$3,380,000,000 Bitcoin and Ethereum Expiry: Volatility to Hit?

Crypto Market Braces for Potential Volatility as $3.38 Billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expire

The cryptocurrency market is preparing for potential turbulence as over $3.38 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options contracts approach expiration this week. These expirations could mark critical turning points for both assets, with traders likely to reassess positions through profit-taking and risk rebalancing.

Bitcoin Options Expiration: A Potential Bearish Catalyst

Approximately 25,000 Bitcoin options worth $2.81 billion are set to expire, with market sentiment leaning slightly bearish as reflected in the 1.22 Put/Call Ratio. The maximum pain point—where options sellers face minimal losses—sits at $104,000. This creates potential downward pressure as traders may push Bitcoin toward this level, despite its current trading price near $111,000.

A short-term pullback appears likely, especially given the overbought RSI conditions and declining trading volume. The $102,000–$104,000 range, aligning with both the previous breakout zone and maximum pain level, could serve as a key support area in the coming days.

Ethereum Options Expiration: A Potential Bearish Catalyst

Ethereum faces similar dynamics, with 202,000 contracts worth $570 million expiring. The maximum pain level of $2,450 and a put/call ratio of 1.26 suggest bearish hedging activity. ETH currently trades near $2,680 after a recent surge, but its overbought RSI (around 74) and trader focus on the $2,450 pain point could lead to selling pressure or consolidation.

Potential Short-Term Volatility Ahead

The combination of elevated Put/Call Ratios and significant gaps between spot prices and maximum pain levels indicates possible short-term volatility. While the broader uptrend remains intact, Friday's options expiration may trigger a temporary pullback or consolidation before the next potential rally phase.