Bitcoin tops $73,000 amid Strategy shares surge, short liquidations hit $427M

Bitcoin’s price briefly exceeded $73,000, driven by Strategy’s STRC shares surge and bullish options activity. The market for Bitcoin reaching $100,000 by the end of 2026 is at 34.5% YES, down from 36% a day ago.

Bitcoin’s move came as ceasefire developments in the Iran-Israel conflict triggered a decoupling from traditional risk-off assets. Bitcoin outpaced both gold and major US equities during the period, and the rally triggered short liquidations worth $427 million. Bitcoin $100,000 sits at 34.5% YES, while Bitcoin $150,000 remains at 9.5% YES.

USDC trading volume is modest: $2,613 traded daily for the $100,000 market and $877 for the $150,000 market. Moving the market by 5 percentage points requires $2,908 and $792, respectively, meaning both markets are thin and susceptible to larger trades. Recent largest moves were minimal, with a 1-point spike for both markets.

The $100,000 market’s slight decline from 36% to 34.5% despite Bitcoin touching $73,000 suggests traders view the move as speculative rather than a definitive trend shift. A YES share at 34¢ pays $1 if Bitcoin hits $100,000, offering a 2.9x return. This bet depends on continued institutional adoption and potential Fed rate cuts.

Watch for institutional announcements, particularly from BlackRock or Fidelity, and any shifts in SEC regulatory posture. These could move Bitcoin’s path toward $100,000 in either direction.

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