BTC volatility over the past week is slightly above yearly average: K33

There are signs of cautious optimism in the crypto markets for now

article-image

Zakharchuk/Shutterstock and Adobe modified by Blockworks

share

This is a segment from the Empire newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.


When looking at data throughout the market, it’s fairly easy to find some bright spots right now. 

For example, BTC volatility offers a “sharp contrast” to that of equities, according to K33. 

“Following its massive sell-off, the S&P 500 recorded its largest one-week volatility since April 2020, whereas BTC’s 7-day volatility of 3.1% sits moderately above its 1-year average 7-day volatility level of 2.5%,” analysts wrote. 

“This orderly and relatively regular 7-day volatility of BTC amidst the broad market chaos is an unusual sight to behold, as steep movements in equities tend to be mirrored by even sharper BTC moves.”

Source: K33

This supports another piece of data you all know I’m fond of: CME trader sentiment. As of last week, traders were holding on to their defensive positions, but seemed relatively unfazed by what was happening in equity markets. 

“CME yields are starting to show a mild uptrend over recent weeks, indicative of slightly improved market sentiment. However, current premiums remain soft at 6.3%, reflecting cautious positioning, while open interest remains flat at 11-month lows. VolatilityShares outflows largely offset inflows from active market participants, as the futures-based ETF now holds 43,930 BTC – its lowest level since July 2024,” the analysts wrote. 

The real test will be looking at this same data in a week to ensure it’s holding up, given that volatility has taken us on some wild rides so far this week. My read right now is that cautious positioning without panic is a good sign. Though, after this week (and, yes, it’s only Wednesday), I’m not sure that’ll still be the case.


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Old Billingsgate

Mon - Wed, October 13 - 15, 2025

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Research Report Templates.png

Research

Pipe Network is a decentralized content delivery network (dCDN) that replaces the sparse, capital intensive data center footprint of traditional CDNs with a permissionless mesh of independent node operators. By orchestrating under-utilized resources that already exist at the edge, rather than purchasing or leasing thousands of servers, Pipe slashes capital intensity while letting supply expand autonomously in the places where bandwidth is scarcest and most expensive.

article-image

ETH’s “breakout marks a significant structural shift and clears the path towards…$4,000,” Kraken’s OTC desk noted

article-image

Fiscal dominance isn’t about interest rates and it isn’t about Trump, either

article-image

Firestarter Storage brings decentralized storage and delivery to Solana

article-image

After lengthy closing arguments on Wednesday, the case is now in the hands of 12 jurors

article-image

Analysts cite weak trading volume and regulatory progress as factors