- Analysts have noted an uncertainty regarding Ethereum’s future price, comparing the volatility revealed by options to Bitcoin.
- Bitcoin’s implied volatility saw a more dramatic drop, suggesting derivative traders are leaning towards stability.
- Implied volatility (IV) is a measure used in the options market that represents market predictions of a security or asset’s potential future movement or price fluctuations.
Analysts have highlighted a notable difference in the volatility of Ethereum and Bitcoin, suggesting a shift in trader sentiment towards stability. This article delves into the implications of this trend for the crypto market.
Ethereum’s High Volatility Reflects Risk Premium
According to this week’s Bitfinex Alpha report, options traders’ uncertainty regarding Ethereum’s medium-term price is reflected in the asset’s volatility risk premium (VRP). The report summarised that the ETH options market showed a lower VRP compared to Bitcoin options. Bitfinex analysts drew attention to uncertain market conditions for the second-largest digital asset by market value, due to the upcoming deadline for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) decision on two spot Ether ETFs. They added, “A possible reason for the ETH volatility risk premium falling less than Bitcoin’s is the additional uncertainty the SEC’s ETF decision on May 23, 2024, creates for the Ethereum price.”
Ether’s Option Risk Reversal Remains Negative
According to analysts at QCP Capital, Ethereum is not seeing the same positivity among options investors as seen for Bitcoin. Ether put options are more expensive than call options, typically indicating a bearish trend among investors. The analysts stated, “ETH option risk reversal is still negative at the percentage level, likely due to concerns about the SEC not approving the Ether spot ETF deadlines for VanEck and Ark21 on May 23 and 24.” In contrast, Tuesday’s QCP Capital report noted that Bitcoin risk reversal has turned positive, with call options being more expensive than put options. This development indicates a bullish trend among investors, as they are willing to pay more for options that benefit from a rise in the Bitcoin price compared to options that provide protection against a price drop.
Conclusion
The contrasting volatility trends in Ethereum and Bitcoin suggest a shift in market sentiment, with traders seemingly favouring stability. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding regulatory decisions, particularly the SEC’s pending decision on Ether ETFs, appears to be influencing the market’s risk perception. As always, investors are advised to conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.
