Bitcoin Options Expiry Looms as $8.8B BTC & ETH Contracts Could Trigger Volatility

As the crypto market extends its rebound, traders are now turning cautious ahead of a major derivatives event. Bitcoin options expiry tomorrow could act as a near-term catalyst for volatility, with billions in BTC and ETH contracts approaching settlement. While spot prices look strong for now, history shows that options expiry often brings sharp intraday swings, fake breakouts, or sudden reversals.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is holding near $68,000, up nearly 4% on the day, while Ethereum has surged close to $2,100, posting an even stronger 8% rally. The question now is whether this momentum can sustain after expiry, or if the market sees a brief volatility shakeout.

$8.8B Bitcoin & Ethereum Options Set to Expire

According to data from Deribit, more than $7.8 billion in Bitcoin options and around $1 billion in Ethereum options will expire at 08:00 UTC on February 27. Current positioning shows:

• BTC put/call ratio near 0.76, indicating call-heavy (bullish) bias
• ETH put/call ratio around 0.77, also favoring upside bets

Such skew suggests traders are positioned for higher prices, but it also increases the risk of short-term pullbacks once hedges unwind post-expiry.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction: Can BTC Hold Above $68K After Expiry?

Bitcoin’s recent upswing has reclaimed a critical zone between $67,000 and $68,000, an area that previously capped upside during the pullback. Holding above this range into and after expiry would signal that spot demand is absorbing derivatives-driven pressure. From a downside perspective, failure to maintain acceptance above $67,000 could invite a quick retracement toward $65,500–$66,000, where prior accumulation occurred. Such a move would likely reflect expiry-related positioning rather than a broader trend breakdown.

On the upside, a post-expiry hold above $68,000 opens the door for a challenge of the $69,500–$70,000 resistance zone. A clean break and hold beyond that area would confirm that Bitcoin’s recovery is extending beyond derivatives noise.

Ethereum (ETH) Price Outlook: Strength Tested Near $2,100

Ethereum’s price action stands out ahead of expiry. Trading near $2,100, ETH has delivered an 8% rise today, supported by stronger spot participation and improving sentiment across large-cap altcoins. However, Ethereum options positioning suggests a nearby max pain zone around $2,200, which could act as a short-term gravity point during expiry-related volatility. If ETH continues to hold above $2,000, the structure remains constructive, even if short-term pullbacks occur.

A rejection below $2,000 after expiry would likely signal temporary cooling rather than a trend reversal, with deeper support resting near $1,920–$1,950. Sustained acceptance above $2,100–$2,150, on the other hand, would reinforce Ethereum’s leadership in the current recovery phase.

Final Words

Bitcoin options expiry tomorrow is more about volatility than trend change. With BTC at $68K and ETH near $2.1K, the market is entering a decision phase. Short-term turbulence is likely around expiry, but if prices stabilize afterward, the broader bullish structure could remain intact. Traders should expect fast moves, stay cautious around key levels, and wait for confirmation after the expiry dust settles.