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$65 Million in Bitcoin Positions Liquidated After False Reports of BlackRock ETF Approval

$65 Million in Bitcoin Positions Liquidated After False Reports of BlackRock ETF Approval. Let's take a look at this in more detail.

Prasanna Peshkar

Prasanna Peshkar

October 16, 2023 5:46 PM

$65 Million in Bitcoin Positions Liquidated After False Reports of BlackRock ETF Approval

Unfounded Rumors Lead to Market Turmoil

In a dramatic twist for cryptocurrency traders, false reports circulated today that BlackRock ETF had received approval, leading to a swift liquidation of Bitcoin positions valued at approximately $65 million.

The cryptocurrency market witnessed a whirlwind of activity recently when Cointelegraph erroneously reported that the SEC had approved the BlackRock ETF. This misinformation led to a buying frenzy, catapulting Bitcoin’s price to a staggering $30k. However, this surge was short-lived. Within minutes, the price retraced to its pre-surge levels, starkly highlighting the volatile nature of the crypto market. Many market observers are pointing to this incident as a classic case of market manipulation, underscoring the need for traders to approach news and sudden market movements with caution.

This underscores the dangers of relying on unverified information in a market as volatile as cryptocurrency. The speed at which this false news spread only amplified its impact, with many traders making swift decisions based on the erroneous belief that a significant market development had taken place.

BlackRock ETF: Immediate Impact on the Market

Within minutes of the fake news breaking, the cryptocurrency market responded with sharp price fluctuations. Many traders, assuming the false information to be accurate, acted rapidly, leading to a massive liquidation of positions. This kind of volatile reaction highlights the fragility of the cryptocurrency market, which is often driven by news and sentiment.

BlackRock’s Official Statement on BlackRock ETF

BlackRock, one of the world’s leading investment firms, was quick to refute the rumors. In a statement, the firm clarified, “We have not received any approval for an iShares Spot Bitcoin ETF. We urge market participants to rely only on official statements and to exercise caution with unofficial sources.”

BlackRock ETF: The Need for Reliable Information

Today’s incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reliable and accurate information, especially in a space as fast-paced as cryptocurrency. Investors are urged to verify any news or announcements with official sources before making any trading decisions.

The recent fake approval incident surrounding the Bitcoin Spot ETF has raised several pressing concerns about the fragility and integrity of crypto-related news dissemination. 

  • The chain reaction began when CoinTelegraph, for reasons that remain uncertain, falsely reported the approval. One theory posits a malicious actor hacking CoinTelegraph, leveraging the market’s sensitivity to such announcements for opportunistic trading. 
  • This, if proven true, would represent a blatant act of manipulation, further tarnishing the crypto industry’s reputation among regulators. Furthermore, the rapid dissemination of this misinformation—from CoinTelegraph to Benzinga, then Reuters, culminating in its broadcast on the influential Bloomberg terminal—shines a spotlight on the apparent laxity in the vetting processes of major news outlets. 
  • Such a sequence not only jeopardizes investor confidence but calls into question the reliability of trusted news platforms. While CoinTelegraph could have merely erred inadvertently, the consequences of such a mistake are undeniably vast. 
  • Another more optimistic, albeit skeptical, scenario suggests that the news may have been an accidental leak, preceding a legitimate approval. However, given the SEC’s historically cautious approach to spot ETFs, this seems improbable. Regardless of the root cause, the incident underscores a dire need for enhanced information verification within the crypto journalism sector.

Market Recovery

While the immediate aftermath saw significant liquidation, experts believe that the market will adjust once the dust settles. Traders are advised to exercise caution and stay informed as the situation evolves.

Prasanna Peshkar
Article By

Prasanna Peshkar

Prasanna Peshkar is a seasoned writer and analyst specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. With a focus on delivering insightful commentary and analysis, Prasanna serves as a writer and analyst at CryptoTicker, assisting readers in navigating the complexities of the cryptocurrency market.

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