Bitcoin’s Price Surge Drives Futures Open Interest to All-Time High

Kelvin Munene Murithi
March 2, 2024
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Highlights

  • Bitcoin futures open interest hits record $26B amid price surge.
  • Retail-driven Bitcoin rally sees futures premiums soar to $70-$80.
  • Spot ETF inflows & miner supply dynamics fuel optimistic Bitcoin outlook.

The open interest for Bitcoin futures on centralized exchanges has soared to an all-time high. This unprecedented increase comes after a notable rally in Bitcoin’s price, reflecting the heightened trading fervor surrounding the digital currency. Data sourced from Coinglass reveals that the aggregated open interest for Bitcoin futures has eclipsed $26 billion, surpassing the previous high recorded in the final quarter of 2021.

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Heightened Market Activity

The recent rise in open interest surpasses the all-time high seen in November 2021 as Bitcoin reached $69,000, implying increasing market activity. This index, representing the outstanding value of all Bitcoin futures contracts across exchanges, is an important parameter that determines the mood and trading interest of the public towards the asset. 

The start of 2024 saw the open interest for Bitcoin futures rising gradually, coinciding with the surge in Bitcoin price to an unprecedented high of $64,000.

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Driving Forces Behind the Bitcoin Rally

Moreover, this rally in open interest is backed by data from Coinglass, which highlights that exchanges such as Binance, OKX, and Deribit, among others, have seen open interest on Bitcoin futures reaching over $21 billion. 

This spike in interest, particularly on retail-focused exchanges, points towards a robust speculative buying spree among retail investors. Perpetual futures on platforms like Binance have been trading at premiums of $70 to $80 above the spot price, further evidencing the market’s bullish outlook.

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Implications of Surging Open Interest

The surge in open interest and the corresponding increase in the Bitcoin price have significant implications. For instance, the open-interest weighted average funding rate recently hit 109% annualized, a level not observed since April 2021, according to Glassnode.

This spike in funding rates, coupled with the liquidation of nearly $750 million in shorts between February 25 and 28, underscores the intense speculative dynamics in the market. However, this environment also poses risks, as the unwinding of positions could trigger a cascade of long liquidations.

Despite these potential challenges, the outlook for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market remains positive. The integration of spot ETFs into wealth management firms and the rapid absorption of liquid circulating supply by net inflows, outpacing the production rate of Bitcoin miners, contribute to constructive market sentiment.

Additionally, substantial inflows into US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs, notably with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF capturing 70% of almost $1.8B in the first three days of the week, further bolster this optimistic view.

Read Also: Pepe Coin 17% Rally Sparks Bullish Excitement, Time To Buy Dog-Themed Meme Coins?

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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
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
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.