Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events, the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume, and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

December's end-of-year options expiration brought an unexpected drop as realized volatility fell to the lowest levels of the month. Perpetual swap open interest remained stable, indicating these markets weren't heavily used for hedging against expired options, likely contributing to the muted volatility. 

While most expired open interest in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) hasn't been reinvested, the balance of calls and puts remains consistent. Notably, ETH options are pricing in higher implied volatility as compared to BTC, particularly for shorter expirations, leading to a flat term structure for ETH, while BTC is offering cheaper options exposure.

In the perpetual markets, low volatility and minimal spot movements have led funding rates for nearly all tokens to mirror broader market sentiment throughout the holiday season. On the options side, BTC's term structure is noticeably lower and steeper than ETH's, with realized volatility now dipping below implied volatility levels, highlighting an intriguing shift in market dynamics.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Open Interest Solid Amid Year-End Options Expiration

Although open interest for both BTC and ETH perpetual swaps hasn’t returned to early December 2024 highs, it remained robust throughout the significant end-of-year options expiration event. This suggests that these markets weren’t heavily utilized to 

 of the expiring options contracts, likely contributing to the lack of volatility observed during this period. Instead, trading volumes have dipped noticeably during the winter holiday season, coinciding with a collapse in realized volatility back to December 2024’s lowest levels.

BTC Option Curve Remains Steep During Call-Put Parity

The expiration of December's end-of-year options didn’t trigger the anticipated surge in volatility; instead, realized volatility has plummeted to the lower end of its recent range. The implied volatility term structure remains steep compared to both its recent behavior and ETH's, with longer-dated implied volatility around 57%, and 1-week at-the-money options trading about five points lower. Much of the expired open interest hasn’t yet been rolled into new positions, maintaining a neutral balance between puts and calls. Consequently, BTC's options market positioning is relatively neutral, lacking the leverage it had at the start of December 2024.

Huge ETH Option Expiring Doesn’t Cause Volatility

A late December spike in realized volatility didn’t carry into the new year, with ETH’s spot price currently exhibiting volatility below that of short-tenor implied volatility. Interestingly, the implied volatility term structure has undergone a steepening and re-flattening over the past week, contrasting with BTC’s slightly steeper profile. This suggests that ETH’s options market is anticipating higher short-term volatility in spot price movements. 

Despite the significant expiration of options open interest at the end of December 2024, which didn’t lead to a rollover into later expirations, call options continue to dominate the market and have increased at the start of 2025.

Advanced

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Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Jan 2, 2025): BTC Options Continue to See Call-Put Parity, With Lower Short-Term Volatility Expected

Dive into FLock, a decentralized platform that revolutionizes the way AI models are developed, trained and deployed.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform countless industries, but its development often raises questions about privacy, control and inclusivity. 

 is a unique decentralized platform that democratizes AI training, fine-tuning and inferencing. With its blockchain-powered infrastructure, FLock ensures transparency, security and community-driven decision-making, paving the way for AI models that align with established societal values. 

In this article, we’ll explore how FLock decentralizes AI training, its key features and its potential impact on developers, communities and users.

 platform that revolutionizes the way AI models are developed, trained and deployed. By leveraging blockchain technology and a novel approach called 

, FLock addresses critical issues in AI development, such as centralized control, lack of transparency and privacy concerns.

At its core, FLock’s mission is to democratize AI by enabling communities to participate directly in the creation and refinement of AI models. Through federated learning, FLock trains AI models across multiple decentralized devices or servers. This method ensures that data remains local, eliminating the need for raw data exchange while still enabling robust model training. By decentralizing the training process, FLock not only protects individual privacy, but also fosters a more inclusive ecosystem in which diverse contributors can collaborate.

What sets FLock apart is its integration of 

. This ensures that all contributions — whether data, compute power or feedback — are transparently recorded and fairly rewarded. Blockchain tech’s immutable ledger enhances trust among participants and safeguards the process against manipulation. Additionally, the platform’s on-chain incentive mechanisms encourage participation from a wide range of contributors, ensuring that rewards are distributed equitably.

Ultimately, FLock empowers communities to develop bespoke AI models tailored to their specific needs. By decentralizing the process and prioritizing transparency and collaboration, FLock breaks the monopoly of large corporations, creating an AI ecosystem that aligns with public ethics and societal values.

, an Oxford alumnus with a robust background in AI and blockchain technology. Sun, who serves as FLock's CEO, has an impressive career trajectory, having worked as the Director of AI for the Royal Bank of Canada and as an AI Research Fellow at Imperial College London. His vision for FLock stems from a deep understanding of both the technical and ethical challenges of AI development.

The founding team also includes other Oxford alumni, boasting over a decade of combined experience in AI research and the cryptocurrency industry. This team brings a collective blend of academic excellence and practical expertise that positions FLock to lead the decentralized AI movement.

FLock has successfully raised $11 million in funding across two rounds, reflecting strong investor confidence in its vision. In May 2024, FLock secured a $6 million seed round co-led by Lightspeed Faction and Tagus Capital, with additional backing from Digital Currency Group (DCG), Volt Capital, OKX Ventures and Inception Capital.

Later, in December 2024, FLock announced a $3 million successful funding round led by DCG and joined by prominent names like Animoca Brands, Fenbushi Capital, GnosisVC and GSR. These investments are being channelled into enhancing the platform’s testnet and federated learning client, accelerating FLock’s mission of enabling secure, collaborative AI development.

With this funding and over 1,500 nodes contributing from platforms like Numerai and Kaggle, FLock is rapidly scaling its impact on decentralized AI training.

FLock AI revolutionizes AI development through its decentralized training framework. This approach allows participants to contribute to AI model training without ever sharing their personal data. Instead, models are trained locally across devices using federated learning, which ensures that data remains with its owners while still enhancing the accuracy of the model overall. 

FLock’s reward system is designed to incentivize active participation. Contributors who provide data, computational power and/or feedback are compensated with FLOCK tokens, ensuring a fair distribution of rewards. 

FLock empowers its community through a robust governance framework. Decisions regarding AI model development, deployment and ethical considerations are driven by the community, ensuring alignment with established societal values. Through blockchain-based voting mechanisms, contributors can influence the direction of AI projects, fostering transparency and public accountability. 

FLock’s modular architecture allows contributors to participate in specific aspects of AI model development. Whether providing raw data or computational power or even refining algorithms, the platform enables a collaborative and scalable development process. 

At the core of FLock’s philosophy is its commitment to privacy and security. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform ensures that no single entity controls the AI development process. Data remains local and protected by cryptographic measures, while the immutability of blockchain guarantees transparency in every transaction and model update. 

 begins with a blockchain and an AI layer.

The blockchain layer underpins FLock’s incentivization and security mechanisms.

The AI layer facilitates model training, refinement and deployment, leveraging both centralized and federated approaches.

Let’s have a look at the supply and demand for the FLOCK token.

FLock adopts a 1:2 ratio model between team/investors (33.3%) and community (66.7%), prioritizing community-driven growth and ecosystem expansion. The majority of tokens are allocated to incentivize user participation and long-term ecosystem success.

FLock aims to improve the future of AI development by decentralizing the training process and ensuring transparency, privacy and inclusivity. By leveraging blockchain and federated learning, FLock empowers communities to contribute to AI creation without compromising on privacy. Its innovative reward system and community-driven governance foster a fair and collaborative ecosystem. 

With significant backing and a growing network of contributors, FLock is positioning itself as a leader in decentralized AI, offering a more ethical and secure alternative to traditional AI development models. As it continues to scale, FLock is set to transform the way AI models are built and deployed.

 — and earn a share of a 10 million FLOCK prize pool. For more details, visit 

Intermediate

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FLock AI: Decentralized AI Training

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how you can complete a series of tasks in Network3 for Bybit Web3 Airdrop Arcade.

Task 1: Register for a Network3 Account and Connect Your Bybit Wallet 

: Navigate to the campaign page and click on the 

task. Click on the task, and Galxe will ask to redirect you to the Network3 register page.

: Register for a Network3 account using your email address. You may indicate a 

Task 2: Download the Network3 App and Run a Node for One Hour

 and choose your operating system to download the Network3 app.

 or powerbutton, depending upon which operating system you’re using. For ease of reference, we’ve used macOS and iOS as examples below.

: Keep running the node until the timer reaches 

Beginner

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How to Complete Network3 Tasks for Bybit Web3 Airdrop Arcade

Bybit launched the Bybit Merch Creative Challenge for university students worldwide, offering a $50,000 USDT prize pool.

The S&P 500 dropped 0.22% on Thursday, its fifth straight decline, with investors eyeing Friday’s economic updates. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 2.03%, with Bitcoin and Ether rising by 2.79% and 2.70%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is XRP, which surged 1.9% following a rise in price driven by increased open interest and positive market sentiment.

Ripple (XRP), launched in August 2012, is a blockchain technology company focused on improving international payments with its cryptocurrency, XRP. XRP price surged due to increased open interest, a major XRP transfer, and market sentiment linked to Trump's inauguration. Bullish momentum is supported by high short liquidations, with key resistance levels to watch for further price movement.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

 for university students worldwide, offering a $50,000 USDT prize pool. Participants can design exclusive Bybit merchandise, with submissions open until Jan. 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on Feb. 1, 2025, across four prize categories.

Yesterday, Bitcoin Spot ETFs recorded a total inflow of $84.8M, driven by $107.9M from non-GBTC funds, partially offset by a $23.1M outflow from GBTC.

, offering an airdrop for participants who complete tasks like swapping and bridging using the Mango wallet. Points earned through tasks determine airdrop rewards. Join via the Mango wallet and follow steps on the testnet dashboard.

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Bybit Launches $50,000 Merch Design Challenge for University Students Worldwide

Trading

Ichimoku Cloud is the trend indicator that reveals the overall strength and direction of an asset. It is also used to predict the asset's support & resistance levels. Learn how it works!

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At first glance, the Ichimoku Cloud seems sophisticated, but once you learn how to read the charts, it becomes easy to understand and apply.

The Ichimoku Cloud, also known as Ichimoku Kinko Hyo, is a combination of technical indicators, especially in levels of support and resistance that reveal the overall strength and direction in the crypto market.

The Ichimoku Cloud works by plotting multiple averages on the charts. Then it uses those figures to create a cloud that predicts where the price of a cryptocurrency may find support or resistance in the future. By mastering the Ichimoku Cloud, you can easily make high-probability decisions without spending most of your time analyzing trading view charts.

The Ichimoku Cloud relies on both lagging and leading indicators to display data. The charts in the Ichimoku system are composed of five main components or lines: Base Line, Conversion Line, Lagging Span, Leading Span A, and Leading Span B.

The Kijun-sen line, or the Base Line, is the midpoint of the last 26 candlesticks. This line is calculated using the following formula:

The Tenkan-sen line, which is also known as the Conversion Line, is the midpoint of the last 9 candlesticks. This line is calculated using the formula: 

The Chikou Span, also known as the Lagging Span, is the closing price of the current period. As its name suggests, the lagging span lags behind the price and is projected 26 periods into the past.

The Senkou Span A, or Leading Span A, forms one of the two cloud boundaries. This line represents the midpoint (or moving average) of the baseline and the conversion line, plotted 26 periods into the future. The Leading Span A is the faster-moving cloud boundary and is calculated using the formula:

The Senkou Span B, or Leading Span B, forms the second cloud boundary and is the midpoint of the last 52 price bars (or the 52-period moving average). It is calculated using the formula:

The Leading span B is plotted 26 periods into the future and is the slower cloud boundary.

The Kumo Cloud is located within the space between the Leading Span A and the Leading Span B. This is the most notable element of the Ichimoku system. Since both the Leading Span A and the Leading Span B are plotted 26 periods into the future, they help in forecasting and are therefore considered leading indicators. The Lagging Span, which is plotted 26 periods into the past, is considered a lagging indicator.

For easy reference, the Ichimoku Cloud is displayed in either red or green. The Leading Span B is the red cloud line, while the Leading Span A is the green cloud line. A red cloud is formed when the Leading Span B is higher than the Leading Span A, while a green cloud is formed when the Leading Span A is higher than the Leading Span B.

As you might have noticed in the formulas for calculating different lines in the Ichimoku Cloud, the moving averages used are not based on the closing prices of the candles, but rather on the high and low points recorded in a given period.

Although the Ichimoku Cloud involves five different lines, reading the graph is relatively easy. To interpret the Ichimoku Cloud, start by identifying the Leading Span A and the Leading Span B.

Once you have identified the two lines, shade in the cloud. If the Leading Span A is below the Leading Span B, the cryptocurrency is moving in a negative direction and the cloud should be shaded red. On the other hand, if the Leading Span A is above the Leading Span B, it is an indication that the price of the crypto asset is gaining momentum. You should therefore shade the cloud green.

Now that you have an Ichimoku Cloud, you can easily use it to generate momentum and trend-following signals. Here’s how.

Momentum signals are generated depending on the relationship between the market price, the Base Line, and the Conversion Line. If either the market price or the Conversion Line, or both of them, move above the Base Line, a bullish momentum signal is produced.

Bearish momentum signals occur when either the market price or the Tenkan-sen, or both of them, move below the baseline.

The crossing between the Tenkan-sen and the Kijun-sen is known as the TK cross.

Trend-following signals are generated according to the position of the market price in relation to the cloud, as well as the color of the cloud. If the prices are consistently above the cloud, the cryptocurrency is in an upward trend. If the prices are below the cloud, the cryptocurrency is bearish, or in a downward trend. Except for a few exceptions, the market is considered neutral or flat if the price is moving sideways within the cloud.

Another element that can help you spot and confirm a trend reversal is the Chikou Span or lagging span. This line gives you insights into the strength of price action. It may possibly confirm a bearish trend if it moves below the market prices, and a bullish trend if it moves above the market prices. Normally, you will have to use the Chikou Span in conjunction with other components on the Ichimoku Cloud, rather than using it on its own.

You can also use the Ichimoku chart to identify support and resistance zones. The Leading Span A, or green cloud line, usually acts as the support line during an uptrend and as the resistance line in a downtrend. In both cases, the candlesticks will move closer to the Leading Span A.

The Leading Span B can also act as the support or resistance line when the prices are in the cloud. Because both the Leading Span A and the Leading Span B are leading indicators, you can use them to predict future resistance and support zones.

The strength of the Ichimoku Cloud signals depends on whether they match the broader trend. If a signal is part of a larger, clearly defined trend, it is much stronger than a signal that briefly crops up in the opposite direction to the prevailing trend.

In simple terms, if a bullish signal is not accompanied by a bullish trend, the signal is weak. So, before you act on a signal, consider the position and color of the cloud, as well as the volume.

After spending three decades on research and testing, Goichi Hosada, the inventor of the Ichimoku Cloud, decided that the (9, 26, 52) setting has the best results. Back in the day, the Japanese business schedule included Saturdays. The number nine, therefore, represented one and a half weeks, and the numbers 26 and 52 represented one and two months, respectively.

These settings are still used in many trading contexts. However, for the cryptocurrency markets, traders adjust the Ichimoku setting to reflect the 24/7 markets. The settings, therefore, change from (9, 26, 52) to (10, 30,60). Some traders also adjust the settings to (20, 60, 120) in an attempt to minimize false signals.

The debate is still ongoing as to whether it is efficient to modify the settings. While some traders are convinced that it’s vital to edit Ichimoku settings, others are worried that adjusting the settings will disrupt the balance of the Ichimoku system, producing a lot of invalid signals.

One of the downsides of using the Ichimoku Cloud is that the tool depends on historical data. Although this data can sometimes be used to predict the future, there are no guarantees that the past will be repeated.

The Ichimoku Cloud, like all other technical indicators, can sometimes produce false signals. When it is used on smaller time frames, the Ichimoku Cloud may not account for larger trends.

Combination of Other Technical Analysis Tools With Ichimoku Cloud

Even in trending cryptocurrency markets, the Ichimoku indicator is rarely used alone. Traders combine other technical analysis tools and methods with the Ichimoku Cloud to better predict support and resistance levels.

Some of the more popular trading indicators used in tandem with Ichimoku include:

, used to provide some range-like bounds even when the market is trending

· Fibs — used to determine the most probable reversal area.

Is Ichimoku Efficient for Crypto Day Trading?

Cryptocurrency trading involves buying a cryptocurrency and selling it to make a profit. Depending on your goals and how long you would like to hold on to your cryptocurrency, you can choose to split your trading into long-term or short-term.

Day trading involves holding your cryptocurrency for very short periods from a few minutes to a few hours. The goal is to sell your cryptocurrency before the end of the day and make a small but quick profit.

The Ichimoku Cloud is a useful tool for crypto day trading. The best Ichimoku day trading strategy is the edge-to-edge cloud setup. According to this strategy, whenever a candlestick closes inside the Ichimoku Cloud, the price shifts to the opposite side of the Kumo.

The Ichimoku buy sell signals are candlestick forms below the Kumo Cloud and closes above the leading span A, a buy signal occurs. A sell signal, on the other hand, appears when a candlestick forms above the Kumo Cloud breaks and closes below the leading span A.

If you are day trading cryptocurrencies, the Ichimoku Cloud will give you enough edge-to-edge trade signals to help you reach your profit goals. However, you can always use other elements of the Ichimoku indicator to filter out false signals.

The Ichimoku Cloud is an efficient, sophisticated cryptocurrency trading tool that is actually easy to understand and use. The technical indicator minimizes the human input needed to trade, especially when compared with other technical indicators.

Don’t forget to use the Ichimoku Cloud together with other indicators in order to confirm trends and minimize the risks of crypto trading. Click here for more 

What Is Ichimoku Cloud and How to Apply It to Crypto Trading?

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards