Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Worth $1.45 Billion Near Expiry... Short-Term Volatility Expected

Bitcoin and Ethereum options totaling approximately $145 million are approaching expiry on July 17. According to U.Today, Deribit reported Bitcoin options worth $123 million and Ethereum options worth $21.8 million will expire at 8:00 AM UTC on July 17. Market participants are closely monitoring this expiry as it could amplify short-term volatility. Options, as derivative contracts, grant the right to buy or sell assets at a predetermined price. Expiry periods often see increased volatility due to overlapping demand for position closures, rollovers, and hedging activities. Deribit noted this expiry could create favorable conditions for short-term options trading, citing increased liquidity and volatility as positive factors. Bitcoin's put-call ratio of 0.86 indicates bullish sentiment, while Ethereum's 1.54 ratio suggests stronger bearish positioning. The max pain price estimates are $62,500 for Bitcoin and $1,750 for Ethereum, though prices aren't guaranteed to reach these levels. Weekly-focused short-term options trading is rising, with Deribit reporting significant open interest buildup ahead of weekly expiries. Gamma scalping strategies are also seeing increased demand among traders seeking to hedge option exposure through directional trades.