Bitcoin (BTC) confronted a 7.3% drop between Nov. 20-21 because it examined the $15,500 help. Whereas the correction appears small, the motion has triggered $230 million in liquidations in futures contracts. Consequently, bulls utilizing leverage got here out ill-prepared for the $1.14 billion month-to-month choices expiry on Nov. 25.

Bitcoin buyers’ sentiment worsened after Genesis Buying and selling, which is a part of the Digital Forex Group (DCG) conglomerate, halted payouts at its crypto lending arm on Nov. 16. Extra importantly, DCG owns the fund administration firm Grayscale, which is answerable for the biggest institutional Bitcoin funding automobile, the Grayscale Bitcoin Belief (GBTC).

Moreover, Bitcoin miner Core Scientific has warned of “substantial doubt” about its continued operations over the subsequent 12 months given its monetary uncertainty. In its quarterly report filed with the US Securities and Trade Fee (SEC) on Nov. 22, the agency reported a internet lack of $434.8 million inthe third quarter of 2022.

In the meantime, New York Lawyer Normal Letitia James addressed a letter to the members of U.S. Congress on Nov. 22 recommending barring the acquisition of cryptocurrencies utilizing funds in IRAs and outlined contribution plans comparable to 401(ok) and 457 plans.

Regardless of bulls’ finest efforts, Bitcoin has not been capable of publish a every day shut above $17,000 since Nov. 11. This motion explains why the $1.14 billion Bitcoin month-to-month choices expiry on Nov. 25 may gain advantage bears regardless of the 6% rally from the $15,500 backside.

Most bullish bets are above $18,000

Bitcoin’s steep 27.4% correction after failing to interrupt the $21,500 resistance on Nov. 5 shocked bulls as a result of solely 17% of the decision (purchase) choices for the month-to-month expiry have been positioned beneath $18,000. Thus, bears are higher positioned regardless that they positioned fewer bets.

A broader view utilizing the 1.14 call-to-put ratio reveals extra bullish bets as a result of the decision (purchase) open curiosity stands at $610 million towards the $530 million put (promote) choices. However, as Bitcoin is down 20% in November, most bullish bets will possible change into nugatory.

As an example, if Bitcoin’s worth stays beneath $17,000 at 8:00 am UTC on Nov. 25, solely $53 million value of those name (purchase) choices can be accessible. This distinction occurs as a result of there is no such thing as a use in the fitting to purchase Bitcoin above $17,000 if it trades beneath that stage on expiry.

Bears might safe a $245 million revenue

Beneath are the 4 most probably situations primarily based on the present worth motion. The variety of choices contracts accessible on Nov. 25 for name (bull) and put (bear) devices varies, relying on the expiry worth. The imbalance favoring both sides constitutes the theoretical revenue:

• Between $15,000 and $16,000: 200 calls vs. 16,000 places. The web outcome favors bears by $245 million.
• Between $16,000 and $17,000: 3,200 calls vs. 11,900 places. The web outcome favors bears by $145 million.
• Between $17,000 and $18,000: 5,600 calls vs. 8,800 places. Bears stay in management, profiting $55 million.
• Between $18,000 and $18,500: 9,100 calls vs. 6,500 places. The web outcome favors bulls by $50 million.

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This crude estimate considers the decision choices utilized in bullish bets and the put choices completely in neutral-to-bearish trades. Even so, this oversimplification disregards extra advanced funding methods.

Bitcoin bulls must push the worth above $18,000 on Nov. 25 to flip the tables and keep away from a possible $245 million loss. Nonetheless, Bitcoin bulls not too long ago had $230 million value of liquidated leveraged lengthy futures positions, so they’re much less inclined to push the worth increased within the brief time period. With that mentioned, probably the most possible state of affairs for Nov. 15 is the $15,000-to-$17,000 vary offering a good win for bears.

The views, ideas and opinions expressed listed below are the authors’ alone and don’t essentially mirror or signify the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.