Institutions Remain Active Despite Bitcoin Derivatives Slowdown

[cryptobro]

BTC two-month futures annualized premium. Source: Laevitas.ch

Even as futures demand weakens, institutional participation in Bitcoin remains significant. The $7.5 billion in open interest on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) highlights continued engagement from major financial players. Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs are averaging over $3 billion in daily trading volume, reinforcing that traditional finance has not abandoned the asset class.

Publicly listed companies collectively hold more than $79 billion worth of Bitcoin onchain, including Strategy, MARA Holdings, XXI and Metaplanet. Additionally, sovereign exposure continues to grow, with countries such as El Salvador and United Arab Emirates maintaining Bitcoin allocations. The data suggests caution — not capitulation — among large investors.

[cryptoenthusiast]

this feels less like fear and more like everyone collectively touching grass before the next liquidation cascade