🇺🇸 US Election Fuels Bitcoin Volatility as Options Traders Eye $80,000 Target
Bitcoin traders are bracing for increased volatility as the U.S. election nears on Nov. 5, with estimates for price swings as high as 20%, according to data from DeFi derivatives platform Derive.
“The latest trading analysis reveals some compelling insights into market dynamics as we approach significant financial events,” Derive founder Nick Forster told Decrypt on Monday.
The data shows a high concentration of bets around an $80,000 Bitcoin strike price and a strong presence of short-term call sales, as traders use option premiums to prepare for possible price movements.
Bitcoin briefly broke above $70,000 on Monday, hitting a level last seen in early June, before easing back down, according to CoinGecko.
“The overwhelming dominance of calls being sold suggests a strategic premium collection by traders, while the focus around the $80,000 strike highlights a potential pivotal point for Bitcoin,” Forster said.
In the last 24 hours, over 47% of options sold were calls, or bets on a price increase, with traders seeking to capitalize on “juiced premiums” due to election-related volatility, Forster explained.
Volatility patterns across different expiration dates show traders are preparing for a bumpy ride ahead of next weeks but remain unsure about which direction prices might take.
Americans will head to the polls to vote in the tightly contested U.S. presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Trump has, so far, promised more precise policy targeting crypto.
Short-term volatility, reflecting expected price movements, is now outpacing long-term volatility, with a noticeable spike expected around election week, Forster added.
The trend is underscored by a rise in volatility for options set to expire within seven days, signaling heightened sensitivity to upcoming economic and political news.
