Bitcoin’s Unusual Derivatives Divergence Signals Potential Short Squeeze
Bitcoin's recent rally to near all-time highs has revealed an unusual divergence in derivatives markets, particularly on Binance, where BTC perpetual futures are trading at a sustained discount to spot prices. This rare occurrence indicates mounting short pressure despite the asset's upward momentum. The depth of this futures discount, one of the most significant in recent memory, has historically preceded violent short squeezes. Institutional players appear to be betting against BTC at elevated levels, setting the stage for a potential market reversal. As of July 2025, this dynamic underscores the high-risk environment for short sellers and the possibility of a sharp upward price movement if these positions are forced to cover. The situation highlights the complex interplay between spot and derivatives markets in the cryptocurrency space, with Bitcoin's price action remaining a focal point for traders and investors alike.
Bitcoin Short Sellers Face Risky Bet Near Peak Prices
Bitcoin's rally to NEAR all-time highs masks an unusual divergence in derivatives markets. Binance's BTC perpetual futures are trading at a sustained discount to spot prices—a rare occurrence that signals mounting short pressure despite the asset's upward momentum.
This futures discount, one of the deepest in recent memory, historically precedes violent short squeezes. Institutional players appear to be betting against BTC at elevated levels, a dangerous strategy in a market where retail euphoria typically drives perpetual premiums.
The anomaly underscores growing tension between spot market strength and derivative traders' skepticism. When perpetual contracts trade below spot prices in a bull market, it often reflects excessive leverage on the short side—creating tinder for explosive upside moves.
Bitcoin Follows Gold’s Path: A $160K–$180K Breakout on the Horizon?
Gold's recent price volatility reflects broader macroeconomic tensions—rising bond yields, oil price surges, and Middle East instability are reshaping global markets. Analysts note gold's consolidation phase could signal directional cues for altcoins, with Bitcoin mirroring its trajectory. A breakout toward $160,000–$180,000 appears plausible if bullish momentum holds.
Michael van de Poppe highlights gold's role as a macroeconomic barometer. Record-high resistance tests and geopolitical risks are creating a paradigm shift, with crypto assets like bitcoin increasingly correlated to traditional safe-haven movements. The interplay between gold's key levels and altcoin performance remains critical for traders.
France Explores Bitcoin Mining to Optimize Energy Grid and Reduce Waste
French lawmakers are pushing for a national review of Bitcoin mining's potential to address the country's electricity surplus. A proposal submitted to the National Assembly on June 12 highlights Bitcoin's energy-intensive process as a solution for absorbing excess power, particularly from nuclear plants.
France generates over 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, often leading to overproduction. In 2024 alone, the country lost nearly €80 million due to wasted electricity. The proposal argues Bitcoin mining could convert this surplus into economic value while stabilizing the grid.
The amendment calls for an official report on integrating Bitcoin mining into France's energy system. Lawmakers emphasize its unique technical characteristics for managing surplus production from nuclear and renewable sources.
Michael Saylor Endorses Japan’s Metaplanet Following Aggressive Bitcoin Accumulation
Japan's Metaplanet has drawn public support from MicroStrategy executive chairman Michael Saylor after achieving its 2025 Bitcoin accumulation target ahead of schedule. The Tokyo-based firm recently purchased 1,112 BTC at an average price of $105,435, bringing its total holdings to 10,000 BTC—a milestone that triggered a 30% surge in its stock price.
Metaplanet's Bitcoin strategy has yielded a 266.1% year-to-date return in 2025, validating its aggressive treasury allocation. The company now aims to hold 21,000 BTC by late 2026, mirroring Bitcoin's fixed supply cap. Saylor's endorsement highlights growing institutional recognition of corporate Bitcoin strategies in Asia.
Bitcoin Price at Decisive Crossroads as Bulls Eye Breakout
Bitcoin stands at a critical juncture this week, with bullish momentum building despite recent price declines. Trading around $107,095 with 2% daily gains, BTC's movement could dictate broader market trends. Liquidity zones below current levels may trap short sellers, while sustained trading above $107k could trigger an altcoin rally.
The options market signals strong bullish sentiment. Glassnode data reveals a dramatic shift in the 25 Delta Skew: 1-week metrics surged from -2.6% to +10.1%, while 1-month figures ROSE from -2.2% to +4.9%. This rapid accumulation of short-dated call options suggests traders anticipate imminent upward volatility before spot prices reflect the expectation.
Such skew dynamics typically precede sharp price movements, with current positioning indicating upside potential. The divergence between rising derivatives demand and stagnant spot prices creates conditions for a potential breakout, making this week pivotal for Bitcoin's near-term trajectory.
Top Companies Buying Bitcoin in 2025 – MicroStrategy No Longer Alone
Corporate Bitcoin adoption is accelerating, with MicroStrategy leading the charge but facing growing competition. The company holds 582,000 BTC, representing 2.771% of Bitcoin's total supply—far outpacing Marathon Digital Holdings' 49,179 BTC. Smaller firms are now aggressively accumulating Bitcoin, signaling a broader institutional shift.
Bitcoin's price trajectory remains bullish, currently trading above its long-term power law trendline. Projections suggest median prices could reach $336,000 by 2030 and $998,000 by 2035. The cryptocurrency has surged 61.3% over the past year, recently climbing 3.4% to $107,036.
MicroStrategy's dominance comes with challenges. The company's ability to expand its Bitcoin reserves depends on continued access to bond funding—a potential vulnerability as competitors gain ground in the corporate treasury race.
