|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
- $4.9T in options expiry could spark major Bitcoin volatility.
- Altcoins are losing momentum as Bitcoin dominance grows.
- BTC sits between key liquidation levels at $114K and $120K.
Stay ahead with real-time updates and insights—Join our Telegram channel!
This week marks one of the biggest liquidity events of the year as $4.9 trillion worth of stock and ETF options approach expiry on September 20. The sheer scale of this event dwarfs the entire crypto market cap and has traders bracing for turbulence. While Bitcoin (BTC) has managed to hold its ground, most altcoins have struggled for months—leaving the market on edge.
Options Expiry Sparks Bitcoin Caution
Past expiries have left a clear mark on Bitcoin’s price action. In March, a similar setup triggered a steep pullback, while June’s expiry brought weeks of choppy consolidation before BTC slipped under $100K. Analysts are eyeing a repeat.
Market watcher TedPillows warns that leverage is again piling up on exchanges, raising the risk of a sharp flush. He notes that such shakeouts often clear excess risk from the system—sometimes paving the way for new all-time highs.
$4.9 trillion in stock and ETF options will expire tomorrow.
— Ted (@TedPillows) September 18, 2025
This is almost 1.2x higher than the Crypto total market cap.
Historically, such large expirations have caused downward volatility for stocks and crypto.
In March 2025, this led to a crash in the next 2-3 weeks.
In… pic.twitter.com/tI0DSwJOYO
Altcoins Fade as Bitcoin Dominance Climbs
While Bitcoin stays resilient, altcoins have been bleeding market share. Data shows that just 11 of the top 55 altcoins have outperformed BTC over the past two months.
Capital has flowed toward fresh launches and speculative Binance Smart Chain projects, while older names have gone quiet. The market has effectively entered a “Bitcoin season,” with BTC reclaiming the spotlight while alts wait for their turn.
A High-Stakes Liquidity Battle
Currently, Bitcoin is trapped between two major liquidation clusters. Alphractal CEO Joao Wedson highlights $120K as a zone packed with short liquidations, while $114K holds a dense layer of long positions at risk.
Bitcoin is currently caught between two major liquidation levels that have formed in recent days. One is at $120K, a region that could wipe out the bears, and the other is near $114K, where most of the bulls would be hurt.
— Joao Wedson (@joao_wedson) September 19, 2025
Which side are you betting on?
Chart:… pic.twitter.com/8IT21cmzHq
Billions in leverage are stacked on both sides, meaning any decisive move could trigger cascading liquidations. The outcome of this battle may set the tone for the rest of the quarter.
As $4.9 trillion in options unwind, crypto markets face a critical crossroads. Whether Bitcoin breaks higher or suffers a flush, this week’s volatility could shape the market’s next major trend.
Stay ahead with real-time updates and insights—Join our Telegram channel!
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
