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

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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

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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

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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.

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

Investing

Trading

Indicators

The risk-reward ratio help defines the difference of entry points, stop loss and take profit to minimize risks. Learn how to hedge against risks & maximize your potential reward.

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A good trading strategy is often not enough to bring consistent profits from crypto trading. Profitable traders usually have certain methodologies they use to achieve their ultimate financial goals.

Most traders spend their time studying price charts, reviewing historical data and looking for the next big opportunity. While these are constructive activities that everyone needs to attend to, not every trader takes the time to focus on the potential loss or profit relative to the risk taken.

Being able to recognize a good risk-to-reward ratio can help you plan a proper 

 and determine whether you’re going to be successful in the long run and achieve your financial goals — or simply get lucky in the short term.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will introduce you to the fundamentals of the risk/reward ratio, including its use, calculation method and risk management, in order to minimize your losses.

The risk/reward (RR) ratio defines the relationship between the potential losses and gains for any given trade. It’s determined by the difference in entry price from the stop-loss and take-profit price. In every trading strategy, the ideal approach is to obtain maximum reward against minimum risk.

Traders can identify risk by finding the price difference between the entry order and the stop-loss order. On the other hand, profit targets indicate a price level where a trader can exit the market with a considerable gain. Traders can identify the reward by measuring the distance between the entry point and the profit target.

A stop-loss trading order automatically sells your cryptocurrency once the price reaches the 

. If this occurs, the order will automatically close to prevent further loss on the trading account, should the price drop even lower.

The difference in percentage between the stop-loss and take-profit level helps to identify the RR ratio, and is an effective way to hone your trading strategy. A low RR ratio is also known as asymmetric risk reward, in which the potential gains from an investment are far greater than the possible losses — and the risk is worth taking.

Traders must calculate the risk they’re taking per trade vs. the reward they stand to gain in order to determine the risk/reward ratio. In manual trading, traders analyze and set these levels before opening a position.

Risk is the amount of money a trader may lose as determined by the stop-loss order. In other words, it’s the difference between the stop-loss order and the entry price. Similarly, the reward is the potential profit set by the trader. We can measure it by calculating the distance between the entry point and the profit target.

The risk/reward ratio is the quotient we obtain when dividing the risk by the reward. 

We can calculate it following this simple formula:

If the ratio is less than 1, you’ve taken a lower risk to get higher returns. The three possible outcomes of the calculation are as follows:

Among these three cases, the aim is to keep the risk lower than the reward so that every time the trade hits the stop loss, your loss is minimized. The ultimate goal is to keep the risk as low as possible in every trade in order to maximize potential profit.

Below is an example of a trade with a desirable risk/reward ratio:

In the above image we see the stop loss, take profit and entry point. Now, let’s plot them in the formula and identify the risk/reward ratio.

Risk/reward ratio = (44,738 − 43,676)/(47,591 − 44,738)

The risk/reward ratio here would be 1:2.68, which is less than 1.

Finding the trend in the volatile cryptocurrency market can be challenging, regardless of whether you’re using 

. The risk/reward ratio remains one of the most important tools to help critically identify a trade entry point, a stop-loss or a take-profit order. Traders usually identify price direction by using multiple technical and/or fundamental tools. However, even if you follow a good trading strategy, there’s always the possibility of loss, as no one knows the future.

Therefore, crypto’s high volatility and unpredictable market make using the risk/reward ratio compulsory for cryptocurrency trading. As such, using a stop loss in each trade is essential. Moreover, it can help you increase the probability of winning trades. It isn’t wise to risk all of your investment in a single trade, nor does it make sense to risk $1,000 for a $100 gain. Again, most analysts advise a risk/reward ratio of no greater than 1:2, or 0.5, for recommended trades.

In every trading strategy, obtaining higher returns is the primary goal. That’s why a risk/reward ratio of no greater than 1:2, i.e., with a maximum value of 0.5, is recommended. However, there are no fixed rules of use, as it depends on the expectation and the strategy you use.

Let’s have a look at the concept of trading expectancy, or the average profit for each trade placed by an investor, using the following formula:

Finding the expectancy and matching it with the risk/reward ratio is important for day traders and swing traders. For example, if you make ten trades, of which six are profitable, your win rate is 6/10 or 60%.

Now, let’s say that of those ten trades from which you’ve made a profit, you earn $6,000, while losing $2,000 on your four losing trades. In this case, your average win should be $6,000/6 = $1,000, while the four losing trades with $2,000 loss produce an average loss of $2,000/4 = $500.

Therefore, your trading expectancy of 80% is very high.

The risk-to-reward ratio plays a vital role in making trades, although a good R/R ratio still doesn’t ensure profitability. It’s a tool designed to protect against unexpected market movement that could wipe out profit potential. Besides using an appropriate R/R ratio, take other factors into consideration as well:

Overall, it’s recommended that you stick to a set of rules written into your trading checklist in order to obtain the ultimate benefit from the market.

Technical Indicators and R/R Ratio to Maximize Rewards

Clearly, you cannot rely solely on risk/reward ratio when trading. Trading or investing without properly managing position sizing and a good R/R will only maximize your risks. Financial trading requires a systematic approach to increase the potential reward, and there’s no place for guessing the price or gambling.

Here are a few steps to take in order to increase your success and reduce your risk.

Setting a Stop Loss by Defining the Risks

The risk per trade is the difference between the entry point and the stop loss level. The stop-loss level is the exit point where your trade should close automatically in order to minimize loss.

Price action, or the price movement of an asset plotted over time on a chart, defines what buyers and sellers are doing in the market. If you read a price chart carefully, you’ll see that price often respects certain 

 multiple times. If we can set the stop loss from these, the price is more likely to bounce back.

In the above image, we see that Bitcoin moves higher from the strong support of $30,000. Therefore, buying from that level with a risk below $30,000 creates a higher probability of a win.

Another approach is using trend line support or resistance, from which the price often rebounds in a timely fashion.

The above image shows the price bouncing back from the support trend line, with the candlesticks showing the price correcting from the trend line and moving higher. 

Besides static or trend line support, prices are often rejected from dynamic levels. The 

 (EMA) is a great example of dynamic support and resistance level. EMA is a type of moving average that smooths out prices by placing more weight on the most recent price action. For example, if the price approaches the 20-period EMA, there’s a high probability that the moving average will act as a dynamic support or resistance level.

In the above chart, we can see how the price moves higher from the dynamic support. In this regard, it’s safe to place the stop loss below the 20 EMA. Therefore, the price rebounds and moves higher with a risk/reward ratio of approximately 1:4. 

How to Set a Proper Target Profit to Minimize Risks

Before making a trade, it’s recommended you measure the risk and reward. In the above section, we’ve seen how to measure risk using support resistance and moving averages. The same rules apply to measuring rewards. If the price moves higher and reaches any significant resistance level, it has a higher probability of reacting at these price levels. 

Above is an example of how to set the take profit, based on resistance levels. Here, 40,000 works as a significant price reversal point, from which the price moves lower, making the level significant. Therefore, if you’ve bought BTCUSD after the rejection at 30,000, the goal for your take profit should be 40,000.

 is used to identify possible price targets. The primary approach is to consider the 161.8% (1.618) extension level as a major price target. 

How to Use the Risk/Reward (RR) Ratio for Crypto Trading

Compete for 2,500 USDT Every Week

How to Use the Risk/Reward (RR) Ratio for Crypto Trading

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Compete for 2,500 USDT Every Week

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards