Public bitcoin miners unload record 32,000 BTC in Q1 2026 after BTC slips below $60,000

CoinDesk reported that public bitcoin miners sold more than 32,000 BTC in the first quarter of 2026 after bitcoin fell below $60,000, marking a quarterly liquidation record. The tally topped the prior record of 20,000 BTC set in Q2 2022. Bitcoin touched $60,000 in April before rebounding; on April 16, it broke back above $68,000. Despite market sentiment described as 100% bullish, the scale of miner selling points to elevated volatility risk. The report linked the drawdown to macro headwinds, including U.S. tariff threats and higher interest rates. It also noted that regulatory shifts such as Texas Senate Bill 6 are pushing some miners, including Core Scientific and Riot Platforms, to pivot toward artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, reinforcing selling pressure on BTC holdings. Liquidity remains thin, the report said. With low trading volumes, even relatively small orders can move prices sharply, especially in smaller venues. Market participants are watching for further disclosures from major mining firms on potential asset sales or strategic changes. Comments from Michael Saylor and policy signals from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell were also cited as potential sentiment drivers.