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Short Position Liquidations

Definition

Short position liquidations occur when a trader’s short position in an asset is automatically closed by an exchange due to insufficient margin to cover potential losses. This typically happens when the asset’s price rises sharply against the short seller’s bet. To cover the margin call, the exchange forcibly buys back the asset, which further contributes to upward price pressure. These events can trigger a cascade, known as a short squeeze, intensifying price movements.