BTCUSD: Bitcoin Steadies Below $82,000 as ETF Flows Reverse Sharply. When Bottom?

Bitcoin recovers modestly after following technology stocks lower. A sharp reversal in ETF demand and Friday’s options expiry put the focus on whether buyers can defend $80,000.📉 Bitcoin recovers after the technology selloffBitcoin traded near $81,700 early Friday, recovering from Thursday’s low around $80,700. The decline had taken the OG coin more than 4.5% below Wednesday’s peak above $84,800, reversing much of its recent recovery. Ether also steadied near $2,410 after suffering a sharper pullback during the selloff. The immediate pressure came from the retreat in technology stocks. Thursday as earnings updates renewed doubts about AI spending and financing. Falling Treasury yields provided little immediate protection. The US 10-year yield returned below 5%, but investors seeking safety favored government bonds . 💸 ETF demand reverses ahead of options expiry recorded $635.6 million in net outflows Thursday. BlackRock’s IBIT accounted for $254.1 million, Fidelity’s FBTC lost $217.5 million and Ark’s ARKB shed $109.4 million. The week’s buying has been reduced substantially, although it remains positive. Monday through Wednesday attracted $1.075 billion combined. Subtracting Thursday’s withdrawals leaves roughly $439 million in net inflows through four sessions. About $1.3 billion in Bitcoin options are scheduled to expire Friday at 8 a.m. UTC. The reported “max pain” level is $82,000 — the settlement price that would minimize the outstanding options’ aggregate intrinsic value. 📊 The $80,000 area becomes the next testThursday’s low near $80,790 is the immediate downside reference, followed by the psychological $80,000 level. Sustained trading beneath that area would strengthen the case that the latest recovery has failed. Recovering $82,000 would be an initial improvement, but buyers face further work around $85,000. That region combines a level highlighted by Bitfinex with the latest failed advance. Leverage can make either direction more abrupt. Traders using borrowed money can face automatic position closures when collateral becomes insufficient, adding selling during a drop. Keep in mind, Bitcoin flexes the no-days-off mentality, trading throughout the weekend, although at lower volumes. That leaves it exposed to headlines while US ETF trading is closed.