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

The U.S. presidential election is creating a volatility premium for options expiring after Nov 5, 2024. While longer-term volatility smiles have consistently favored out-of-the-money (OTM) calls, short-term options have recently mirrored this trend. This suggests that the decline in spot prices at the end of September hasn’t significantly dampened sentiment in the derivatives markets.

Please check out some of the report’s highlights.

Futures Activities Subdued After Month-End Expiration

Spot price volatility leading up to the Sep 27, 2024 futures expiration resulted in the highest trading volumes in futures contracts in over a month. This surge was primarily focused on BTC contracts, reflecting a trend we've seen throughout much of the market's recent history. The expiration of a substantial quarterly contract at the end of September caused a decline in open interest, as not all traders opted to roll their positions into later expirations. Consequently, futures activity is currently much lower compared to that in perpetual swap markets.

While the expiration of the September contract led to a significant drop in futures open interest, the effect on perpetual swap contract markets was comparatively mild. Although we observed a decline in perpetual open interest at the end of the month, this was likely due to the closure of long positions as spot prices retreated toward the lower end of their recent range. 

This shift halts an upward trend in open interest that had been approaching all-time highs, but it doesn’t indicate a major decline — especially considering the high trading volumes recorded over the last two days of the month.

BTC ATM Implied Volatility Falls Sharply Since Fed Rate Cut

Positioning in BTC options markets continues to be heavily influenced by the U.S. election narrative. This is most evident in the term structure, which indicates significantly higher volatility expectations following the election, while short-term options are trading at much lower levels. The rise in implied volatility for these shorter tenors contrasts with the recent decline in actual volatility, which has reached lows for the month as spot prices remain relatively stable. 

Over the past week, trade volumes have mirrored this shifting sentiment, showing similar activity in both puts and calls. However, neither trade volumes nor open interest levels have surpassed recent figures, reflecting the range-bound nature of BTC spot prices, which remain influenced by broader macroeconomic factors.

Advanced

BlockSholves X Bybit Tech Report

Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Oct 2, 2024): Positive Sentiment Persists Following Recent Decline in Spot Prices

Sui has made history as the first blockchain to adopt SCION, a secure alternative to the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which protects against Internet routing attacks.

The SPX index was up by 0.01%, with energy, technology, and financial sectors performing well, while consumer discretionary, staples, and communication services lagging. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also remained in focus. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was down by 1.56%, with Bitcoin and Ether dropping by 2.48% and by 2.65%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is W, which surged 10.1% following the launch of Wormholescan v2, featuring enhanced multichain data and developer tools.

Wormhole (W), launched in 2020, is a cross-chain protocol that facilitates communication and token transfers across over 30 blockchain networks. Originally a crypto bridge between Solana and Ethereum, it has expanded to include features like the Portal token bridge and messaging protocols, serving as a comprehensive platform for cross-chain interactions. 

, providing enhanced real-time multichain data for the Wormhole ecosystem. New features include token, chain, and protocol analysis, a governor dashboard, a dedicated analytics page, and a developer section with a VAA parser. Users can explore these updates at 

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

Sui has made history as the first blockchain to adopt SCION, a secure alternative to the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which protects against Internet routing attacks. SCION addresses security flaws in BGP that have led to significant problems on other networks by preventing malicious traffic rerouting. With SCION, Sui enhances network resilience, safeguards validators from hijacking and DDoS attacks, and boosts performance with reduced latency. This integration solidifies Sui's position as a top blockchain for secure, critical infrastructure applications, maintaining 100% uptime since launching its mainnet.

Yesterday, the total flow for BTC spot ETFs was -$39.2 million, with no flow for GBTC and a negative flow of $39.2 million for non-GBTC ETFs.

, allowing users to earn test XTM and Gems. To participate, users need to download the app via the provided link, install it, and mine tXTM to earn 25 Gems per 1 tXTM mined. More Gems lead to a larger Tari airdrop.

Beginner

1.png

Sui Integrates SCION to Pioneer Blockchain Security Against Internet Routing Attacks

Eigenpie (EGP) is the ETH liquid restaking platform on EigenLayer enabling ETH and LST holders to earn rewards from multiple protocols while maintaining liquidity through liquid restaking tokens (LRTs).

, token holders are required to lock away their tokens for a long time through the 

 (PoS) consensus mechanism on the platform. While this structure helps keep the network liquid and secure, it’s a bit rigid regarding capital efficiency.

To counter this limitation, liquid staking protocols such as 

, which allows staked ETH to be used for other 

 (DeFi) activities, earning token holders extra rewards by issuing liquid staking tokens (LSTs).

However, liquid staking only allows assets to be staked in a single PoS blockchain. This limitation has led to the development of 

. It allows you to use staked assets to secure and earn rewards from multiple protocols through the use of 

One of the liquid restaking protocols operating on EigenLayer is Eigenpie, which lets you stake your staked assets to node operators in exchange for LRTs so you can earn rewards.

Let's examine Eigenpie more closely to see how it’s shaping the liquid restacking narrative in the DeFi ecosystem.

Eigenpie is a liquid restaking protocol within the EigenLayer ecosystem that allows you to earn passive income from both Ethereum staking and EigenLayer restaking while maintaining your assets’ liquidity through the use of LRTs. 

 ecosystem, Eigenpie aims to provide more utility for ETH holders in line with the broader vision of EigenLayer via liquid restaking.

As a native ETH holder or liquid staking participant, you can deposit your assets on Eigenpie, which then restakes them to node validators on EigenLayer. The node validators will then use these assets to power new 

 (AVS) on EigenLayer, allowing you as a token holder to earn extra rewards while maintaining liquid positions. Eigenpie has integrated with various DeFi platforms that let you use your LRTs to explore other yield-earning DeFi opportunities while accumulating Eigenpie points that qualify you for the EGP 

EigenLayer is an Ethereum restaking protocol designed to enhance the capital efficiency of your staked ETH by restaking it across different protocols. As a support layer for the Ethereum network, EigenLayer has a set of node validators who temporarily stake assets and verify transactions securely. Users who delegate their tokens to these node validators receive LRTs, which earn them rewards without unlocking their staked positions.

EigenLayer operates a system of AVS that allows projects such as sidechains, 

 to connect to its liquid restaking token protocols in order to secure their platforms without running full nodes.

As a novel isolated liquid restaking platform of EigenLayer, Eigenpie’s distinctive features include the following.

Eigenpie offers an innovative approach to liquid restaking by offering isolated liquid restaking tokens exclusive to a particular ETH LST. This isolates the risk to only the specific token staked on Eigenpie, and not any other ETH LST’s performance. This feature not only ensures that liquid restaking on Eigenpie is security-focused, but also offers an optimal restaking experience, especially to risk-averse LST holders. Below is a chart with the isolated liquid restaking tokens available on Eigenpie.

Eigenpie also offers isolated native restaking in collaboration with 

, an open-source ETH staking network that uses 

 (SSV) technology to create a decentralized and secure environment for ETH staking by splitting a validator key into several keyshares, which are distributed to multiple nodes. The isolated native restaking feature on Eigenpie allows ETH holders to connect their ETH to the website and restake it through a simple user interface. Once it’s restaked, ETH holders receive egETH tokens that earn them 2x Eigenpie points, resulting in better yields over time.

Eigenpie Enterprise, a restaking feature on Eigenpie designed for institutional grade investors, 

 that are designed to accommodate different enterprises, depending upon their needs.

The first version allows enterprises to participate in native restaking, liquid restaking and DeFi protocols only within the Eigenpie ecosystem in order to reduce their risk of bad debt. Meanwhile, the second version enables institutions to expand their positions from their existing EigenLayer holdings into the Eigenpie Institution Node Delegator, which opens them to more DeFi opportunities since they can deposit their LRTs in their preferred DeFi platform.

Eigenpie Token (EGP) is the governance and reward-earning 

 on Eigenpie. It's designed to ensure the sustainability and long-term success of Eigenpie as a restaking platform. As an EGP holder, you can lock your tokens to receive vlEGP tokens (at a 1:1 ratio) that can then be used to participate in Eigenpie's governance, and to earn rewards for active participation in the ecosystem. 

 EGP has a total supply of 10 million tokens, distributed as shown below:

Eigenpie's airdrop is reserved for holders who accumulate Eigenpie points through user engagement, and for 

 users from Binance and OKX. To accumulate Eigenpie points, users need to remain active on the platform by depositing LSTs. In short, 1 ETH worth of LST deposits on the platform earns you one point per hour. You can also earn points through referral, whereby your additional points are proportionate to the points earned by your referee.

You can buy EGP on Bybit's Spot trading platform. The token is listed as the 

 trading pair. Trading EGP on Bybit's user-friendly terminal is fast and efficient, and comes with 24-hour multilingual customer support.

The liquid restaking concept in cryptocurrency continues to proliferate, since it provides capital-efficient utility for ETH holders. Since Eigenpie is a top protocol on EigenLayer, ETH and LST holders can leverage its features, such as isolated liquid restaking and native restaking, to earn additional passive income from their staked assets.

Furthermore, institutional enterprises can leverage Eigenpie’s platform to access a wide range of DeFi opportunities by using their staked assets. The protocol offers liquid restaking services, and is thus timely as investors continue to explore DeFi opportunities in the crypto market.

Intermediate

Eigenpie.png

Eigenpie (EGP): ETH Liquid Restaking Powered by EigenLayer

Mumu the Bull is a meme coin built on the Solana blockchain. Learn more about how it works in this article.

 are two of the most iconic. Of the two imposing quadrupeds used to describe general market trends, almost everyone hopes for a bull market, in which prices soar. The crypto project known as Mumu the Bull has taken this classic concept and turned it into a 

. By combining internet trends from around the globe, Mumu the Bull hopes to create the next big thing. Is Mumu the Bull popular right now, and will its price increase in the future? Explore this guide to find out.

 blockchain. Its marketing ties together cartoon animal imagery, similarly to 

, with crypto memes about bull markets. This coin is also known for its competition with the Bobo the Bear meme coin.

According to Mumu the Bull’s creators, the coin’s primary goals are to unite the crypto world by including references to several beloved memes within the crypto universe, and to encourage countless users to trade its coin. In addition to references to bull and bear markets, Mumu the Bull endeavors to capitalize on familiarity with Pepe the Frog meme coins. It uses similar art and occasionally includes cartoon frogs in its memes. Eventually, 

 it will be able to use these playful references to become "the meme coin to rule them all." 

Some crypto investors also believe that Mumu the Bull can function as a market sentiment tracker. Its creators have set up Mumu the Bull to compete with Bobo the Bear. Therefore, some users hope that they’ll be able to predict a bull-vs.-bear crypto market by considering which of the two cryptos has a higher price and/or trading volume.

The Mumu the Bull meme coin project is built on the Solana blockchain. Thus, instead of running its own ledger, it uses the underlying security of Solana to validate and track each transaction. While Solana handles the back end, Mumu the Bull's team is focused on promoting the token. They’ve created multiple social media sites, and spend a lot of time generating memes and artwork surrounding the coin. This allows them to get their coin into the public consciousness, so more crypto enthusiasts will be interested in buying it.

 that automatically removes 0.25% of tokens from the liquidity pool for each sale that’s made. This has resulted in a current total supply of 2.324 trillion tokens. Of the total supply, 95% has been allocated toward liquidity. These tokens quickly ended up being bought and sold on the open market. The remaining 5% of tokens were distributed to the Mumu the Bull team to compensate them for their work.

Initially, the MUMU token struggled to gain attention after its release, trading at roughly $0.000005. However, several months after its launch, Mumu the Bull took the crypto world by storm. Prices suddenly doubled, and then doubled again. By Jul 29, 2024, MUMU had reached an all-time high (ATH) of $0.00012. 

Despite a drop in price from its ATH, Mumu the Bull has still managed to retain popularity. MUMU is currently within the 

 by market cap and among the top 500 cryptocurrencies overall. Furthermore, MUMU’s 24-hour trading volume is $9.87 million (as of Oct 2, 2024), and its price is still up, roughly 1,257% from its ATL. 

This pricing history reveals a lot about the popularity of Mumu the Bull. Instead of following the trend of many meme coins, with a brief spike in interest followed by obscurity, Mumu the Bull has experienced a slow yet steady rise in trading. This coin has gone from an underrated novelty to an iconic meme coin in the 2024 market. Particularly when the market is dealing with bull conditions, Mumu the Bull is trading very well.

MUMU tokens are primarily available through 

 (DEXs). The creators of Mumu the Bull suggest that people purchase MUMU by purchasing Solana tokens, and then swapping Solana for MUMU tokens on a DEX. 

However, if you prefer a more convenient way to invest in MUMU, consider purchasing Mumu the Bull tokens as a Perpetual contract. To get started, you’ll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

If you're looking for a diverse portfolio filled with meme coins, the MUMU token is a promising option. Its price is currently low enough that it's not overinflated, yet it's still seeing a lot of trading activity. Thanks to its proximity to the Pepe the Frog universe, Mumu the Bull seems likely to keep its audience interested for some time.

However, this probably isn't a meme coin that's going to turn anyone into a millionaire overnight. While it's performing reasonably well, nothing about the coin indicates an imminent drastic increase in value. It's likely to undergo both small price increases and decreases in the future. Due to the inherent volatility of meme coins, investors need to exercise some caution when purchasing Mumu the Bull. Never overextend yourself financially, and make sure you 

Ultimately, Mumu the Bull is a promising addition to the world of meme coins. By focusing on classic memes about market conditions, it's managed to attract an audience and increase its prices. However, Mumu the Bull has a lot of competition, so only time will tell if this token can become a top meme coin.

mumu the bull.png

Mumu the Bull (MUMU): A Symbol of the Bull Run Moovement

Explainers

Metaverse

Altcoins

Virtua (TVK) is a metaverse environment dedicated to gaming and supporting gamers’ digital lives.

, an immersive digital world underpinned by blockchain, VR and AR technologies, is currently among the hottest topics in the crypto industry. A number of platforms, mainly in the gaming and NFT spheres, have risen to dominate this space. These include gaming environments like 

 (ILV), metaverse giants that are typically focused on one main game — although some platforms, e.g., 

, allow you to create your own custom games as well.

Virtua (TVK) is a major metaverse undertaking with a completely different approach: it’s a blockchain-based 3D digital world that acts as a comprehensive hub for all things related to crypto gaming. These include a variety of games, 

, NFT-based characters, gamer lounges, diverse land spaces and more. In short, Virtua provides an environment for users to play games, socialize and live their digital lives wholly immersed in a world of gaming.

 (TVK) is a metaverse environment dedicated to gaming and supporting gamers’ digital lives. In the Virtua Metaverse, users can play games, trade game assets as NFTs, purchase land plots, interact with animated characters and socialize with each other.

One of the earlier projects dedicated to providing a metaverse experience, Virtua was founded in 2017, initially under the brand name Terra Virtua, by a gaming industry veteran, Gary Bracey, and a technology entrepreneur, Jawad Ashraf. In June 2022, the platform was rebranded to Virtua, and in late 2023, the project team announced plans for 

 to Vanar (VANRY). The new brand and token names will be used once the platform launches its own 

Initially, Virtua focused on the NFT space. However, the platform has expanded significantly over the years. It now offers virtually everything a metaverse gamer might need — games, socialization lounges, special characters as NFTs, a variety of crypto land plots and more.

Among the special characters available on Virtua in the form of NFTs, the most popular are humanoid creatures called VFLECTs. When you first create an account on Virtua, you get a free non-NFT VFLECT to use as your avatar.

Virtua Prime, the first “planet” launched in the Virtua Metaverse, is where all the current activity on the platform happens. It’s divided into six regions where virtual islands — with different themes or purposes — are located. The regions and islands of Virtua Prime are as follows:

Some regions are already populated and have activity in them, but the majority still await their dwellers. The populated islands are in Region 1, where the platform’s main island, Virtua Island, is located, and Region 2, home to 

 Island. We’ll take a closer look at these two islands in the following sections. 

This is the primary island on the planet and home to the multidimensional Virtua Hub, which connects all the islands of Virtua Prime. The island also hosts digital land plots in four different sizes — Small, Medium, Large and Giga — and is divided into three City Zones and five Edge Zones, each of which has a few thousand individual plots that users can purchase.

The island also features thematic Experience Zones, areas dedicated to some industry or activity such as gaming, fashion, automotive and more.

Virtua Island also hosts the Monster Zone, an area where intimidating massive monster creatures roam. Land plots bordering the Monster Zone are some of the most expensive and prestigious on Virtua Island. Evidently, the island dwellers are brave folk!

A key part of Virtua Island is Virtua Hub, the beating heart of the entire planet. This is a multidimensional space that acts as a central portal for Virtua users. It provides links to NFT marketplaces, games, socialization areas and all the islands on the planet. The hub helps users navigate Virtua’s massive and complex environment. It also hosts the VFLECT Zone (where the abovementioned VFLECT creatures hang out), the Information Hub, NFT Showrooms, NFT trade zones and a lounge dedicated to esports fans.

Cardano Island is the first crypto island on Virtua. In early 2023, the Cardano (ADA) blockchain was 

, and Cardano enthusiasts can now have their own unique user experience on a separate island.

Cardano Island is home to Cardano HQ, the central point of navigation for the island residents; Cardano Academy, where users can access educational material and meetup opportunities; three Cardano Towers, with up to 1,000 condos per tower for purchase; and 12,999 land plots.

The Virtua Metaverse features a large variety of different NFTs. VFLECTs, land plots, condos in towers, resources on islands and many more asset types are all represented as NFTs on the platform. Virtua’s NFT Marketplace is the key area where these assets are traded.

VFLECTs are humanoid creatures that serve as a main NFT type on Virtua. There’s a variety of VFLECT configurations, and Virtua has partnered with many external brands and projects to create themed VFLECTs. For example, one of the VFLECT varieties is the Purgatori VFLECT, based on the famous Purgatori comic book character.

VFLECTs are roaming around in Virtua and are among the most actively traded NFT varieties on the platform’s marketplace.

Guardians are another type of NFTs in the Virtua world. There are 999 Guardian NFTs in total. They’re described as protectors of Virtua, whose task is to defend the space from monsters. As with VFLECTS, you’ll often bump into them when spending time in the Virtua Metaverse.

Players can receive Guardian NFTs for free by clearing Level 50 in the Season Pass game. Note that a single player can only claim one Guardian for free. If you hope to own more than one Guardian, you'll have to purchase them in the market.

Virtua’s land plots are also traded as NFTs. Land plot prices differ, depending upon the island and zone, with places closer to the Monster Zone on Virtua Island trading at a premium. Virtua Island has 55,000 plots, in addition to 10 vast Giga Plots across its eight zones.

Each land plot may have various NFT-based items, introducing a dynamic element to life on the plot. For instance, there are small Loot Boxes that occasionally appear on plots, and can be opened for a surprise; and Relics, mysterious items that can alter the land plot’s properties. In total, over 10 item types might be available on a land plot, and the availability of each type depends upon the size of the land piece you own.

Creatures, land plots and items that belong to the Virtua Metaverse aren’t the only NFT types on the platform. The marketplace also supports independent digital artwork creators, who can mint NFTs that represent their unique artwork and list them on the marketplace for sale.

Buying land plots or owning VFLECTs is a lot of fun — but true gamers always appreciate the opportunity to play actual games. The 

 is the part of the platform where it all happens. An important element of the network is the Gamers Lounge, where you can access exclusive gaming content and play games for crypto and NFT rewards.

Outside of the exclusive lounge, Virtua has made available a selection of HTML5 games, as well as its flagship mobile game, 

 — a fun environment in which you go on a space run, overcoming obstacles and challenges along the way.

TVK is Virtua’s native cryptocurrency, which you can use to purchase land plots in the Virtua Metaverse. You can also stake TVK in Virtua’s Prestige Club to earn a host of rewards and benefits, such as exclusive NFT 

, TVK bonuses and a variety of collectibles. The Prestige Club membership has four levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The minimum required to join as a member is 5,000 TVK (around $240) for the Bronze Prestige Tier Level, and up to 125,000 TVK (around $6,000) for Platinum.

TVK can also be earned by completing quests and winning competitions. The token also has 

 functionality. By staking your TVK funds, you can participate in voting on the future direction of the Virtua Metaverse. Staking for governance voting is different from staking in the Prestige Club. For governance staking, users need to lock at least 50,000 TVK (around $2,400) to be eligible for voting. The more tokens you stake, the more voting power you have.

TVK is a supply-capped token. Its total and maximum supply stands at 1.2 billion, with nearly all of that amount in circulation.

As of Dec 1, 2023, TVK is trading at $0.0478, around 96% lower than its all-time high of $1.21 on May 15, 2021, and 169% higher than its all-time low of $0.01767 on Sep 13, 2023.

Long-term forecasts for TVK are all bullish, with PricePrediction 

 $0.136 in 2025 and $0.907 in 2030, and DigitalCoinPrice 

Is Virtua Kolect (TVK) a Good Investment?

Operating in the booming niche of the metaverse, Virtua and its TVK token show great promise. TVK acts as a multi-function token with vast utility within the Virtua Metaverse. TVK, or its planned future replacement, VANRY, will experience solid growth as the Virtua platform develops and expands. Multiple factors point to TVK’s great investment outlook:

TVK will certainly capitalize on these opportunities to put up some solid notches on the price chart. Nevertheless, even though TVK may show potential for growth, the volatile nature of 

 and analysis before considering any investment.

 Spot pair in the Innovation Zone. If you’re a gaming or metaverse enthusiast, you can’t miss out on TVK! Note that tokens listed in the 

 may be vulnerable to volatile price swings.

Many of the large metaverse platforms launched so far have been criticized — even ridiculed — for their visually underwhelming user experiences that fall short of the true metaverse. Virtua is different. Its vast, complex environment comes close to the rich graphics that deserve the metaverse badge.

And for gamers, Virtua is a rare platform that offers a comprehensive digital living and playing experience. Playing games, buying land plots or condos, socializing with other gamers, nurturing your VFLECTs, trading NFTs and winning collectibles — all this is offered within the Virtua Metaverse. What more could a gamer ask for?

Virtua (TVK): The Ultimate Metaverse Playground

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards