The cryptocurrency market is bracing for one of the most significant options expiration events in its history, with options contracts worth $23 billion set to expire. These contracts, involving Bitcoin 
$76,395, Ethereum 
$2,328, XRP, and Solana 
$86, will reach their term on September 27 at 11:00 AM Turkish time at the Deribit exchange. As the expiration time approaches, there are noticeable declines in prices and an increase in liquidations of long positions.
Bitcoin and Ethereum: Critical Pain Points
In the sea of financial anticipation, the $17 billion worth of 152,000 Bitcoin options expiring have stirred concerns among market participants. The current put-call ratio stands at 0.75, indicating a prevailing bearish sentiment. Notably, the max pain price, identified at $110,000, suggests a concentration of intense put positions between $95,000 and $110,000, which could exert downward pressure on prices.
Turning to Ethereum, contracts are set to expire that encompass 1.32 million ETH with a total value of $5.33 billion. Here, the put-call ratio of 0.76 reflects a fragile market outlook. With the max pain price pegged at $3,700, there is substantive pressure on ETH’s current price, which hovers around $4,000. The significant accumulation of put options at this level might trigger substantial fluctuations in Ethereum’s market movements.
Trading volumes and volatility are keenly monitored in the options market. Data from Deribit indicates that many investors are pricing in short-term bearish movements. Nonetheless, some traders are selling put options, anticipating stabilization at crucial support levels.
XRP and Solana: Key Levels to Watch
For XRP, nearly $83 million is tied up in 28,000 contracts set to expire. With a put-call ratio at 0.24, the max pain price is $2.80. Even with a maintained expectation for a rise within the $3-$4 range, the 22% increase in trading volume highlights sustained investor interest. Currently trading around $2.85, whale addresses appear to be preventing prices from dropping below $2.80.
For Solana, $217 million worth of 105,000 options will expire. With a nearly neutral put-call ratio of 0.56, the max pain price is set at $195. Investors are currently focused between the $210-$230 range. Over the past 24 hours, SOL’s price has fallen by 2%, ranging from $203 to $216. An 8% drop in trading volume signals an indecisive stance among investors.
