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.

After mostly trading sideways at the end of April 2025, a US-UK trade deal sparked a crypto rally. BTC surged past $100K for the first time since February, but it’s ETH's performance that captured the derivatives market's attention. 

A 23% increase in ETH's spot price led to an inverted term structure and a spike in front-end volatility. The put/call skew for ETH shifted from a bearish bias to a nearly 10% skew toward OTM calls. Other sentiment indicators, such as perp funding rates and futures yield, also supported the rally. In contrast, while BTC's funding rates and skew have increased, its implied volatility remains low at 40%, over 30 points below ETH's 7-day implied volatility.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

ETH’s record performance since 2021 was propelled by positive term structure

ETH has significantly outperformed BTC and the top 10 cryptocurrencies, marking its largest single-day gain since May 2021. The options market has reflected this enthusiasm, with implied volatility for short tenors rising sharply and inverting ETH’s term structure, thus contrasting with BTC's muted, positively sloped structure. The 7-day tenor for ETH is now trading at a 33-point premium over that for BTC. 

While puts dominate BTC's open interest, ETH is seeing the opposite trend. On May 8, 2025, options volumes surged over $120M, more than double the typical monthly volume, with $60M more in calls than puts. ETH now boasts a positive futures curve and funding rates, as well as a strong skew toward OTM calls.

ETH sees exceptionally bullish put/call skew

ETH's substantial outperformance in the current crypto rally has led to bullish sentiment in its derivatives markets. Funding rates have surged, futures yields are strongly positive and the put/call skew has shifted significantly toward OTM calls, now close to 10%. This starkly contrasts with early April, when the skew was 20% toward OTM puts. Although ETH has underperformed (relative to BTC and other "ETH killers"), it has rebounded in this rally, with the ETH/BTC ratio rising after spending most of the year declining.

Open interest for Bitcoin options increased, with implied volatility remaining suppressed

The announcement of the new US administration's first trade deal, nearly 30 days into Trump's 90-day tariff pause, jolted crypto markets, pushing BTC back up above $100K. Surprisingly, implied volatility has remained suppressed, failing to invert BTC's term structure, with front-end volatility trading at around an 18-month low of 35-40%. On May 8, 2025, options volumes surged, with call volume reaching $189M, reversing last week's trend of higher put volumes. Meanwhile, open interest rose steadily to exceed $300M, the highest level this month, but remains significantly larger for puts than for calls despite the price increase.

Advanced

block-scholes-x-bybit-report.jpeg

Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (May 9, 2025): Ether’s put/call skew turns remarkably more bullish than Bitcoin’s

This article explores how Sign works, its flagship products (such as TokenTable, SignPass and EthSign), its native token (SIGN) and how to trade SIGN on Bybit.

Sign is an omnichain attestation infrastructure that empowers users and developers to verify real-world claims on-chain. Built for a more transparent and decentralized future, it eliminates the need to “just trust” and enables everyone to verify with cryptographic proof.

This article explores how Sign works, its flagship products (such as TokenTable and EthSign), its native token (SIGN) and how to trade SIGN on Bybit.

 is an omnichain attestation protocol designed to make it easy for anyone to verify the authenticity of any claim — 

. Whether it’s a document, credential or user identity, Sign transforms traditional trust models into verifiable, cryptographic attestations. 

Sign’s mission is to replace outdated, opaque validation systems with transparent, 

 proof — enabling a future where “verify” replaces “trust.” Through tools like schema registries and digital signatures, Sign empowers users to bring accountability and integrity to digital interactions.

Sign is developed by the team behind EthSign, a 

-native e-signature and agreement platform. Its core team brings deep experience in 

 development and cross-chain integrations.

The project is backed by top-tier investors, including Sequoia Capital China (now known as HongShan Capital Group), Mirana Ventures, HashKey Capital and Hack VC.

This strategic funding positions Sign as a foundational layer in the web3 infrastructure stack.

Sign allows users to create attestations — cryptographically signed statements that prove the validity of claims, such as credentials, achievements or actions. These digital proofs can be verified by anyone at any time, making them tamperproof and transparent.

Sign’s key technical elements include a schema registry that ensures consistent data formatting, digital signatures proving authenticity, and on- and off-chain attestations with support for revocation or updates

This system acts like a programmable layer for web3, bringing a new level of trust to identity, credentials and data exchange.

TokenTable is Sign’s flagship token distribution platform. It helps projects unlock, distribute and manage tokens transparently and securely at scale.

It uses Sign’s attestation engine to verify token unlocks, 

 and vesting schedules, ensuring traceable, auditable token flows.

SignPass is a blockchain-based identity solution that brings real-world credentials on-chain. One notable implementation is the Sierra Leone PR Card, used for the world’s first government-approved on-chain permanent residency program.

SignPass offers encrypted on-chain records for easy 

 verification, physical ID issuance for daily identity use and streamlined digital application systems for cross-border access.

It showcases the way blockchain can modernize public sector services worldwide.

EthSign is a decentralized contract signing platform that lets users create, sign and store legally binding agreements directly on-chain. It removes intermediaries and ensures documents are immutable and accessible.

EthSign reinforces Sign’s mission by bringing traditional documentation into the realm of verifiable web3 attestations.

The SIGN token is the native utility token powering the Sign ecosystem. It’s used for:

The total supply is capped at 10 billion SIGN, with 1.2 billion tokens in circulation. While the fully diluted valuation (FDV) sits above $746 million as of May 7, the circulating market cap is approximately $89.6 million. SIGN continues to gain traction across exchanges and developer networks.

SIGN is available for trading on Bybit via Spot trading and as a USDT Perpetual contract. Bybit offers up to 75x leverage for the SIGNUSDT Perpetual contract and supports secure, high-liquidity spot trading.

Start exploring the future of attestations with SIGN on Bybit today.

Intermediate

sign.png

Sign (SIGN): Web3 protocol for trustless attestation

Compliant trading means following platform rules and avoiding manipulative behavior. Learn more about how you can trade responsibly and compliantly on Bybit.

Crypto trading has come a long way from what used to be the domain of institutional players, and is now open to almost anyone with an internet connection. It’s easier than ever to buy and sell digital assets, try new strategies or build a portfolio from scratch all within minutes.

But with that level of access comes responsibility. As more people join the market, the need for fairness and accountability has become even more important. This isn’t just about price charts or profits — it’s about keeping the playing field level for everyone involved.

At Bybit, we take that responsibility seriously. We're here to offer the tools, safeguards and education you need to help you trade responsibly and to protect the platform from misuse.

This article describes what it actually means to trade compliantly, why it matters — and what can happen if things go off course.

Compliant trading means playing fair, following the platform’s rules, staying within the boundaries of what’s allowed and avoiding anything that could unfairly affect the market.

It’s not about avoiding risk: it’s about knowing what you’re doing, using official tools the right way and making sure your trades aren’t causing harm to yourself or others.

In short, compliant traders don’t just focus on their P&L — they understand that how they conduct themselves while trading matters. Responsible trading protects their accounts, keeps the platform stable and builds long-term credibility in the crypto ecosystem.

Why does responsible and compliant trading matter?

It’s easy to assume that compliance is only something platforms or regulators need to worry about. But in reality, every trader plays a part. When someone attempts to exploit the system — for example, by coordinating mass trades through off-platform channels — the consequences can ripple across the entire market.

In extreme cases, irresponsible trading behavior can:

And if the trades in question are linked to coordinated action, use of fake accounts or external bots? That opens the door to account freezes, compliance reviews and, in some cases, permanent suspension.

Bybit has a responsibility to act when the system is being abused — not just for legal reasons, but in order to protect honest traders.

Common examples of noncompliant or risky behavior

Some traders join Telegram groups or online communities in which KOLs (key opinion leaders) give out coordinated trading instructions (for example, “Buy token A now, sell it in an hour”). This practice isn’t just risky: it often involves a small number of insiders benefiting while the majority end up with losses.

When many people follow the same instruction all at once, it can artificially inflate the price of a low-liquidity token. The KOLs then exit at the top —while others are left with falling prices and unexpected liquidations.

Such a textbook case of market manipulation violates our Terms of Service and, depending upon jurisdiction, could violate financial laws.

Using bots or unverified trading strategies

Some Telegram groups may seem convincing, but trades coordinated off-platform are often unverified and may serve someone else’s agenda. 

 programmed to front-run trades, mimic pump-and-dump strategies or follow unverified signals can trigger compliance red flags and may lead to account restrictions.

Bybit does not support trading bots from unverified sources. They can also trigger flags in our monitoring systems, which may result in account suspension.

Using another person’s account or sharing login credentials — even if it’s with a family member — goes against both Bybit’s policies and global 

(AML) rules. It also opens the door to fraud, loss of funds and irreversible penalties.

Tips for responsible and compliant trading on Bybit

The good news is that there’s a better way to trade — responsibly, safely and with confidence, starting with the right tools, mindset and habits.

Use copy trading the way it’s meant to be used

 is one of Bybit’s most trusted features, and for good reason. It gives users access to professional traders’ strategies while maintaining full transparency. However, it only works if you follow verified 

These traders have been vetted and their stats are fully visible. You can view their P&L, risk settings and trade history. Bybit also provides built-in tools, such as 

 and staking products allow you to earn passive yield with minimal effort. These products are fully backed by our infrastructure and undergo regular audits, and are a compliant way to generate returns without chasing risky trades.

No matter how convincing a Telegram group may sound, remember that trades executed outside of regulated channels are unverified and often unaccountable. They may be coordinated for someone else’s gain.

 offers a wide range of articles and tutorials, covering everything from indicators and oscillators to advanced portfolio strategies. Before following any external signal, it’s worth spending 10 minutes to understand the rationale behind it. In trading, knowledge is your best form of compliance. Before you enter any position, ensure that you fully understand the asset you're trading, the current market conditions and the risks involved.

, never share your login credentials, and always enable two-factor (2FA) authentication. In addition, all trading activity should originate from your own account and remain under your own control.

Bybit’s systems are designed to flag irregular behavior. If your account is found to be engaging in prohibited activity, even unintentionally, you may be:

We take these steps in order to protect the broader user base and to uphold market fairness.

Being compliant doesn’t mean missing out on opportunity. In fact, it’s the opposite. It means you’re using the platform the way it was designed, with safeguards, transparency and trust. Shortcuts might look appealing in the short term, but they rarely end well. The most successful traders on Bybit are the ones who understand risk, stay informed and trade with integrity.

Take the time to learn and use the tools available to you. And remember: protecting your account starts with choosing how you’ll trade.

Beginner

compliant trading.png

How to trade compliantly and responsibly on Bybit

Discover how DAI evolved into USDS under the Sky protocol—unlocking passive rewards, scalability, and a new era of DeFi with Sky Token Rewards.

In September 2024, MakerDAO, a pioneering 

 (DeFi) protocol, underwent a significant transformation by rebranding itself as 

 (SKY). This rebranding was part of the project's comprehensive strategy to enhance scalability, user engagement and regulatory compliance. The major changes that came with the rebranding include token upgrades, whereby the platform’s stablecoin, Dai, was upgraded to USDS (Sky Dollar) while the 

Let’s take a deeper look at USDS and its role on the Sky platform.

USDS (United States Dollar Sky) is the upgraded version of the Dai stablecoin, launched under the newly rebranded Sky protocol (formerly MakerDAO).

 Like DAI, USDS is a decentralized, overcollateralized stablecoin designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar.

However, USDS significantly improves scalability, user incentives and regulatory positioning, making it a next-generation solution for DeFi.

One of the standout features of USDS as a stablecoin is that it creates 

 opportunities for its investors. With USDS, you can access the Sky Savings Rate (SSR) feature, which allows you to participate in the Sky ecosystem's governance by accumulating Sky Token Rewards (STR) (presented in the form of SKY tokens).

SSR also features a variable automated token accumulation feature, whereby you receive 

 to the SSR program. This passive earning potential offers a major advantage for users seeking yield without complicated 

Sky uses a dynamic model that adds USDS to the SSR pool every few seconds. Over time, the value of sUSDS in the particular pool increases. You can then opt to redeem your sUSDS for USDS, and receive the USDS you initially supplied in addition to the USDS equivalent you’ve accumulated.

These rewards serve as an incentive mechanism, enabling users to passively grow their holdings while supporting the health and stability of the Sky ecosystem.

Upgrading from DAI to USDS is straightforward. Users can visit Sky.money and initiate the upgrade directly through a noncustodial, user-controlled process.

The platform provides a simple interface on which users connect their wallets, exchange their existing DAI for an equal amount of USDS and instantly become eligible for yield accumulation and other Sky ecosystem benefits. There are no fees for the upgrade, and users retain full control of their assets at all times.

USDS isn’t just a stablecoin; it’s an evolution of DeFi money. With passive earning through Sky Token Rewards and a smooth, secure upgrade path, USDS sets a new standard for the way decentralized stablecoins can deliver value and financial empowerment to users worldwide.

USDS and DAI are both decentralized stablecoins originally developed under the MakerDAO ecosystem (now Sky). While they share the same core principle — overcollateralization and the maintenance of a 1:1 peg with the US dollar — USDS represents a major evolution of DAI, introducing additional incentives designed to enhance user experience, scalability and regulatory alignment.

DAI has long been a favorite in the DeFi ecosystem, allowing users to generate stablecoins by locking up crypto collateral such as 

. DAI features a savings program, the DAI Savings Rate (DSR), from which people can earn 

 (sDAI). While the DSR program is still running, upgrading to USDS lets you earn two types of rewards through the SSR program: sUSDS tokens and Sky Token Rewards (STRs).

In addition, USDS is well positioned to meet regulatory requirements, aiming for broader mainstream adoption while maintaining decentralization.

Below is a comparison table between DAI and USDS:

USDS is backed by collateral that’s deposited in Sky vaults by borrowers. In return, the reserves for these vaults are backed by three main assets: 

With a market cap of over $8 billion, USDS is the currently third-largest stablecoin after 

 is more complex than that of typical stablecoins, as it includes liquidation mechanisms and a peg-stability module. However, an audit of USDS’s smart contract in September 2024 didn’t report any significant risks with the stablecoin. Notably, S&P Global Ratings 

 of 4 out of 5, indicating constrained ability to maintain its peg under certain conditions. 

​Additionally, the proposal to include a freeze function for USDS, which bestows upon the Sky protocol the power to halt USDS transfers between wallets, has sparked heated discussions within the community, highlighting the ongoing conundrum of balancing security measures with principles of decentralization.

The evolution of DAI to USDS marks a major leap forward for DeFi. By combining DAI's trusted and overcollateralized model with additional passive earning opportunities through Sky Token Rewards, USDS empowers users to enjoy greater financial benefits with less complexity.

The streamlined upgrade process and stronger regulatory positioning set the stage for broader adoption and a more resilient future. As Sky continues to build, USDS represents more than just a stablecoin — it’s the foundation of an open, accessible and more rewarding financial ecosystem for everyone.

usds crypto.png

From DAI to USDS: Unlocking an open Sky for a more rewarding future

Trading

Strategies

Trading breakouts involves capturing significant price movements by identifying critical levels of support and resistance, and then anticipating a break of those key levels. Read to learn all about breakout trading.

bullish-bearish-breakouts.png

support-zone.png

resistance-zone.png

symmetrical-triangle-breakout-trading.png

ascending-triangle-breakout-trading.png

descending-triangle-breakout-trading.png

rectangle-breakout-trading.png

flag-breakout-trading.png

moving-average-breakout-trading.png

bollinger-bands-breakout-trading.png

donchian-channels-breakout-trading.png

volume-breakout-trading.png

Breakout trading is a popular strategy among retail traders in the cryptocurrency market. It involves identifying key 

 levels and capitalizing on price movements beyond those thresholds. While the breakout trading strategy can be highly profitable if executed correctly, it comes with risks. This article aims to guide you in mastering the art of trading breakouts, from understanding common breakout patterns to learning how to confirm a breakout and avoid a false breakout.

Breakout trading is an entry strategy that aims to capture significant price movements that occur when the market breaks through a pivotal level of support or resistance. It’s based on the belief that when an asset's price breaks out of a trading range, it will continue to move in the direction of the breakout. This important trading strategy is often used by traders seeking to profit from volatility and capitalize on the potential for significant gains.

Support and resistance levels are critical components in trading breakouts. Understanding these levels helps traders read the price action on a chart to identify potential breakouts and make informed trading decisions. Let's take a closer look at support and resistance levels.

Support refers to a price level at which buying pressure is expected to be robust enough to prevent the price from falling further. It’s sometimes referred to as a “demand zone,” as sellers withdraw and buyers flood in, perceiving that the price is favorable. Support acts as a price floor, indicating a level where demand exceeds supply. When the price approaches a key support level, traders anticipate a potential upward bounce in price or a new trend to the upside.

Resistance denotes a price level where the selling pressure is presumed strong enough to prevent the price from rising further. It’s sometimes referred to as a "supply zone" as buyers stop buying and sellers start selling. Resistance functions as a price ceiling, indicating a level at which supply surpasses demand. As a price nears the resistance level, traders expect a potential price rejection or a break to the downside.

A breakout occurs when traders anticipate these support or resistance levels will be surpassed, no longer constraining prices. Therefore, breakout traders will aim to buy above resistance and sell below support, unlike most novice traders, who typically buy at support and sell at resistance. This approach may initially seem a little counterintuitive, but breakout traders can effectively estimate potential level breaches using patterns and indicators.

Breakout traders look for several common chart patterns when implementing a strategy. These patterns provide valuable insights into potential price movements, and help traders identify entry and exit points. 

Below, let’s explore some of the most widely used breakout patterns in cryptocurrency trading.

These are just a few examples of common breakout patterns. Traders should 

, and learn to recognize them in real-time market conditions.

Best Technical Indicators for a Breakout Trade

Since they help traders confirm potential breakout opportunities, technical indicators play an indispensable role in trading breakouts. Here are some of the best technical indicators that can be used in breakout strategies.

It’s important to note that technical indicators shouldn’t be used in isolation. Traders need to consider multiple indicators, and analyze them in conjunction with other technical and 

 to bolster the probability of successful breakout trades.

It’s essential to confirm a breakout in order to avoid a false one — as well as to enhance the likelihood of a profitable trade. Here are some techniques that traders can use to confirm when the market breaks:

 — As mentioned earlier, volume plays a vital role in confirming a breakout. Traders should look for high volume during a breakout to validate its strength. An increase in volume suggests strong participation and conviction from market participants, raising the probability of a successful breakout.

—Traders also need to look for price confirmation to validate a breakout. For example, if a bullish breakout occurs, they may want to enter a few points above resistance to help confirm that the breakout is genuine. Similarly, in the event of a bearish breakout, traders may want to see the price continue a couple of points below support before entering.

— Time confirmation refers to the duration of the breakout. Traders are advised to wait until a breakout sustains a certain period before entering. For example, some traders will wait for the 

 to close on a breakout before entering. This helps filter out false breakouts and quick reversals that leave behind long wicks on the price charts, ensuring that the breakout has sufficient momentum to generate profitable trades.

With these confirmation techniques, traders can boost their chances of identifying genuine breakouts — and avoid getting caught in false signals.

A false breakout can be frustrating and result in unnecessary losses. To avert such situations, traders can employ the following strategies:

—Traders need to be patient and wait for confirmation before entering a trade. It’s better to miss a potential breakout than to enter a trade prematurely and suffer losses from a false breakout. Waiting for confirmation through volume, price and time can significantly reduce the risk of entering trades during false breakouts.

 can help traders filter out false breakouts. If a breakout is surfacing only on a lower time frame, but not on a higher one, this may signal a false breakout. By analyzing breakouts on multiple time frames, traders can bolster their confidence in the validity of a breakout.

 techniques are crucial in breakout trading. It’s wise to set appropriate 

 to limit potential losses in case of a false breakout. Additionally, using 

 techniques can help manage risk and protect capital.

By incorporating these strategies, traders can minimize the risks of false breakouts and increase their chances of profitable trades.

What’s the Best Time Frame to Trade Breakouts?

The best time frame to trade breakouts depends upon the trader's individual preferences, trading style and availability: 

Regardless of your chosen time frame, the most crucial concept to remember is that breakouts thrive on volatility. If you’re a short-term trader, make your trades during the times of day when there’s heightened liquidity and volatility in the market. That additional boost of volatility is necessary in order to breach support and resistance levels. For example, short-term traders would do well to stay away from the early part of the Asian trading session on weekends in order to mitigate potential risks.

Pros and Cons of the Breakout Trading Strategy

Like any trading strategy, breakout trading has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore some of the pros and cons of breakout trading.

: Breakout trading provides clear entry and exit points, making it easier for traders to plan their trades and manage risk. When a breakout occurs, traders can enter the market at the breakout point and set stop-loss orders at the recent swing to limit potential losses.

: Breakout trading aligns with the trend-following approach, allowing traders to leverage established market trends. By trading breakouts in the direction of a trend, they can augment their chances of successful trades and potentially ride significant price movements.

: Breakout trading can be applied to various asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, forex and commodities. This versatility allows traders to explore different markets and diversify their trading portfolios.

: False breakouts can be a challenge in breakout trading. Misidentifying a breakout can result in losses as the price quickly reverses and goes against the trader's position. Traders need to employ proper risk management strategies in order to minimize the impact of false breakouts.

, breakouts will most likely fail. If the trader doesn’t correctly analyze the current market environment, they may be influenced by market noise and false signals.

: Breakout trading requires emotional discipline, as traders need to remain patient and wait for confirmation before entering a trade. Impulsive trading or entering trades based on emotions can lead to poor decision-making and result in losses.

Breakout trading is a favored strategy among retail traders in the cryptocurrency market, since it offers a systematic approach to capturing significant price movements by identifying key levels of support and resistance. While offering distinct entry and exit points and alignment with trends, breakout trading also carries certain risks, such as false breakouts and market noise. Mastering proper confirmation techniques, adept use of technical indicators and practicing effective risk management are essential steps to achieving success with this strategy.

Breakout Trading Strategy: How to Trade Breakouts

Compete for 2,500 USDT USDT Every Week

Breakout Trading Strategy: How to Trade Breakouts

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Compete for 2,500 USDT USDT Every Week

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards