Bitcoin’s upcoming $10.5B options expiry may end bear market: Here’s how

CoinTelegraph

by Marcel Pechman

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin markets are gearing up for a significant event as Friday’s $10.5 billion monthly options expiry approaches. This figure sets the stage for one of the largest crypto market events of the year, with bulls needing a 9% rally from current levels to gain an advantage over bears. The correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq 100 Index stands at 90%, highlighting how tech investor sentiment plays a pivotal role in shaping market confidence. The options expiry is particularly crucial for determining short-term price movements, as large institutions often use these contracts to hedge or speculate on Bitcoin’s direction. With $10.5 billion in open interest, the outcome of this event could significantly impact whether bulls regain control or bears maintain their dominance. Historically, high-volume expiries have led to sharp price swings due to the forced liquidation of positions and shifts in market sentiment. The 90% correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq 100 Index underscores the growing interconnectedness between traditional tech markets and cryptocurrency. This suggests that investor sentiment toward technology stocks is increasingly influencing crypto markets, as institutional investors weigh the broader economic landscape when making trading decisions. For readers interested in crypto, understanding this dynamic is crucial because it highlights how external market factors can influence Bitcoin’s price movements. The interplay between traditional financial

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/25/2026