Binance Surpasses CME to Become Top Bitcoin Futures Exchange, What it Means for BTC Price?

The world’s largest crypto exchange Binance has again topped world’s leading derivatives marketplace Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in Bitcoin futures after months. The outflow from GBTC drops continuously, and so do other spot Bitcoin ETFs, including BlackRock and Fidelity.

Binance Surpasses CME in Bitcoin Futures Open Interest

Bitcoin Futures open interest (OI) on Binance has surpassed CME after four months. The spot Bitcoin ETF demand from institutional investors put CME on the top in derivatives trading for the last several months.

With a notional open interest (OI) of 105,130 BTC valued at $4.52 billion, Binance is now the largest Bitcoin futures exchange again. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) ranks second, with a notional open interest of 101,410 worth $4.35 billion.

BTC OI on Binance soared 2% in last 24 hours, whereas it plunged more than 3% on CME. This indicates demand from institutional investors for spot Bitcoin ETF continues to drop.

According to Bitcoin ETF flow data up to February 5, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $68 million. Notably, GBTC saw a 108 million outflow. It clearly shows a massive drop in demand for spot Bitcoin ETF.

BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) saw more than $137 million inflow on Monday, rising in comparison to the inflow last Friday.

Read More: Bitcoin Options Block Trade Hints Strong Price Volatility In Feb

Bitcoin ETF Options Key

Nate Geraci, president of ETF Store, said approval of spot bitcoin ETF options is crucial for the market. Also, the timing plays an important role as a liquidity leader in ETF category has historically charged higher fees. Grayscale will need a robust derivatives ecosystem developed around underlying ETF if they wants to remain a leader and charge high fees. Currently, GBTC charges 1.5% management fees for its spot Bitcoin ETF.

Geraci added that the longer approval on spot bitcoin ETF options takes, it will be worse for current liquidity leader GBTC. He thinks “options should be approved w/out delay.”

BTC price trading at $42,9211 in the past 24 hours. The 24-hour low and high are $42,298 and $43,494, respectively. Furthermore, the trading volume has increased by nearly 15% in the last 24 hours, indicating a rise in interest among traders.

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