Bitcoin holds $81K amid flat derivatives markets: Is the rally sustainable?

Bitcoin's $7.9 billion in short liquidations since February has pushed BTC toward $90,000 as bears repeatedly reload positions above $80,000. Rising open interest at $29 billion and constructive price action above key support levels suggest continued upside potential. Exchange outflows signal sustained accumulation, though liquidation clusters near $82,500 create near-term volatility risks for Indian traders monitoring support levels around $76,000–$78,000.

CME is preparing to launch Bitcoin volatility futures contracts that operate independently of BTC's actual price movements. This derivative product lets traders speculate on Bitcoin's price swings without directional exposure. The move expands crypto derivatives offerings as institutional adoption grows. For Indian investors, it signals deeper market maturity and new hedging tools, though volatility products carry heightened risk.

Strategy, the world's largest crypto treasury firm, will sell bitcoin to fund STRC dividend payments while continuing to accumulate holdings. CEO Michael Saylor reversed the company's long-held "never sell" stance, stating Strategy aims to remain a net bitcoin aggregator. The firm holds 818,334 BTC (3.9% of supply) and targets doubling bitcoin-per-share within seven years through its digital credit strategy.