Bitcoin’s Ascent to $100,000 Fueled by Surging Derivatives Activity
Bitcoin's rally toward the $100,000 milestone is being significantly driven by a surge in derivatives trading, with futures and options volumes now surpassing spot trading. Recent data indicates that the Trading Volume Ratio—comparing spot to derivatives—has fallen below 1.0 during Bitcoin's latest upward trajectory, highlighting a rise in leverage-driven speculation. This shift not only reflects growing institutional participation through major platforms like Binance and Bybit but also underscores the increasing influence of derivatives in shaping Bitcoin's market dynamics. As of July 2025, the cryptocurrency's path to $100,000 appears increasingly supported by sophisticated trading strategies and heightened market interest in Leveraged products.
Bitcoin Derivatives Fuel Rally Toward $100,000 as Trading Volume Shifts
Bitcoin's march toward $100,000 is being propelled by surging derivatives activity, with futures and options volumes now eclipsing spot trading. Data reveals the Trading Volume Ratio—spot versus derivatives—has dipped below 1.0 during BTC's latest ascent, signaling heightened leverage-driven speculation.
The shift underscores institutional participation through platforms like Binance and Bybit, where derivatives dominate. Such conditions historically precede volatile price movements, as leveraged positions amplify both rallies and corrections.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC Bulls Target $105K After 10% Weekly Surge
Bitcoin price stabilized near $103,000 on Friday, capping a nearly 10% weekly gain as risk appetite returned to crypto markets. The rally coincided with easing trade tensions after President Trump announced a UK trade deal, with investors now eyeing weekend US-China negotiations.
Institutional demand continues to accelerate, with US spot Bitcoin ETFs recording $600 million inflows through Thursday - marking four consecutive weeks of positive flows. Market structure appears bullish as BTC tests resistance levels not seen since its all-time high.
Steak ‘n Shake Embraces Bitcoin Payments Nationwide
American fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake will begin accepting bitcoin at all U.S. locations starting May 16. The announcement, made via social media on May 9, signals a growing mainstream embrace of cryptocurrency. "The movement is just beginning," the company declared, signing off with the playful pseudonym "Steaktoshi."
The decision follows a March poll asking customers whether the chain should adopt Bitcoin. Jack Dorsey, Twitter co-founder and prominent Bitcoin advocate, enthusiastically endorsed the move. His support amplified the announcement's visibility within the crypto community.
Gold Advocate Peter Schiff Compares Celsius Founder to Bernie Madoff
Prominent Gold advocate Peter Schiff has drawn parallels between Alex Mashinsky, the convicted founder of Celsius Network, and infamous Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff. A federal court sentenced Mashinsky to 12 years in prison for defrauding investors through the now-defunct crypto lending platform.
Schiff took to social media platform X to declare he had recognized Mashinsky's fraudulent intentions during a 2021 debate hosted by Kitco. "His fraud was so obvious that I compared him to Bernie Madoff," Schiff stated, criticizing regulators for acting only after Celsius collapsed.
The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of crypto lending platforms and their promises of high yields. While Schiff's criticism focuses on Mashinsky's operations, the broader crypto market continues to evolve with increasing institutional participation.
Institutional Confidence in Bitcoin Surges as Deribit Options Market Reflects Bullish Sentiment
Bitcoin's rally is accelerating, with institutional investors increasingly positioning themselves in the Deribit-listed BTC options market. Recent activity points to a notable shift in institutional sentiment, as evidenced by aggressive call option purchases at key strike prices.
Deribit observed robust demand for $110,000 strike calls expiring in June and July, alongside calendar spreads involving $140,000 and $170,000 strikes. This options activity signals expectations for Bitcoin to extend its gains, potentially reaching $140,000 by September.
The surge in institutional participation underscores growing confidence in Bitcoin's upward trajectory. Market makers are adjusting positions to accommodate this influx of bullish bets, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of demand.
Hut 8 Expands Hashrate 79% in Q1 Amid Strategic Losses
Bitcoin miner Hut 8 reported a 79% surge in hashrate during Q1 2025, even as it posted a $134.3 million net loss against $21.8 million in revenue. CEO Asher Genoot framed the results as a calculated investment phase, with upfront costs aimed at long-term growth. "We believe the returns on this work will become increasingly visible in the quarters ahead," Genoot said in the May 8 earnings release.
The company now controls 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity, with plans to expand to 2,600 MW. Key expenditures included upgrades to its ASIC mining fleet, positioning Hut 8 for scaled operations despite short-term financial headwinds.