The Altcoin Options Surge: July 29, 2025 – A Day of Bullish Bets

July 29, 2025, marked an extraordinary day for altcoin options trading, with bullish sentiments soaring as traders enthusiastically positioned themselves for ongoing price increases. The surge was highlighted by Binance Coin (BNB) breaking through to a record high of around $851, while Ethereum (ETH) hovered near the critical $4,000 mark.

Dominance of Call Options

One of the most striking indicators on this day was the overwhelming preference for call options. Approximately 72% of altcoin options volume was composed of calls, suggesting that traders were eager to capitalize on potential price rises rather than hedge against declines. This trend is a classic reflection of market optimism, with many traders essentially proclaiming, “We’re betting on the rally to continue!”

Ethereum: The Bellwether of Altcoins

Ethereum proved once again its status as a leader in the altcoin market. It had the highest trading volume and open interest among altcoins on PowerTrade’s platform. The enthusiasm for calls was palpable as traders eagerly accumulated options, with one particularly notable whale-sized position in the December 2025 $4,000 call option emerging. This long-term bet indicates that traders are optimistic about ETH pushing new highs as the year draws to a close.

Solana’s Short-term Upside Mania

Solana also caught the attention of traders, particularly with heightened interest in high-strike, near-term call options. Following a robust run earlier in July that saw SOL surpass $180, the news of a U.S. Solana ETF approval amplified the market euphoria. Options traders targeted calls with out-of-the-money strikes, indicating a widespread belief that SOL’s price could break even higher soon. Little demand for puts during this time revealed a broadly bullish sentiment, as traders anticipated a potential price breakout.

XRP’s Unusual Activity

Ripple’s XRP also saw significant options activity, following its recent climb to the $3.20-$3.30 range. On July 29, traders flocked to buy call options, eyeing what could potentially be another price leg upward. The market sentiment indicated an expectation for significant catalysts, particularly rumors surrounding XRP-related Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and updates in the Ripple versus SEC legal saga. The bullish options flow suggested traders were poised for a breakout, especially if XRP could overcome its resistance around $3.30-$3.50.

Binance Coin’s Record-Setting Day

BNB continued the trend of bullish sentiment on the 29th, experiencing a notable increase in options activity as it reached its all-time high. The speculative trading often observed during price discovery led to a spike in call options, as traders positioned for further gains. The call open interest significantly outweighed puts, indicating that traders were primarily bullish. Multiple large positions were established around the $800-$850 strikes, revealing confidence in continued upward movement.

Macro Forces and News Narratives

The excitement in altcoin options wasn’t isolated to technical factors alone; broader macroeconomic themes and news narratives played equally significant roles. With the anticipation of a dovish Federal Reserve meeting on July 29–30, traders were optimistic about potential easing in interest rates. This sentiment bolstered the risk appetite for assets like cryptocurrencies, as optimism spread throughout the market.

ETF Excitement Gains Momentum

Speculation surrounding new ETF proposals significantly influenced market dynamics. Rumors about a “Crypto Blue Chip” ETF, which would include assets like ETH, SOL, and XRP, contributed to a wave of enthusiasm. The mere prospect of institutional demand for these altcoins from ETFs added layers of bullish sentiment, leading traders to eagerly position themselves for anticipated influxes of capital.

Upcoming Expirations and Technical Levels

As July transitioned into August, the imminent expiration of several options contracts posed questions about potential volatility. Key expiration dates for positions initiated on the 29th, especially in SOL, XRP, and BNB, raised the likelihood of abrupt market swings as contracts settled.

Ethereum’s Resistance Level

For Ethereum, the price level to watch was $4,000, a historically significant resistance point. A decisive movement above this level could validate bullish positioning and incite further buying pressure. Technically, should ETH break this barrier, it could ignite additional call buying and create momentum for higher targets.

Solana’s Psychological Marks

Similarly, Solana traders eyed the $200 level as crucial, considering its recent peaks. The approach of this threshold might trigger profit-taking, but positive sentiments from news events could motivate traders to buy calls on any dips, thereby maintaining momentum.

XRP’s Anticipated Catalyst

Amid XRP’s ongoing speculation, the price was closely monitored around the resistance range of $3.30-$3.50. Positive legal developments could prompt a significant upward movement. As traders waited for catalysts, market sentiment leaned considerably toward further gains.

BNB’s Potential for Continued Growth

Lastly, BNB was placed under scrutiny after its record high, with traders divided between bullish momentum seekers and those considering overbought conditions. Observing open interest at higher strikes in the options market would provide insights into future price action.

Monitoring Macro Events

The ongoing economic landscape, particularly surrounding the Federal Reserve’s meeting and any updates from the SEC regarding Ripple, remained pivotal. A dovish conclusion from the Fed could amplify bullish momentum, while possible negative news could stymie bullish bets.

As traders dive into the nuances of the altcoin options market, the events of July 29, 2025, serve as a vivid reminder of the dynamic landscape they navigate. Their collective enthusiasm and strategic positioning set the stage for an electrifying trading atmosphere, where both rewards and risks abound in equal measure. Whether considering implementing call options or gauging market sentiment, the insights gleaned from this session are invaluable as the altcoin market continues to evolve.