Core Insights - A significant shift is occurring in the crypto derivatives market, particularly affecting the cash-and-carry trade, which is showing signs of collapse [2][4] - Open interest in Bitcoin futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has fallen below that of Binance for the first time since 2023, indicating a change in market dynamics [2][6] Market Structure Changes - The cash-and-carry trade, where institutions buy spot Bitcoin and sell futures to exploit pricing gaps, is diminishing, reflecting a deeper transformation in the crypto market structure [2][4] - The CME had been the preferred exchange for executing these trades, especially after the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024, which initially provided attractive returns [3][4] Yield and Returns - Annualized returns on the delta-neutral strategy, which previously reached double digits, have significantly decreased, with current one-month annualized yields around 5%, the lowest in years [4][5] - The basis, which was approximately 17% a year ago, has now compressed to about 4.7%, barely covering funding and execution costs, diminishing the trade's attractiveness [5] Open Interest Trends - CME Bitcoin futures open interest has dropped below $10 billion from a peak of over $21 billion, while Binance's open interest remains stable at around $11 billion, indicating a pullback from hedge funds and larger US accounts [6] - This shift does not represent a complete withdrawal from crypto but rather a strategic retreat as market conditions change [6] Trading Dynamics - Crypto exchanges like Binance dominate the perpetual futures market, which accounts for the largest trading volumes in the crypto sector [7] - CME has introduced smaller-sized, longer-dated futures contracts for crypto assets, allowing investors to hold positions for extended periods without needing to roll into new contracts [7]

🔹 A: Delta-neutral LPProvide liquidity, but balance it so price moves don’t affect you much. You still earn swap fees + lending interest, but without betting on the market direction.🔹 B: Leveraged LPTake your normal LP position and borrow more to boost it. This means higher fee income and gains when conditions are good, but also bigger risks if the market turns. ...