Around 29,500 Bitcoin options contracts are set to expire on Friday, September 12th, with a notional value of approximately $3.4 billion. This expiry event is similar to last week’s, and analysts do not anticipate significant impact on spot markets, which have regained their position at the $4 trillion mark after a recent dip. The inflation data released this week showed that the Consumer Price Index rose 2.9% in August compared to the previous year as predicted. The rise aligns with expectations of slight price increases. Analysis of the Bitcoin options market indicates a higher proportion of short contracts expiring than long contracts, suggesting increased bearish sentiment. This is evidenced by the high open interest (OI) at $140,000 and $2.7 billion worth of OI for this specific strike price on Deribit. Furthermore, $95,000 strike price shows significant short seller activity with over $1.9 billion in OI. Total Bitcoin futures OI stands at $86.6 billion, close to all-time highs according to CoinGlass. The options market, despite the upcoming Federal Reserve rate decision next week, continues showing relatively stable implied volatility, and even slightly declining, indicating a belief that a 25 basis-point rate cut has been factored into future pricing expectations. A total of 190,000 Ethereum contracts are also expiring with a notional value of $858 million, and a put/call ratio of 1.0. This increases Friday’s combined crypto options expiry notional value to approximately $4.25 billion. The crypto market capitalization has been steadily rising this Monday morning in Asia, exceeding the $4 trillion mark since August 23rd. Bitcoin is currently hovering around $115,500 after a surge to its highest level in three weeks on Friday morning. Ethereum’s momentum remains strong, with an increase of 3.2% on the day and reaching a two-week high of $4,530. Altcoin markets are exhibiting positive performance as well, witnessing gains for Solana, Dogecoin, Chainlink and others.