$1.43B in Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expire: Will Traders Brace for the Next Move?

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-07-17Last updated on 2026-07-17

Abstract

A significant options expiry on July 17 saw 19,000 Bitcoin contracts (notional value $1.2B) and 123,000 Ethereum contracts ($230M) expire. Bitcoin's put-call ratio was 0.9 with a max pain point of $63,000, while Ethereum's elevated put-call ratio of 1.61 indicated stronger bearish hedging sentiment. BTC has been range-bound between $60K-$65K, with key gamma exposure levels at $64K and $70K. ETH's gamma is more dispersed between $1,825 and $2,000. Current market positioning shows caution, with traders using small, out-of-the-money bets and no clear directional conviction. In short-term price action, Bitcoin, trading near $62,777, faces immediate support around $62,631 and resistance near $62,859. A breakdown could push it below $62.5K. Ethereum, down over 5% to ~$1,825, risks falling toward $1,782 support, with further downside potentially below $1,700. A bullish reversal for ETH would need to break through the $1,867 zone to target above $1,900. Overall, market sentiment remains subdued amid broader equity corrections.

The July 17 options expiry came with 19,000 BTC contracts expired with a notional value of $1.2 billion, a put-call ratio of 0.9, and a maximum pain point sitting at $63,000. On the ETH side, 123,000 contracts expired at $230 million notional, with a put-call ratio of 1.61 and a max pain point of $1,800.

Bitcoin has been rangebound between $60,000 and $65,000 for over a month. U.S. stock volatility, particularly in SpaceX and the storage sector, has not made a dent. In addition, only 5% of total options expired this week, and open interest dipped slightly.

BTC’s gamma exposure is concentrated around $64K and $70K, suggesting those are the levels market makers are watching most closely. ETH’s GEX is more spread out between $1,825 and $2,000. Traders are bottom-fishing with shallow out-of-the-money options, small bets, cautious positioning, and no real conviction in either direction yet.

ETH’s put-call ratio hitting 1.61 is not typical. Put positions have exceeded 1 for a full consecutive month and keep climbing. That level of bearish hedging reflects market divergence, with both bullish and bearish forces contesting, and neither side has established definitive control. Moreover, the U.S. and South Korean equities are correcting. The broader market sentiment is subdued.

Analysing Short-Term Trajectories: Where Are BTC and ETH Heading Next?

The dominant asset, Bitcoin, is trading at $62,777 after slipping 3.23% over the last 24 hours. With the current trading pattern, the immediate support might be found at $62,631. A continued loss would deepen the bearish correction, and the price might retrace below $62.5K.

If BTC recovers from the downside, the key resistance could be at around $62,859. Assuming the bulls strengthened, the price would have been pushed through the $62.9K mark.

Looking at the largest altcoin, Ethereum, it has lost over 5.05%, hovering at around $1,825. As the bears are dominant on the chart, the price might plunge to the support range at $1,782. Any further correction on the downside happens, the asset’s price would fall below $1.7K.

On the flip side, if the momentum of ETH turns positive, the price could climb through the $1,867 zone. With the bulls gaining more traction, the next resistance level sits above $1.9K.

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Related Questions

QWhat were the key details of the Bitcoin and Ethereum options that expired on July 17?

AOn July 17, 19,000 Bitcoin options contracts expired with a notional value of $1.2 billion. They had a put-call ratio of 0.9 and a maximum pain point of $63,000. For Ethereum, 123,000 contracts expired with a $230 million notional value, a put-call ratio of 1.61, and a max pain point of $1,800.

QWhat does Ethereum's put-call ratio of 1.61 signify, and how long has this trend been occurring?

AEthereum's high put-call ratio of 1.61 indicates significant bearish hedging, meaning the market has seen a notable volume of put options (bets on price decreases) relative to call options. This ratio has exceeded 1 for a full consecutive month and continues to climb, reflecting market divergence and a lack of definitive control by either bulls or bears.

QAccording to the article, what are the key price levels that market makers are closely watching for Bitcoin and Ethereum?

AFor Bitcoin, gamma exposure (GEX) is concentrated around $64,000 and $70,000, indicating these are the key levels market makers are monitoring. For Ethereum, the GEX is more spread out between $1,825 and $2,000.

QWhat are the immediate support and resistance levels mentioned for Bitcoin's price?

AThe article states that with Bitcoin trading at $62,777, the immediate support might be found at $62,631. If the price recovers, the key resistance could be around $62,859, and a stronger bullish push could aim for levels above $62,900.

QWhat are the potential next price movements described for Ethereum?

AIf bearish pressure continues, Ethereum's price might plunge to the support range at $1,782, with a risk of falling below $1,700 on further correction. Conversely, if momentum turns positive, the price could climb through the $1,867 zone, with the next resistance level sitting above $1,900.

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