XRP and SOL Signal Bullish Strength While Traders Hedge For Downside in Bitcoin and Ether

Crypto markets split as altcoins defy gravity while majors face resistance.

The Divergence Play

XRP and SOL surge with undeniable momentum—traders pile into positions expecting continued upside. Meanwhile, Bitcoin and Ether see sophisticated money hedging against potential pullbacks. The smart money always covers both sides—because why pick one direction when you can profit from both fear and greed?

Market Mechanics Exposed

Options flows show aggressive puts on BTC and ETH—institutional players protecting gains. Contrast that with spot buying across altcoins—retail FOMO meets algorithmic momentum chasing. Classic crypto: two markets, one psychology.

The Cynical Take

Hedging downside while chasing pumps—Wall Street’s finally teaching crypto how to lose money in both directions simultaneously. Progress!

Bearish sentiment in BTC and ETH

The sentiment regarding bitcoin appears decisively bearish, as puts are priced higher than calls for even the March 2026 expiry trade.

BTC's rally has stalled above $100,000, with prices struggling to rally after Friday's disappointing U.S. jobs report, which heightened expectations for Fed rate cuts. Analysts have blamed the slowdown in ETF inflows, profit-taking by long-term holders and whale rotation into ether for BTC's dour price action.

That said, options tied to ether also showed a bias for puts out to the December expiry. ETH has pulled back sharply to $4,300 from the record high of nearly $5,000 reached last month.