Trump-linked Thumzup Media has announced a $50 million raise alongside an expanded alliance with Coinbase. This is to accelerate its cryptocurrency mining operations and strengthen its treasury of XRP and other digital assets. Thumzup Media Partners With Coinbase For $50M Treasury Diversification In a press release, Thumzup Media Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed company backed by Trump
Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.
Grab a coffee and read what experts say about Bitcoin (BTC), which is progressively emerging as a focal point for investors seeking asymmetric opportunities. Amid rising institutional adoption, we see a growing narrative that Bitcoin could offer unparalleled returns relative to the risks involved.
Crypto News of the Day: Bitcoin As The Asymmetric Bet to Redefine Investment Portfolios
Bitcoin has emerged as a focal point for investors seeking asymmetric opportunities. Lawrence Lepard, a prominent figure in the investment community, recently reiterated his stance on the pioneer crypto.
Lepard, famous for his staunch advocacy of sound money principles and author of The Big Print, described Bitcoin as the most asymmetric bet he has encountered in over four decades of investing.
“I’ve long contended that anybody who has zero Bitcoin is really really missing the most asymmetric bet that I have ever seen in forty-plus years of making,” TFTC reported, citing Lepard in an interview with KITCO News.
Lepard’s argument centers on the concept of an asymmetric bet, where the potential reward significantly outweighs the risk. Financial analyses support this perspective and highlight Bitcoin’s ability to diversify portfolios.
This assertion reflects the growing narrative that Bitcoin could offer unparalleled returns relative to the risks involved.
Lepard’s comments come after Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation and economic instability is increasingly recognized. A recent US Crypto News publication cited Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against traditional finance (TradFi) and US treasury risk.
Bitcoin has demonstrated the potential for exponential growth, with early investors witnessing significant returns.
“By 2025, Bitcoin’s price has surged to over $105,000, a 1,400% increase from the $7,000 mark in 2017,” a user on X noted.
Despite its volatility, the pioneer crypto’s capped downside risk, limited to a 100% loss, contrasts sharply with its unlimited upside potential. According to Lepard, this makes it an attractive option for risk-tolerant investors.
“Every commodity in the world, if you increase its price, supply goes up. If gold went to ten thousand tomorrow, we’d mine more gold. If corn went up, if oil went to two, three hundred dollars a barrel, we drill for more oil. You would get a higher price. You would get more. No matter where the price of Bitcoin goes, the issuance schedule is set. There’s not going to be any more,” Lepard added.
Lepard’s endorsement of Bitcoin aligns with broader market trends. Once skeptical, institutional investors are increasingly integrating Bitcoin into their portfolios, driven by its decentralized nature and fixed supply of 21 million coins.
This shift is part of a larger conversation about Bitcoin’s role as a store of value, akin to gold, especially in the face of global economic uncertainties. With this, Lepard says owning a single Bitcoin (1 BTC) will not be easy in a few years.
“Being a wholecoiner is going to be an enormous deal in a few years,” he stated.
Senator Cynthia Lummis has promoted the idea that Bitcoin (BTC) serves as a means of protection against inflation and is a path to long-term financial prosperity. She positioned BTC as a modern alternative to the U.S. dollar, as it empowers people during periods of economic insecurity. Senator Cynthia Lummis Says Bitcoin is a Safe Haven
Amid hype around the prevailing bullish wave in the crypto market, traders and investors must brace for volatility due to expiring options for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) contracts.
Markets tend to stabilize shortly after the options expire, as traders adjust to the new trading environment.
What Traders Should Expect from Today’s Expiring Options
With crypto markets riding a bullish wave, a major options expiry could shake up the markets today, potentially influencing market behavior into the weekend.
Specifically, over $5.76 billion in notional value is tied to Bitcoin and Ethereum contracts scheduled to expire this Friday.
According to derivatives exchange Deribit, Bitcoin’s total open interest stands at 40,945 contracts, representing a notional value of $4.91 billion.
The max pain point, which is the price at which most options expire worthless, is a staggering $114,000. This is significantly below current spot levels, with BTC trading at $120,259 as of this writing.
With a put-to-call ratio of 0.78, traders appear to be leaning bullish, favoring call purchase options that would profit from price appreciation.
In contrast, Ethereum’s options market is showing a more neutral tone. The open interest is 237,466 contracts.
Meanwhile, the notional value is $851 million, and the put-to-call ratio is 1.01, signaling a nearly balanced sentiment between bearish and bullish bets. The max pain level is $2,950, significantly lower than ETH’s current market range.
Analysts at Greeks.live describe the broader sentiment as mixed. Some traders believe the top is in following recent rallies, while others continue to target higher valuations later in the year.
“…expecting 150,000 BTC by Q4 but anticipating a correction until September,” the firm noted.
In the near term, however, traders employ risk reversal strategies, a classic tactic in options markets. This involves selling 30-day puts and buying 30-day calls, expressing a bullish stance while adding small put positions for black swan protection.
This strategy suggests that some market participants expect upside continuation but remain cautious about sudden downside shocks.
As traders brace for volatility, current market positioning reveals diverging sentiment across Bitcoin and Ethereum markets.
Volatility also remains a key focus. Ethereum’s implied volatility is hovering around 70%, even after its recent price spike. Analysts say this creates opportunities for basis trades and volatility squeeze plays.
According to Greeks.live, traders actively manage their exposure before today’s options expiry, expecting significant turbulence. In particular, the combination of large notional value, skewed max pain levels, and diverging sentiment sets the stage for potential volatility.
With both assets trading above their max pain levels, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices will likely pull back as these options are near expiration. However, the market could stabilize thereafter as traders adjust to new trading environments.
