TLDR
- Bitcoin derivatives market is showing a rare signal not seen since the 2024 bottom with extreme short positions.
- Funding rates for Bitcoin have turned deeply negative, indicating widespread shorting across major exchanges.
- The last time such negative funding rates appeared was in August 2024, leading to an 83% rally over the next few months.
- The current market setup suggests the possibility of a short squeeze if Bitcoin prices rise unexpectedly.
- The heavily leveraged short positions increase the risk of rapid price acceleration if liquidations occur.
The Bitcoin derivatives market is showing signs of a rare pattern not seen since the 2024 bottom. Data from Santiment reveals that short positions on major exchanges have reached extreme levels, similar to a key reversal point for Bitcoin in August 2024. This signal comes as funding rates for perpetual futures turn negative again, suggesting heavy shorting activity, which could lead to rapid price movements.
Funding Rates Turn Negative Again
Funding rates on major Bitcoin derivatives markets are reflecting a sharp shift. According to Santiment’s data, aggregated funding rates from multiple exchanges have reached deeply negative levels. This indicates that the majority of leveraged traders are betting on further downside.
🤯 BREAKING: According to aggregated funding rate data across crypto exchanges, this latest wave of short positioning is the most extreme seen since August 2024, a period that marked a major bottom for Bitcoin. At that time, funding rates also fell deep into negative territory as… pic.twitter.com/Runwl3CE4D
— Santiment (@santimentfeed) February 12, 2026
When funding rates are negative, short sellers are required to pay long traders, highlighting a skew in the market. The last time such extreme funding conditions appeared was in August 2024, marking a bottom for Bitcoin price. At that time, prices reversed after funding rates plummeted, resulting in an 83% rally over the next four months.
Bitcoin Derivatives Market Shows Signs of Short Squeeze
The current market setup mirrors the conditions seen in previous Bitcoin rallies. With funding rates deeply negative, short positions are becoming crowded. Many traders are now holding leveraged short positions, which increases the risk of a short squeeze if prices move higher.
A short squeeze occurs when an unexpected price rise forces traders to close their positions, further accelerating the price upward. As these positions get liquidated, the resulting buying pressure can push Bitcoin prices higher in a short period. This is a common occurrence when the funding rate is extremely negative.
Traders Eye the Potential for Price Reversal
While the negative funding rates do not guarantee an immediate rally, they create the right environment for a sharp price reversal. A small price increase could trigger widespread liquidations, driving prices higher in a short squeeze. Traders who have positioned heavily in short trades are now at risk if the market shifts unexpectedly.
The most recent data from Santiment shows that the overall market sentiment remains fragile. While fear still dominates the market, the conditions are ripe for a potential price surge if the market reverses course. This creates a high-risk environment, with the possibility of quick price movements if momentum shifts.
