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Crypto Market Selloffs Alert: $2.1B in Bitcoin and Ethereum Options to Expire Today

Varinder Singh
1 hour ago
Varinder Singh

Varinder Singh

Independent Sr. Journalist
Expertise : Bitcoin, Crypto, Global Macro, DeFi, Blockchain, Web3, US Stocks, AI, Regulations and Lawsuits, & More
Varinder is a seasoned leader in the fintech and crypto media with over 12 years of experience, including over 6 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. He is known for covering high-impact and quality news stories for publishers such as CoinGape, The Coin Republic, and The Crypto Times, while perfecting and training multiple journalists during his tenure. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, and tech enthusiast, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 6000 news articles and papers.
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Crypto Market Selloffs Alert: $2.1B in Bitcoin and Ethereum Options to Expire Today

Highlights

  • Crypto market braces for $1.74 billion Bitcoin options expiry today.
  • Ethereum options $400 million are set to expire on Deribit.
  • Oil prices amid uncertainty on US-Iran war sparks jitters.

Crypto market selloffs could increase today as Bitcoin and Ethereum options are set to expire. Traders expect major volatility because of the options expiry and growing uncertainty, especially as Trump considers a “final blow” to Iran after turning down Iran’s offer to end the war.

The wider crypto market saw profit-taking after US PCE inflation reached a three-year high of 3.5%. Oil prices also rose to $106 as the US kept its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to increase pressure.

Over $1.7 Billion Bitcoin Options Expiry Stirs Crypto Market Selloffs Jitters

According to Deribit derivatives crypto exchange, almost 23K Bitcoin options with a notional value of $1.74 billion are set to expire on May 1. The put-call ratio is 1.10, signaling a higher volume of put options as compared to call options, indicating traders are leaning bearish.

Bitcoin max pain price is at $76,000, below the current market price of $77,200. Moreover, puts are higher than calls at the $76,000 strike price, and the $75,500 and $77,000 strike prices have massive volume amid current crypto market volatility.

Bitcoin Options Open Interest
Bitcoin Options Open Interest. Source: Deribit

Deribit warned traders to watch the settlement closely as options traders are betting on consolidation near $76,000 after expiry. At press time, the data shows a 95% probability of Bitcoin options to expire above $76,000.

Bitcoin options trading activity in the last 24 hours saw the put-call ratio climb to 0.73. This comes amid a drop in trading volume in the past 24 hours as the Fed kept rates unchanged.

Glassnode data revealed that Bitcoin is trading below the Short-Term Holder Cost Basis at $78.9K. Also, BTC remains capped below the True Market Mean at $78K, with support at $65K-$70K.

BTC Realized Price, True Mean Market, STH-Realized Price
BTC Realized Price, True Mean Market, STH-Realized Price. Source: Glassnode

Ethereum Options Expiry

More than 175,000 Ethereum options worth $400 million are set to expire on Deribit, with a put-call ratio of 0.95. In the last 24 hours, put volume rose much higher than call volume, pushing the ratio to 1.17. This shows traders are turning bearish and expect prices to fall amid crypto market selloffs.

Moreover, the max pain price is at $2,325, higher than the current market price of $2,284 at the time of writing. Higher puts than calls indicate a higher odds of a drop in Ethereum price, with traders adjusting for upcoming expiries.

Ethereum Options Open Interest
Ethereum Options Open Interest. Source: Deribit

ETH price is moving toward the max pain level, rising nearly 1.5% in the past 24 hours. The 24-hour low was $2,232 and the high was $2,293. Trading volume dropped by 45% over the last day after US PCE inflation data pointed to rising inflation linked to the US-Iran war.

If you want to easily, efficiently, and quickly swap one crypto to another crypto, check out these 10 Best Crypto Swapping Sites.

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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.

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About Author
About Author
Varinder is a seasoned leader in the fintech and crypto media with over 12 years of experience, including over 6 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments. He is known for covering high-impact and quality news stories for publishers such as CoinGape, The Coin Republic, and The Crypto Times, while perfecting and training multiple journalists during his tenure. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, and tech enthusiast, he has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 6000 news articles and papers.
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.
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