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Comparing Bitcoin’s spot and derivatives markets in Q1 2023
Bitcoin exchange balances remain stagnant in 2023 while futures open interest hits a 12-month low.
This article was published 3 years ago. Some details may no longer reflect current market conditions or recent developments. If you spot anything that needs an update, contact us.
Quick Take
- As Q1 has ended with a remarkable Bitcoin performance of over 70%, it is worth analyzing the spot vs. derivatives trend over Q1.
- The network is much healthier at the end of the quarter than when we started back in January.
- The exchange balance is now flat year-to-date, with roughly 2.28 million Bitcoin on exchanges, and demand started to return after the SVB collapse.
- Futures' open interest is now at a one-year low, with roughly 300,000 Bitcoin liquidated from the 2022 peak in October.
- Last, options open interest saw a record-breaking amount of $4 billion worth of options expiring on March 31. Roughly 130,000 Bitcoin have been unwound in contracts from the exchange Deribit.
- The rally in Bitcoin price has been driven by spot demand in recent weeks.
