Bitcoin consolidates near $81,000 as spot ETF outflows and macro pressures mount

Bitcoin traded near $81,000 to end the week after falling below $82,000 and reaching an intraday low of $80,840. The retreat followed a sharp reversal in institutional demand, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posting up to $635.49 million in net outflows on October 22, snapping a three-day inflow streak. The downturn triggered between $336 million and $406.27 million in crypto market liquidations over 24 hours. Digital assets faced compounded pressure from a global tech selloff, Middle East tensions driving Brent crude toward $114 per barrel, and unexpected drops in U.S. jobless claims.