New High in Bitcoin [BTC] Options Demand Raises Bullish Exceptions

Nivesh Rustgi
June 13, 2020 Updated July 22, 2022
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Bitcoin

The trend in the price of Bitcoin lately can be described as a ‘chopping action’ at best. Since halving on 11th May, the price has fluctuated between $10,200 and $8,600 with a lot of uncertainty. In the last 30 days, over $900 million in liquidations (<60% in longs) have occurred on BitMEX alone.

btcusd options market
BTC/USD 1-Day Chart on Gemini (TradingView)

The volatility in the price has been considerably high. Moreover, the implied volatility index of Bitcoin is suggesting that traders expect more volatility in the prices.

Crypto options analytics website, GenesisVolatilty tweeted,

Last year 30 day BTC IV was ~71% and VIX was ~15%, today BTC IV is about ~62% and VIX is ~36%… Interesting

Since last year and particularly post COVID-19 crisis, the irrationality in the price of the stock market has come as a surprise to many. Despite the global slowdown, stock markets led by technology companies is making new highs with a lot of uncertainty in general. This adds expectation of high volatility in the market.

Bitcoin Options Market

Moreover, the rising demand for the options market and the implied volatility likely has a direct correlation here. Su Zhu, partner at Three Arrows Capital tweeted,

CME $BTC options open interest is nearly entirely in calls (upside moves)

On CME, the rise in the Open Interest can be particularly witnessed in the week following Bitcoin halving in May signalling institutional interest with halving.

bitcoin options open interest
Bitcoin Options Open Interest (Source)

The volume on Deribit is nearly 4 times that of CME. The Open Interest (OI) of Bitcoin options on Deribit surpassed $1 billion for the first time last month.

Due to the high implied volatility and volume, the options might seem overpriced to some traders. While CME is seeing a rise in call options, traders on Deribit are taking a different approach by selling put options to capture the premium on contracts.

bitcoin options market
Bitcoin Option Positions (Options Market) (Source)

Overall, the options traders are long on the price at the moment. Including the call buys and put sells, about 68% of the market is positioned long on Deribit and Okex.

How do you think the traders are covering/hedging these trades? Please share your views with us. 

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Nivesh from Engineering Background is a full-time Crypto Analyst at Coingape. He is an atheist who believes in love and cultural diversity. He believes that Cryptocurrency is a necessity to deter corruption. He holds small amounts of cryptocurrencies. Faith and fear are two sides of the same coin. Follow him on X at @nivishoes or mail him at nivesh(at)coingape.com
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.