Crypto prices today (Dec. 23): BTC, ETH, SUI consolidate

Crypto prices today were largely flat as traders stayed defensive ahead of a record options expiry later this week.

The total crypto market cap slipped 0.8% to $3.07 trillion. Bitcoin traded at $88,088 at press time, down 0.7% over the past 24 hours. Ethereum fell 1% to $2,987, while Chainlink eased 0.6% to $12.49 and Sui dipped 0.4% to $1.45. Smaller altcoins like Zcash, Monero, and Ethena saw declines of more than 5%.

Market sentiment remained fragile. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell one point to 24, keeping the market firmly in extreme fear.

CoinGlass data showed stress building beneath the surface. 24-hour liquidations jumped 11% to $222 million, while total crypto open interest rose 1.1% to $129 billion. Despite the weak price action, the average market relative strength index was 47, indicating neutral momentum. 

Options expiry keeps prices locked in range

Traders are preparing for a major options expiry, with between $27 billion and $28.5 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum contracts set to expire on Deribit on Dec. 26. Bitcoin options account for roughly $23.6 billion, while Ethereum options make up about $3.8 billion, marking the largest expiry in the exchange’s history.

Options give traders the right to buy or sell at a set price. When a lot of contracts stack up around key strike levels, market makers often hedge their exposure through spot market trades.

Until the options expire, this hedging may keep prices fixed. While underlying volatility has been building, price action has remained relatively tight due to heavy positioning around major Bitcoin strike prices. Many traders are holding off on new trades and waiting to see how the market behaves after the expiry.

Thin liquidity shapes short-term outlook

Another level of caution is being added during the holiday season. December usually sees lower volume because traders cut their exposure and funds close their books. Bitcoin is already down roughly 28–30% from its October peak above $125,000, and the market is still digesting that drawdown.

Macro conditions have not helped risk appetite. The Bank of Japan’s rate hike to 0.75% has tightened global liquidity and pressured risk assets, including crypto. As investors shift to safer assets, gold and silver have reached all-time highs, while U.S. equity market has declined due to worries about AI-related tech stock valuations.

In the short term, Bitcoin appears stuck in consolidation. As long as options positioning remains heavy, large moves are unlikely. A clean break may come after Dec. 26, when hedging pressure fades. Until then, price action points to choppy trading with downside risk capped near recent lows, unless liquidation pressure accelerates.