Options data for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) from Greeks.live indicates a significant week ahead in the cryptocurrency market. Notably, 29,000 BTC options, worth $2.84 billion in notional value, are set to expire with a put-call ratio of 1.1. Ethereum’s options volume is even higher, with 164,000 ETH options expiring, holding a notional value of $550 million.
The ETH put-call ratio stands at 0.65, highlighting a notable divergence in market sentiment between the two leading cryptocurrencies. These options carry respective max pain points of $86,000 for BTC and $3,050 for ETH.
This week, a significant number of options are set to expire for both Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin is approaching a key psychological level, nearing $100,000. At the same time, Ethereum is driving a rally among altcoins which could take it above $4k in the coming week. The trading environment remains highly active, supported by strong institutional inflows. Additionally, the momentum is fueled by growing interest in ETFs.
Ethereum Struggles As Bitcoin and Dogecoin Surge AheadData from SoSoValue indicates that Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded significant inflows, reaching $1 billion on Thursday. This marked the fourth consecutive day of inflows, bringing the total to over $2.8 billion during this streak.
The inflows on November 21 were particularly notable, as they represented the highest single-day inflow in the past eight trading sessions. This figure surpassed the $1.11 billion recorded on November 11, highlighting the increasing investor interest in Bitcoin ETFs.
ETH Gains Momentum
Ethereum has seen a pronounced rally, with its price rising by 8.52% in the last 24 hours, and sitting at $3,391.64, during press time. Over the past week, ETH has gained 11.77%, while Bitcoin surged 13.26% during the same period. As ETH rallies, its implied volatility (IV) for major-term options has significantly increased. In contrast, BTC’s major-term IV has remained relatively stable, reflecting the differing market conditions for the two assets.
Bitcoin was priced at $99,094.53 at press time after a 1.61% rise over the past 24 hours, and holds a trading volume of $108.47 billion. The notable divergence in volatility trends suggests traders are hedging more aggressively against potential ETH price swings, likely driven by its growing altcoin correlation.
Optimism Reigns Despite Expiry Risks
Approximately 8% of all BTC and ETH positions are expiring this week, according to Greeks.live. Despite this, the market sentiment remains exceptionally optimistic, bolstered by a strong spot market rally. Institutional flows into ETFs and new options trading activity, such as IBIT options, have contributed to this bullish sentiment.
The ongoing altcoin rally, led by ETH, has supported a broad market surge, mitigating the usual risks associated with large expirations. The interplay of stable BTC IV and increased ETH IV suggests traders are positioning for longer-term gains while anticipating short-term volatility.
Market Rally Driven by Favorable Factors
The broader cryptocurrency market has been energized by favorable conditions, including robust institutional participation and expanding options trading. As Bitcoin edges closer to $100,000, its stability in IV points to sustained bullish sentiment. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s growing role in the altcoin ecosystem underscores its influence on market dynamics, particularly in periods of heightened activity.
The upcoming expirations are aligned with broader market trends. These expirations couldshape the immediate outlook for BTC and ETH.
