Options worth $17 billion in Bitcoin and Ether expire on the same day the Federal Reserve meets and major tech firms report earnings. All three events arrive on 29 October 2025, a setup that historically sharpens price swings and amplifies cross‑market impacts. The alignment threatens leveraged traders, corporate treasuries and derivatives desks with faster, larger moves than usual.
About $17 billion in BTC or ETH options will expire, roughly 30 % of Deribit’s open interest. As contracts run out, dealers often steer spot toward the strike that inflicts the most pain on buyers, with $102 000 for Bitcoin and $2 200 for Ethereum cited as key levels where prices tend to stick into the close. “Expiry” is simply when options die and any remaining value is paid out, after which traders must rebuild or close positions.
The Fed meeting adds extra tension. Markets already price the fed funds target at 4.25 – 4.50 % and expect two 0.375 % cuts next year; any deviation in the statement or comments from the Chair can jolt risk assets. At the same time, tech earnings and AI budget updates act as a barometer for risk appetite. The “Magnificent Seven” delivered almost half of the S&P 500’s 2025 gain, and multiple firms plan double‑digit jumps in AI spend.
What to expect for Bitcoin, Ethereum and the Fed
The three forces feed each other. A hawkish Fed can wipe out leveraged crypto bets, while blowout tech numbers can pull fresh cash into coins. During past earnings seasons, crypto volume moved in step with equity flows about 25 % of the time, underscoring the potential for rapid spillovers.
Mark the date: 29 October 2025. $17 billion in options expire, the Fed speaks and tech giants report, setting up larger‑than‑normal moves and cross‑market spillovers. Risk controls and hedges should be in place before the day starts.
