Episode 78: Crypto Lags Stocks & Gold – Fed Cut Priced, Institutions Hedge Exposure

Crypto markets lag behind soaring equities and gold as weak U.S. jobs data (22K print, June revised to -13K) fully prices in a September Fed rate cut.

Hosts Imran Lakha (Options Insight) and David Brickell (FRNT), joined by Mark Hiriart (ZeroCap), discuss suppressed crypto volatility (Bitcoin vol in low 30s) amid a narrow range, with persistent put skew driven by institutional hedging demand. Inflation data looms as the Fed enters blackout, but a supportive macro environment—falling yields, lower oil prices, and global rate cuts—signals bullish tailwinds for Bitcoin and altcoins like Ethereum and Solana. They explore ZeroCap’s institutional focus and the growing OTC derivatives market, predicting a Bitcoin rally to 150K post-consolidation.

The following topics is covered:

00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Crypto Macro & Market Overview 05:58 – Why Gold Is Rallying 08:20 – Inflation Ahead & Oil’s Path 11:05 – ETH Price Action & Sentiment 14:50 – David’s Q4 Crypto Playbook 15:41 – Special Guest: Mark Hiriart (ZeroCap, Head of Sales) 20:28 – ZeroCap’s Business Model 23:26 – OTC Crypto Options Insights 27:29 – Altcoin Volatility & Options Explained 31:36 – Institutional Hedging in Crypto Options 35:54 – Institutional Put Buying & Market Dynamics 40:38 – BTC vs ETH Volatility Decoupling 46:12 – Key Takeaways from Imran & Mark’s Conversation

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Disclaimer: The content presented on Crypto Options Unplugged is not intended as investment advice. Always conduct your own research.