Bitcoin (BTC) and other crypto assets again fell steadily through the U.S. session on Monday, with BTC sliding below $88,000 after earlier having climbed above $90,000 and ETH ducking back below $3,000. Some crypto-related stocks are still holding gains, led by Hut 8 (HUT), which continues to rise following its deal last week for a 15-year AI data center lease with Fluidstack. Shares are higher by 16% Monday, helped by a price target increase Benchmark's Mark Palmer. Other names in the green include Coi ...

Core Insights - Over $16 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options are set to expire on October 31, 2025, marking a significant event in the crypto derivatives market [1] - The current Bitcoin price is $91,389, with a maximum pain point at $100,000, indicating a bullish market sentiment despite recent volatility [2] - Historical trends show Bitcoin's price often moves toward the max pain zone as expiry approaches, with 145,482 contracts worth $13.28 billion closing during this expiry [3] Market Positioning - The put-to-call ratio stands at 0.54, indicating a greater number of traders are betting on price gains rather than losses, with call open interest at 94,539 contracts exceeding put open interest at 50,943 [3] - Recent market pullbacks influenced traders' positioning, with long put traders taking profits as Bitcoin reached $81,000 to $82,000 [4] - A notable bullish end-of-year call condor trade, initially 12,000 contracts with a premium of approximately $6.5 million, suggests traders are anticipating a strong rebound in December [5]

How Will Crypto Market React to Over $15B in Bitcoin, ETH, XRP Options Expiry? — Source: CoinGape Crypto market traders braces for the $15 billion monthly options expiry. Bitcoin options of notional value $13.42 billion to expire amid liquidity shrinkage and surge in realized losses. Bulls expect to hold $3,000 as $1.73 billion in ETH options expires today. XRP wavers amid high volatility but experts predicted a rally in months ahead. Crypto market participants are bracing for the monthly option ...

Core Insights - The execution of the first-ever over-the-counter cryptocurrency options trade between DBS Bank and Goldman Sachs marks a significant advancement in integrating digital assets into traditional finance [1] Group 1: Trade Details - The trade involved cash-settled Bitcoin and Ether options, designed to help both banks hedge exposures related to crypto-linked products [2] - DBS reported that its clients executed over $1 billion in crypto options and structured note trades in the first half of 2025, with trading volumes increasing nearly 60% quarter-over-quarter [4] Group 2: Institutional Demand - Goldman Sachs anticipates increased institutional demand for crypto derivatives, indicating a new phase in the evolution of digital asset markets [5] - The collaboration between DBS and Goldman Sachs lays the groundwork for an interbank crypto options market, with expectations of growing demand as financial institutions seek compliant exposure to cryptocurrencies [5][6] Group 3: Market Integration - Major crypto firms are pursuing closer integration with the US banking system, as evidenced by Crypto.com joining other firms in seeking US federal bank charters [7] - Regulatory support for cryptocurrency entities in the US is highlighted by recent political developments, including a controversial pardon related to Binance [7]

Core Insights - The cryptocurrency market is facing a critical test this week due to the quarterly options expiry coinciding with a key U.S. inflation reading, which could influence the momentum of the current rally [1] - Approximately $22.3 billion in crypto options are set to expire, with Bitcoin options accounting for a notional value of $17.06 billion [1] Options Market Dynamics - The current Bitcoin expiration cycle is noted as the largest on record, with significant dealer positioning indicating a lot of short gamma at price levels of $109,000 and $108,000 [2] - A short gamma position could lead to forced selling in a declining market, potentially exacerbating price drops [3] Price Levels and Predictions - The $108,000 price level is critical for Bitcoin traders; failing to maintain this level could trigger automated selling, independent of inflation data [3] - If Bitcoin drops below $108,000, it could lead to a significant price move down to $96,000, especially in a weak market [4] Inflation Impact - The Core PCE release is highly anticipated, with expectations of a month-over-month increase of around 0.2%, slightly lower than the previous month's 0.3% [5] - A stronger-than-expected inflation report could strengthen the dollar and worsen Bitcoin's correction, while a softer report could allow for a sharp upside move [5] Market Outlook - Despite short-term volatility around inflation reports, a constructive fourth quarter is expected for crypto markets, driven by demand for spot exchange-traded funds and improving liquidity [6]