- $13M flowed into BTC $98K–$100K calls, per Wintermute OTC.
- Traders betting on BTC $100K upside in Q1.
- What this means for market sentiment and price targets.
Recent over‑the‑counter (OTC) insights from Wintermute’s head of OTC, Jake Ostrovskis, revealed that approximately $13 million has been deployed into Bitcoin call options with strike prices between $98,000 and $100,000. This level of activity points to increasing trader confidence in a possible BTC $100K upside over the coming months, notably in Q1 of this year.
Call options give buyers the right — but not the obligation — to purchase Bitcoin at a set price (the strike) before expiry. When a notable amount of capital goes into higher‑strike calls, it suggests that sophisticated traders are positioning for a strong rally above today’s price levels.
What the Call Flow Suggests About Sentiment
The $98K–$100K call flow indicates more than just bullishness; it reflects expectations of robust momentum. Options at these strike levels are not cheap, meaning traders are willing to take risk on a significant upside move. This could be influenced by a range of factors that are often cited as catalysts for Bitcoin’s rally:
- Growing institutional adoption.
- Potential macro tailwinds from easing monetary conditions.
- Seasonal strength historically seen in Q1 markets.
By placing capital into the $98K–$100K range, traders are essentially betting that Bitcoin will break past previous all‑time highs and sustain a trajectory toward the psychological $100,000 mark.
Implications for Investors and Traders
While large call option interest doesn’t guarantee that BTC $100K upside will materialize, it does signal that deep liquidity participants are positioning for it. For retail traders and long‑term holders, this type of activity can serve as a complementary data point when assessing broader market sentiment.
Still, option flows should be considered alongside other indicators like on‑chain metrics, macro trends, and regulatory developments. BTC markets can be volatile, and while bullish positioning is noteworthy, risk management remains crucial.
Overall, the $13M call option activity highlights optimism among institutional players, reinforcing a narrative that Bitcoin could see elevated price levels if favorable conditions persist.
