Ethereum Struggles to Hold $3,000 as Major Options Expiry Looms

Ethereum continues to trade below the psychologically significant $3,000 threshold, failing to find a catalyst for a breakout despite a landmark event in derivatives markets. The atmosphere across digital asset markets is one of “extreme fear,” leaving investors to question whether the recent expiration of billions in options contracts will inject fresh volatility or exacerbate the current downward trend.

The dominant story heading into year-end was the monumental expiry of cryptocurrency options, with a total notional value circling $28 billion. Ethereum-specific contracts accounted for a substantial portion, representing between $3.8 and $4 billion in volume. Market observers noted a key discrepancy: the settlement price landed well below the “Max Pain” point of $3,100—the level where Read more...