Bitcoin futures show market expects continued price appreciation into 2024, analyst says

Quick Take

  • Bitcoin futures indicate the market expects the digital asset’s price will appreciate in 2024, according to Deribit.
Deribit derivatives exchange data suggests "a supporting sign" for the continued appreciation of bitcoin in the spring of 2024, according to an analyst.
 
Deribit Chief Commercial Officer Luuk Strijers pointed to data that shows the futures premium above the spot price of bitcoin has been increasing since early October for contracts expiring in March, June, and September next year.
 
Strijers told The Block that bitcoin's futures basis, the difference between the spot price of an asset and the future price of the same asset, has increased beyond 10%, presenting a strong indicator of market sentiment.
 

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"When the basis is increasing, it suggests that the market expects the spot price to rise. The annualized basis is now 10-12%, which means the market expects the underlying asset to rise 10-12% in the coming year," Strijers added.

The chart shows the current basis is 10-12% annualized.

Bitcoin rally

Bitcoin BTC +2.82% broke through the $42,000 mark earlier this week. Strijers attributed the recent surge to a confluence of factors including widespread optimism and anticipation of multiple decisions about applications for spot ETFs.
 
Strijers also cited the easing of concerns following the settlement of Binance's legal matters. "There is also the escalating geopolitical tensions, easing of inflation, and the steady increase in institutional engagement," he added.
 
Bitcoin was up 2% on Tuesday, trading for $42,166 at 9:50 p.m. ET.

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About Author

Brian McGleenon is a UK-based markets reporter for The Block. He has worked as a financial journalist and producer for multiple news outlets over the years, such as Fuji Television, The Independent, Yahoo Finance, The Evening Standard, and The Daily Express. Brian is also a screenwriter and producer with one feature film produced and one in development with Northern Ireland Screen. Apart from web3 and cryptocurrency developments, he is also interested in geopolitics, environmental issues, artificial intelligence, and longevity research. Get in touch via email [email protected].

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