Bitcoin options expiry indicates bullish sentiment, Ethereum shows mixed outlook
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Quick Take
As the end of the month approaches, significant options expiries for both Bitcoin and Ethereum are set for May 31. Bitcoin trades around $68,500 with a put/call ratio of 0.58, indicating a bullish sentiment among traders. The total open interest is roughly 68,000 BTC, translating to a substantial notional value of $4.7 billion. The max pain price is $65,000, suggesting that this level could act as a gravitational pull for Bitcoin’s price as expiration nears due to hedging activities.
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Ethereum, in contrast, is trading below $4,000 with a put/call ratio of 0.85, reflecting a more balanced sentiment between bullish and bearish positions. The notional value is lower compared to Bitcoin at $3.5 billion, but the total open interest for Ethereum options is at 897,238 ETH. The max pain price for Ethereum is set at $3,300, potentially influencing price movements as the expiration date approaches.
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While Ethereum’s open interest is significant around the $2,200 and $2,600 strike prices, there is also notable activity at higher strike prices. Many Ethereum call options are positioned at these elevated levels, reflecting mixed sentiment.
In contrast, Bitcoin demonstrates a more pronounced bullish sentiment, evidenced by its lower put/call ratio and concentrated open interest at higher strike prices. This suggests traders are more optimistic about Bitcoin’s price prospects compared to Ethereum.