# Options Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Options", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Matrixport Research: After Months of Caution, Bitcoin Enters a Phase of Structural Gameplay

Since mid-October, Bitcoin has been in a corrective phase with subdued market sentiment, though recent structural shifts suggest a transition from a one-sided downtrend to a more complex, range-bound consolidation. Key indicators from derivatives positioning, ETF flows, and technical analysis point to a market entering a new phase of structural博弈. Bitcoin has been trading within a $70,000–$100,000 range amid low implied volatility and reduced risk appetite. Factors such as tax-loss selling and cautious institutional behavior have contributed to the sideways movement, with limited upward catalysts and restrained risk asset momentum. A significant structural inflection point is approaching with the expiration of a record $17.2 billion in Bitcoin options on December 26, 2025. The concentration of put options near $85,000 may make that level a focal point for price action. Post-expiration, market dynamics may shift as risk budgets reset and potential ETF inflows return in January, offering room for sentiment improvement. While 2026 may remain challenging for long-only strategies, tactical opportunities are emerging as Bitcoin’s a period of underperformance relative to other assets. The options expiration event may serve as a catalyst for renewed positioning ahead of expected January inflows, marking a critical window for observing structural change and potential sentiment reversal.

marsbit12/26 09:37

Matrixport Research: After Months of Caution, Bitcoin Enters a Phase of Structural Gameplay

marsbit12/26 09:37

Bitcoin ETFs Face $826 Million Drain As Selling Pressure Builds

US spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced significant outflows, with a net withdrawal of approximately $826 million over five trading days leading up to Christmas Eve, which alone saw over $175 million exit. Data indicates persistent selling pressure, largely attributed to year-end tax-loss harvesting and a record options expiry. Analysts note that US trading hours showed the strongest selling activity, with the Coinbase Premium frequently negative, signaling weaker US demand compared to buying in Asia. However, some traders view the outflows as seasonal and potentially temporary rather than a broken market structure. On-chain metrics suggest long-term holders are not panic-selling, and realized gains indicate manageable profit-taking. If ETF flows stabilize or turn positive after the holiday period, prices could find a base and recover.

bitcoinist12/26 06:03

Bitcoin ETFs Face $826 Million Drain As Selling Pressure Builds

bitcoinist12/26 06:03

Here’s how Bitcoin’s price could finally breach the $90k ceiling

Recent analysis indicates Bitcoin faced its highest sell pressure in three years, driven by aggressive taker sell activity and persistently negative ETF flows, reflecting weak market sentiment. Bitcoin's price is expected to drop toward $82k before potentially bouncing to $95k, influenced by recent Options expiry. On-chain metrics show BTC is trading near its fair value after a period of overvaluation. Short-term holder pressure has reached a rare equilibrium, signaling balanced buying and selling. Key liquidity zones are identified at $83.5k and $94.7k, with a bearish structure suggesting a possible dip to $84k. The market is likely to remain sideways with volatility, and a bounce to $94k-$97.2k may present a selling opportunity.

ambcrypto12/26 01:05

Here’s how Bitcoin’s price could finally breach the $90k ceiling

ambcrypto12/26 01:05

Why Bitcoin shorts look confident now, even as $90K looms

Despite Bitcoin's potential to reach $90K, short sellers are exhibiting strong confidence due to a significant 23% price drop in Q4 and waning institutional demand. U.S. Spot ETFs have seen consecutive daily net outflows since mid-December, while Open Interest on the CME has fallen below $10 billion for the first time since September 2024, signaling a risk-off shift. The decline is partly attributed to the breakdown of the basis trade, whose yield has dropped from 10% to around 5%, making it less attractive. Analysts project a potential drop below $80K in early 2026 if weak sentiment persists. However, a surge to $90,600 could liquidate $3 billion in leveraged shorts. Options trading indicates a range-bound market with key levels at $85K for a dip and $88K-$90K for a rally.

ambcrypto12/25 22:02

Why Bitcoin shorts look confident now, even as $90K looms

ambcrypto12/25 22:02

Bitcoin options worth $23.7B expire soon – Why traders expect fireworks

Bitcoin has been trading between $85k and $92k in December, but a record $23.7 billion options expiry on December 26th is expected to cause significant price movement. Analysts anticipate a potential 5%-7% swing, with a Max Pain Point at $95,000. Many predict a short-term dip to the $82k-$84k support level, followed by a rally toward $95k or even $100k. However, QCP Capital cautions that this holiday-driven volatility may not be sustainable and could mean-revert as liquidity returns in January.

ambcrypto12/25 21:03

Bitcoin options worth $23.7B expire soon – Why traders expect fireworks

ambcrypto12/25 21:03

Bitcoin price discovery has shifted decisively to derivatives markets

Based on a CoinGlass report, Bitcoin's price discovery has decisively shifted from spot trading to derivatives markets. Futures, perpetual swaps, and options now account for the majority of trading activity, with their volume consistently exceeding spot volume. Consequently, short-term price direction is increasingly determined by leverage, positioning, and hedging behavior rather than direct buying or selling of Bitcoin. This represents a structural shift from earlier cycles, making the market's behavior more akin to traditional macro assets. While this can lead to calmer surface-level price action, it masks underlying risks, increasing the potential for abrupt, volatility spikes triggered by funding stress or liquidation cascades. For participants, monitoring derivatives metrics has become more critical than tracking spot flows alone.

ambcrypto12/25 17:02

Bitcoin price discovery has shifted decisively to derivatives markets

ambcrypto12/25 17:02

Matrixport Market Watch: Repricing After High-Level Correction, Crypto Market Enters New Stage of Stock Game

Global markets are experiencing a period of high-level volatility and a delicate balance. While expectations of interest rate cuts and weakening macroeconomic data provide some support for risk assets, geopolitical uncertainties are causing a distinct "resistance to the upside, sensitivity to the downside" risk sentiment. This has shifted capital allocation strategies from growth-seeking to a focus on defense and certainty, exemplified by gold's strong performance. The cryptocurrency market is undergoing a typical high-level correction and repricing phase. Bitcoin, after approaching ~$126k, has corrected and is now consolidating with high volatility between $85k and $95k. On-chain data indicates selling pressure from long-term holders is easing, but new buying remains cautious, characterized more by buying the dip than aggressive chasing. Leverage in futures markets has been significantly cleared, with open interest falling to safer levels, reducing the risk of a cascading liquidation event. The basis for BTC futures even briefly turned negative, signaling cooled optimism. In options markets, implied volatility has declined from its peaks, indicating a return to more normalized, calmer pricing, though some downside protection is still being sought. The performance of crypto-related stocks reflects a market returning to rationality from euphoria. Premiums for Digital Asset Trusts have compressed significantly. Valuations for mining companies are diverging, now more dependent on operational efficiency. Exchanges and platforms retain a compliance premium, but future valuations will rely on the actual execution of their institutional businesses. In summary, the crypto market is in a "healthy存量博弈" (stock game) phase of rebalancing after a high-level pullback. In this environment, trend traders may need patience. Strategies to consider include volatility-selling products for yield, using Accumulators for gradual long positioning, or employing Decumulators/Covered Calls for hedging or gradual selling. This period of calm repricing often sets the stage for the next cycle.

marsbit12/25 09:34

Matrixport Market Watch: Repricing After High-Level Correction, Crypto Market Enters New Stage of Stock Game

marsbit12/25 09:34

Bitcoin’s Christmas blues – Why BTC’s Santa rally can be cancelled

Bitcoin is poised for its second-worst Q4 performance in history, declining 22.8% in Q4 2025 and trading near $85k. Among major assets, it was the worst performer with a 5% annual loss, while gold gained 69%. Analysts suggest thin holiday liquidity and a large options expiry on December 26 may trigger volatility. Some anticipate a potential bullish breakout above the $85k-$90k range after Christmas, citing reduced downside positioning and persistent call options at $100k. However, CryptoQuant warns that Bitcoin's demand has significantly contracted since October, potentially leading to a deeper bear market with a possible bottom at $56k and immediate support at $70k. Short-term volatility is expected, but mid-term bearish risks remain.

ambcrypto12/24 19:03

Bitcoin’s Christmas blues – Why BTC’s Santa rally can be cancelled

ambcrypto12/24 19:03

Bitcoin due gains after record $24B options expiry lifts 'lid' on BTC price

Bitcoin (BTC) price remained rangebound near $87,000, contrasting with record highs in gold and silver. A record $23.7 billion Bitcoin options expiry event on Friday is expected to trigger significant price movement, with analysts suggesting it has been suppressing volatility. Post-expiry, some predict a move toward $100,000. Meanwhile, traders describe the current state as a "waiting game," anticipating that capital will eventually rotate from precious metals back into cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH once their rally reverses.

cointelegraph12/24 11:56

Bitcoin due gains after record $24B options expiry lifts 'lid' on BTC price

cointelegraph12/24 11:56

Gold and Silver Have Gone Crazy: Is Bitcoin 'Lagging Behind' or Building Momentum During Christmas Week?

During the Christmas week, global markets saw a surge in safe-haven assets like gold and silver, which reached new all-time highs amid a weaker dollar and falling Treasury yields. In contrast, Bitcoin remained stagnant, trading within a narrow range of $88,000–$89,000, failing to capitalize on favorable macro conditions. Market participants are questioning whether Bitcoin will experience a "Santa Rally," a seasonal uptick often seen in traditional risk assets. Analysts note that the current macro environment remains in a "wait-and-see" mode, with investors cautious ahead of key U.S. economic data releases. ETF flows reflect this uncertainty, with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs seeing significant outflows, while smaller altcoins like XRP and Solana saw minor inflows. Technically, Bitcoin is consolidating, with key resistance at $93,000–$95,000 and support near $85,000. A major $24 billion options expiration on Friday adds to the short-term volatility, with bulls targeting $100,000 and bears defending $85,000. Analysts like Gabriel Selby of CF Benchmarks suggest Bitcoin’s current behavior doesn’t align with a typical Santa Rally, noting low volume and a lack of momentum. Legendary trader Peter Brandt reiterated his long-term cycle analysis, predicting a new bull market peak by September 2029 after a significant correction. Historically, Bitcoin’s Christmas performance has been mixed, with an average gain of 7.9% since 2011. This year, however, the focus is on structural consolidation rather than festive optimism. Bitcoin’s pause highlights its current perception as a risk asset, with direction likely depending on renewed institutional interest rather than seasonal trends.

marsbit12/23 10:08

Gold and Silver Have Gone Crazy: Is Bitcoin 'Lagging Behind' or Building Momentum During Christmas Week?