Ethereum Faces $9B Liquidation Risk on 5% Price Move
A 5% move in Ethereum could trigger nearly $9B in liquidations, impacting both longs and shorts significantly.

- $3.88B in shorts at risk if Ethereum rises 5%
- $5.38B in longs may liquidate on a 5% drop
- Ethereum volatility puts billions on the line
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, is currently positioned at a high-stakes crossroads. According to the latest data, a mere 5% price swing in either direction could wipe out billions in leveraged positions.
If Ethereum’s price increases by 5%, it could result in the liquidation of approximately $3.88 billion worth of short positions. Conversely, if the asset dips 5%, a staggering $5.38 billion in long positions may be liquidated.
This significant imbalance highlights the current market sentiment leaning bullish but also reveals the fragile state of leveraged trades in the ETH ecosystem.
Why This Matters for Crypto Traders
These potential liquidations are more than just numbers. They reflect the intense speculative activity currently driving Ethereum markets. Traders using high leverage are particularly vulnerable. A 5% move might seem minor in traditional finance, but in crypto—where volatility is routine—it could quickly cascade into large-scale liquidations.
With this much money on the line, such volatility can not only trigger forced selling or buying but also amplify price swings, creating a feedback loop that pushes ETH even further in either direction.
What Comes Next for Ethereum?
Market watchers are closely monitoring Ethereum’s next move. With so many positions on the brink, a surge in price could lead to a short squeeze—where shorts are forced to buy back at higher prices, pushing ETH higher. Alternatively, a sudden drop could trigger a long squeeze, intensifying downward momentum.
As always in crypto, traders should be cautious and consider risk management strategies, especially when leverage is involved.