As Bitcoin (BTC) 
$98,092 prices fluctuate within the cryptocurrency market, a critical options expiration is expected to influence the markets this week. With the upcoming holiday week, there is a possibility of increased activity not only for Bitcoin but also for altcoins.
Impact of Critical Options Expiration on the Market
QCP Capital, based in Singapore, has indicated that a total of $20 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) 
$3,492 options will expire this Friday. This amount constitutes nearly half of the total open positions on the Deribit exchange. Experts believe that the impact of this expiration on the market is quite significant. If spot prices remain within a certain range, options sellers are expected to maintain their short positions.
QCP Capital warned, “If spot prices remain stable, the current balances in the options market can be preserved. However, a sudden price movement could disrupt this balance.” It is likely that market dynamics will establish a new direction following this critical date.
Expectations for Altcoin Activity
The fact that Bitcoin has stayed below the $100,000 mark in recent weeks has led to expectations of renewed interest in altcoins. QCP Capital noted that there was significant activity in the altcoin market when the ether/bitcoin ratio found support at 0.032 last month. Market experts suggest that a similar scenario may create new opportunities for investors.
FxPro analyst Alex Kuptsikevich stated, “In the event of a sudden shock, Bitcoin could drop to $70,000. However, this might create a suitable ground for a recovery toward the $90,000 level.” A flow of capital into altcoins is expected to support the overall market recovery.
The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) signals of planning fewer interest rate cuts in the future continue to create uncertainty in the cryptocurrency markets. Moreover, policies that prevent the U.S. from holding Bitcoin are forcing investors to be more cautious, indicating that short-term price pressures may rise.
In recent weeks, Bitcoin has failed to realize the anticipated “Christmas rally” expected in December, showing a monthly decline of 2%. This development has led to a mixed outlook for year-end expectations in the markets.
Market experts emphasize that investors need to carefully evaluate market dynamics. Both the price movements of Bitcoin and the potential rises in altcoins should be closely monitored. The direction in which the cryptocurrency market will move in the new year seems to depend on these developments.
