Coinbase Warns $16.6 Billion at Risk in Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expiration
Coinbase has sounded the alarm for Bitcoin and Ethereum investors, warning of a critical date approaching that could have significant implications for market prices. According to the company's data, there is approximately $16.6 billion in open positions in the options markets for both assets.
The majority of these positions are call options, which reflect investors' expectations that prices will rise to higher levels. In Bitcoin, the total in-depth value of options is around $14.73 billion, with a put/call ratio of 0.52 indicating strong long positions in the market. The 'maximum pain' price for Bitcoin is calculated at $72,000.
The largest concentration of call options on Ethereum is observed at a strike price of $3,000, with approximately 43,000 contracts. As option expiration approaches, volatility may increase, particularly around strike prices where large open positions exist.
While the market is monitoring the Fed's interest rate decision and macroeconomic developments, Coinbase analysts stress that the third-quarter options expiration date could have a significant impact on prices. This critical date is set for September 25, 2026.