$3.9 Billion Crypto Options Expiry Today: Market Quake or Just Noise?
Crypto traders are bracing for impact as $3.9 billion in options contracts hit expiration today. Will this trigger a volatility tsunami—or just another blip on the radar?
Short-term pain, long-term gain? Markets hate uncertainty, but seasoned hodlers know: expiry days often deliver more drama than damage. The real question isn't whether prices will swing—it's whether Wall Street's paper hands can handle the heat.
Funny how 'hedging strategies' always seem to cost retail traders more than the suits. Just saying.
The cryptocurrency market is preparing for a key moment, as crypto derivatives worth nearly $3.9 billion reach expiration. This includes around 34,000 Bitcoin (BTC) options contracts valued at approximately $3.3 billion and 215,000 Ethereum (ETH) contracts worth $546 million, according to data from Deribit.
This week’s options expiry follows a relatively muted performance across spot markets. Since Monday, June 17, crypto markets have shed roughly $30 billion in value, pressured by geopolitical unrest in the Middle East and a broader risk-off sentiment.
Bitcoin Max Pain Near $106K
Bitcoin’s options contracts expiring today carry a put/call reflecting a slight tilt toward bearish bets. The max pain point—the price level where most option holders face maximum financial loss—is $106,000. At the time of reporting, Bitcoin traded near $106,000, underscoring short-term downside pressure.
The highest open interest for BTC options is clustered between strike prices of $115,000 and $140,000. Deribit data shows more than $1.7 billion in contracts stacked at each level, indicating ongoing bullish conviction by some market participants.
Despite the bullish strike positioning, the data noted a “predominantly bearish sentiment” among traders in its market update. Analysts emphasized that traders remain wary of losing critical support levels at $104,000 and $100,000.
In addition to Bitcoin, Ethereum’s 215,000 options contracts expiring today bring a notional value of $546 million into play. The ETH contracts show a more bullish bias with a put/call ratio 0.68. ETH’s max pain point is $2,600, slightly above current prices.
ETH/USDT Holds Above $2,500
Ethereum price has managed to hold above $2,500 this week, though it has moved little in the last 48 hours. Technical support levels are expected to face renewed pressure as options unwind.
According to CoinMarketCap, the total crypto market capitalization is $3.24 trillion, a 1% daily decline. The market remains stuck in a channel established in early May, reflecting indecision amid macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds.
Bitcoin is down 3.8% from its weekly high of $108,770, reached on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ethereum has been stable, but momentum across major altcoins remains weak. Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is the exception, gaining 7.7% over the past 24 hours, while Hyperliquid (HYPL) shed 4.8%.
Historically, large options expiries can inject short-term volatility, particularly when contract values are this high. However, with a relatively balanced put/call ratio and stable open interest distribution, analysts expect limited immediate disruption unless price levels break key thresholds.
It could catalyze increased selling pressure if Bitcoin falls below $100,000 or ethereum dips under $2,500. Conversely, maintaining support zones may neutralize the expiry’s impact.
