On February 27, 2026, the crypto derivatives market experienced the largest settlement event of the month. According to data from mainstream options exchanges, Bitcoin and Ethereum options contracts with a notional value exceeding $8.72 billion are set to expire today. This massive settlement accounts for approximately 20% of the current market open interest, and its scale and structure have sparked widespread concern about short-term fluctuations in the spot price.
Currently, according to Gate Market data, as of February 27, 2026, Bitcoin is priced at $67,700.8 USD, and Ethereum at $2,036.79 USD, both significantly below their respective maximum pain prices. This article will analyze the background of this expiration event based on objective data, dissect the mainstream market narratives, and explore potential multi-scenario evolution paths.
Monthly close of nearly $90 billion