: The Psychological Reference Point
The $80,000 level is attracting attention because Bitcoin has repeatedly moved above and below it during the recent selloff.
Holding above this area may help stabilize short-term sentiment, but it is not a guaranteed support level.
$79,000: Recent Downside Area
Bitcoin’s recent dip toward $79,000 provides a reference for traders assessing whether selling pressure is increasing.
A move below recent lows could lead market participants to reassess the strength of demand.
$82,000: Potential Recovery Reference
On the upside, some analysts are monitoring the $82,000 region as a possible sign of improving momentum.
These levels are observations based on recent market behavior, not reliable predictions of future price movements.
More Volatility Could Arrive This Week
The Federal Reserve decision is not the only major event on the economic calendar.
Investors are also preparing for U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation data on Thursday, October 29, followed by a large Bitcoin options expiry on Friday, October 30.
Market reports estimate that roughly $11 billion in Bitcoin options are approaching expiry, although estimates can vary by data provider and measurement time.
Options expiry does not automatically cause a price move, but positioning and hedging activity can affect market conditions around the event.
What Does This Mean for the Crypto Market?
Bitcoin’s struggle near $80,000 reflects a combination of cryptocurrency-specific selling pressure and broader macroeconomic uncertainty.
ETF flows remain important because they offer one indication of demand from investors accessing Bitcoin through traditional financial markets.
At the same time, liquidations, technology-stock performance, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments can all influence short-term price movements.
Traders should be cautious about interpreting a single day of ETF flows or one price level as a definitive market signal.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin remains near the $80,000 mark after a volatile weekend, while approximately $773.5 million in two-day ETF outflows has added to concerns about short-term demand.
Despite those withdrawals, the ETFs recorded a positive net balance for the previous week, illustrating the mixed signals facing investors.
With the Federal Reserve decision on October 28, U.S. inflation data on October 29, and Bitcoin options expiry on October 30, the cryptocurrency market could experience further volatility.
For now, traders are watching whether Bitcoin can stabilize around $80,000 and whether institutional demand begins to recover.
Sources and References
- Decrypt — Bitcoin dips below $80,000 ahead of Fed decision, October 26, 2026
- crypto.news — Bitcoin price falls below $80,000 amid ETF outflows
- The Block — Bitcoin ETF outflows on October 22
- Investing.com — Bitcoin trades near $80,000 on October 26
- Federal Reserve — FOMC meeting calendar
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and prices can change rapidly.
