Bitcoin (BTC) has been below $45,000 for 14 days and is currently 40% below the $69,000 all-time high. This movement holds similarities to late-Sept. 2021, when Bitcoin price flat-lined for 11 days and was 36% below the previous $64,900 all-time high on April 14.
Bitcoin price at Coinbase, USD. Source: TradingView
To understand whether the current price momentum mimics late September, traders should start by analyzing the Bitcoin futures contracts premium, which is also known as “basis.” Unlike a perpetual contract, these fixed-calendar futures do not have a funding rate, so their price will differ vastly from regular spot exchanges.
By measuring the expense gap between futures and the regular spot market, a trader can gauge the level of bullishness in the market. Excessive optimism from buyers tends to make the three-month futures contract to trade at a 15% or higher annualized premium (basis).
Bitcoin 3-month futures premium in Sept. 2021. Source: laevitas.ch
For example, earlier in September, the basis rate ranged from 9% to 13%, indicating confidence, but on Sept. 29, right before Bitcoin broke out above $45,000, the 3-month futures premium was at 6.5%. Generally, readings below 5% are typically deemed bearish, so a 6.5% reading in late September meant investors were displaying low confidence.
Bitcoin 3-month futures premium. Source: laevitas.ch
Regarding the current market conditions, there are a lot of similarities to September 2021, right before Bitcoin broke $45,000 and initiated a 62% rally. First, the current Bitcoin 3-month futures premium stands at 6.5% and the indicator recently ranged from 9% to 11%, reflecting mild optimism.
Unexpected positive market moves happen when investors least expect it and this is precisely the scenario happening right now. To confirm whether this move was specific to the instrument, one should also analyze options markets. The 25% delta skew compares equivalent call (buy) and put (sell) options. The indicator will turn positive when “fear” is prevalent because the protective put options premium is higher than the call options.
Related: What bear market? Current BTC price dip still matches previous Bitcoin cycles, says analyst
The opposite holds when market makers are bullish, causing the 25% delta skew to shift to the negative area. Readings between negative 8% and positive 8% are usually deemed neutral.
Deribit Bitcoin options 25% delta skew in Sept. 2021. Source: laevitas.ch
The 25% delta skew ranged near 10% by late Sept. 2021, indicating distress from options traders. Market makers and arbitrage desks were overcharging for protective put (bearish) positions.
Deribit Bitcoin options 25% delta skew. Source: laevitas.ch
According to the current 25% delta skew indicator, options traders are neutral. However, on Jan. 10 the metric touched the 8% positive threshold, signaling a mild bearishness.
Derivatives metrics show that the current market conditions resemble late-September when Bitcoin reversed a 24-day downtrend and initiated a 62% rally in the following three weeks.
Will this phenomenon repeat itself? Bitcoin bulls certainly hope so.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cointelegraph. Every investment and trading move involves risk. You should conduct your own research when making a decision.
