Cryptoverse: Bitcoin derivatives traders bet billions on ETF future

Options contracts give their buyers the right to buy or sell an underlying asset Will they, won’t they? U.S. regulators are keeping crypto players on the edge of their seats as they weigh whether to give their blessing to bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Derivatives traders are already piling in, though, betting the Securities and Exchange Commission will give the green light to several ETF hopefuls this week and electrify the market. Open interest, the amount invested in bitcoin futures, has steadily increased since October and leapt to $19.2 billion in early December, its highest level in two years, according to information platform Coinglass. It’s now between $17 billion and $18 billion, up from the $9.5-$14.5 billion range seen for most of 2023. “We eagerly await the SEC’s decision,” said analysts at analytics firm Amberdata. “This event has been factored into the options market ’s pricing since October, creating a heightened sense of anticipation.” Also Read Is over-personalisation the dark side of AI? How AI startups are contributing to environment and social impact It’s been a long road for U.S.-listed spot ETFs linked to volatile bitcoin, which would allow access to the cryptocurrency via regular stock exchanges in a marriage […]

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