"$3 Billion Bomb Set to Explode" Retail Investors in Meltdown Over Bitcoin Options Expiry

▲ Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH)

A massive $3 billion worth of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) options are set to expire, marking a critical turning point that could determine the volatility and direction of the cryptocurrency market.

According to cryptocurrency-focused media outlet CryptoPotato on February 13 (local time), approximately $3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options contracts will expire on this day. This expiration event is expected to serve as a key test of whether market optimism can continue following U.S. President Donald Trump’s emphasis on cryptocurrency leadership and the announcement of a national Bitcoin reserve plan.

Bitcoin is currently trading sideways around $67,000, seeking short-term direction. Ethereum is also moving within a narrow range between $1,950 and $2,000, attempting to break through upper resistance levels. Market participants are maintaining a cautious stance ahead of major U.S. macroeconomic data releases and are closely monitoring potential liquidity shifts following the options expiration.

Institutional inflows remain solid. This week, U.S.-based spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs recorded total net inflows of $871.2 million, demonstrating strong institutional interest. Major products such as BlackRock’s IBIT continue to expand their assets under management, contributing to downside resilience in the market.

In the derivatives market, open interest has remained relatively stable compared to the beginning of the year. However, analysts suggest that temporary price fluctuations may occur as hedging positions are adjusted around the options expiration. Investors are closely watching the put-to-call ratio and the max pain price to manage downside risks while positioning for potential further upside. As President Trump’s pro-crypto policies become more concrete, overall risk appetite in the market is expected to strengthen further.

Ultimately, this $3 billion options expiration is expected to help eliminate speculative excess and encourage price formation based on genuine demand. Whether key resistance levels are broken with strong trading volume will likely determine whether the broader bullish trend continues throughout the first quarter. The market is now closely watching post-expiration capital flows and policy developments as it formulates its response strategies.

Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only and we are not responsible for any investment losses resulting from decisions based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.