Bitcoin Could Face Pullback as $22B Options Expire Amid Key U.S. Core PCE Inflation Data

• $22.3B in options expire this quarter; $17.06B is Bitcoin options.

• Dealer short-gamma near $108,000–$109,000 could force selling if price falls below that band.

• Core PCE data (expected ~3% annual, 0.2% monthly) may trigger either a sell-off or a sharp upside pin from options expiry.

Bitcoin options expiry, $22.3B at stake; watch Core PCE and $108K level for direction — read actionable risk guidance and market context.

What is the market setup as $22 billion in crypto options expire this week?

Bitcoin options expiry coincides with a major U.S. inflation release, creating a liquidity and positioning test for the market. Roughly $22.3 billion in crypto options (about $17.06 billion in Bitcoin options) expire, concentrating risk around key strike bands near $108,000–$109,000.

How does dealer short-gamma affect Bitcoin price action?

Short gamma means dealers must adjust hedges more aggressively as price moves. With dealer positioning concentrated at $109,000 and $108,000, a break below these levels could force dealers to sell into weakness, amplifying declines. Amberdata and options exchange data identify this cycle as unusually large.

Why is the $108,000 level critical for traders?

Data shows $108,000 has accumulated significant open interest. A failure to hold above that level could trigger automated selling cascades, independent of the Core PCE print. Market participants cite a possible two-standard-deviation move to about $96,000 if volatility and weak conditions align.

How could the Core PCE report influence the options expiry outcome?

The Core PCE reading, expected near 3% year-over-year and ~0.2% month-over-month, will shape dollar strength and risk sentiment. A hotter-than-expected number could strengthen the dollar and intensify Bitcoin’s correction; a softer print could relieve pressure and allow upside “pin” formations during options expiry.

What are expert perspectives and data points to watch?

Greg Magadini, director of derivatives at Amberdata, described this cycle as “the largest on the board.” Maja Vujinovic, CEO and Co-Founder of Digital Assets at FG Nexus, highlighted upside potential if the Core PCE surprises soft. Options market indicators show heavy buying of year-end calls at $120,000 and $140,000 strikes, signaling long-term bullish positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should traders manage risk during this dual event?

Maintain defined risk limits and avoid directional overleverage ahead of the Core PCE and expiry. Consider volatility-aware hedges and position sizing that accounts for potential dealer-driven flows. Monitor open interest clusters at $108K–$109K and liquidity on derivatives venues.

Key Takeaways

• Concentrated expiry risk: $22.3B in options expire, with $17.06B in Bitcoin options creating focal points.
• Critical strike band: $108K–$109K is the short-gamma concentration that could drive outsized moves.
• Macro catalyst: Core PCE data can either amplify downside via dollar strength or enable an upside pin if softer than expected.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s near-term trajectory will be shaped by the interaction of a large options expiry and the U.S. Core PCE inflation release. Traders should emphasize risk controls, watch dealer short-gamma zones at $108,000–$109,000, and prepare for heightened volatility. COINOTAG will continue monitoring market data and expert commentary as events unfold.

Published: 2025-09-26 • Updated: 2025-09-26 • Author: COINOTAG

Sources: Deribit options data; Amberdata; CoinGecko; statements from Greg Magadini (Amberdata) and Maja Vujinovic (FG Nexus). All source names are presented as plain text, no external links.