As Bitcoin ( BTC ) and Ethereum ( ETH ) led the broader cryptocurrency industry in a sell-off over the past 24 hours, driven by hotter-than-expected United States inflation data, total crypto liquidations soared on October 15, 2026, by nearly 600% to about $1 billion.
The total crypto liquidations over the past 24 hours were $973,025,069, up more than 588% on the day, according to data Finbold analyzed from CoinGlass , a cryptocurrency derivatives data platform that tracks liquidations and futures activity across major exchanges.
Crypto derivatives performance 10/15/2026. Source: CoinGlass
As of press time, long positions account for over $894 million of today’s total crypto liquidations, compared with roughly $78.52 million in shorts. Ethereum and Bitcoin topped crypto liquidations today, with more than $292 million and $200 million wiped out, respectively.
Crypto liquidations October 15, 2026. Source: CoinGlass
Over the past 24 hours, Binance led all cryptocurrency exchanges in total liquidations, reporting $515.12 million at the time of publication. Hyperliquid and Bybit had registered a 24-hour total liquidation of $141.14 million and $101.12 million, respectively.
Crypto liquidations today by exchanges. Source: CoinGlass
Heightened crypto liquidations crash market capitalization
Amid increased cryptocurrency liquidations today, the total crypto market cap declined by about 2.7% to $2.81 trillion, as per metrics from CoinGecko, a cryptocurrency market data platform that tracks prices, market capitalization, and trading volume. The sell-off triggered a long squeeze, as falling prices forced leveraged long positions to close, adding further selling pressure.
Global cryptocurrency market cap 24-hour chart. Source: CoinGecko
Even though the crypto market cap declined today, its total trading volume had surged by 49% to $111 billion at the time of reporting.
What’s next for cryptocurrencies?
Despite the traditionally bullish ‘Uptober’ narrative, analysts remain optimistic on Bitcoin and the broader space, as Finbold highlighted .
Among the bullish voices is Citi, which recently raised its 12-month targets to $113,000 for Bitcoin and $3,028 for Ether on October 1, citing stronger activity, a supportive macro backdrop, and exchange-traded fund ( ETF ) inflows.
However, with inflation running hotter than expected and markets again pricing in the possibility of further Federal Reserve tightening, near-term volatility is likely to remain elevated.
Featured image via Shutterstock
The post Crypto market hit by nearly $1 billion in liquidations after inflation shock appeared first on Finbold .
