Bitcoin is volatile amid market turmoil and options expiration

Bitcoin has recently undergone notable price volatility, with its value declining to $108,000 before recovering to surpass $111,000. This volatility arises against a backdrop of market turbulence and an approaching significant crypto options expiry, scheduled for October 31, 2025, as per reports. The recent price fluctuations in Bitcoin commenced on October 29, subsequent to the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in the United States. Factors like crypto liquidations and outflows from Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have played a significant role in this volatility. It is important to highlight that US BTC ETFs have seen outflows surpassing $470 million, with Fidelity’s FBTC facing the most significant outflow, which exceeded $164 million.

Furthermore, the cryptocurrency market experienced over $821 million in liquidations within the last 24 hours, with $368 million attributed to Bitcoin positions, mainly long positions. Exchanges such as Hyperliquid, Bybit, and Binance ranked among those exhibiting the highest liquidation volumes. The FOMC meeting wrapped up with a 25 basis point reduction in interest rates, alongside the announcement of the cessation of quantitative tightening, scheduled for December 1. Despite these developments, the expected increase in institutional investment and the anticipated shift in market trajectory did not occur as projected.

On the geopolitical front, enhanced trade relations between the US and China have been observed, potentially providing a favorable outlook for the crypto industry. Moreover, the expected introduction of new crypto ETFs alongside heightened regulation may create a more secure landscape for investors. The impending expiration of $17 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options on Deribit adds to the prevailing market concerns. This event represents one of the most significant monthly expirations of crypto options in 2025, and the effects on market dynamics are yet to be determined.

In light of the prevailing market challenges, there remains a sense of optimism driven by the halt of quantitative tightening, the possibility of enhanced US-China relations, and ongoing advancements in the cryptocurrency sector. As the market maneuvers through these challenging conditions, the path following options expiry will be monitored with great attention.