The leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), surged above $82,000 on news of a possible deal between the US and Iran, coupled with institutional support. However, new developments regarding the conflict in the Middle East pushed BTC back below $80,000.
However, this recent downturn did not affect the options market, and it entered an upward trend.
Accordingly, options investors are targeting $115,000 for Bitcoin by the end of the year.
According to the data, the number of investors betting that Bitcoin will rise above $115,000 by the end of 2026 in the options market is steadily increasing.
The 33% price increase since the annual low of $60,130 on February 6th is playing a significant role in increasing bullish expectations.
It is estimated that there is approximately $6 billion in open positions in Bitcoin options that expire on December 25th.
A significant portion of this consists of call option bets on the Bitcoin price rising above $115,000. Open positions for $115,000 and above are approximately $1.85 billion.
However, at prices of $55,000 and below, there is a $1 billion put option, a figure that is also noteworthy.
This means that options traders are betting on extreme price expectations in both bullish and bearish markets. If the bulls appear overly optimistic, those taking short positions appear equally overly pessimistic.
*This is not investment advice.