$BTC isn’t stuck because buyers are weak or traders are nervous — it’s being controlled by OPTIONS positioning.
Bitcoin keeps hovering near a key dealer flip zone around $88,000 ahead of the Jan 30 options expiry.
Above ~$88K
Market mechanics shift:
Market makers flip short gamma
They hedge by selling into strength
Every breakout attempt gets sold and dragged back
Below ~$88K
Dealer flow changes:
Gamma exposure flips
Volatility expands instead of staying muted
Price starts moving faster
This constant reversion is why price keeps snapping back to the same area — it’s not retail, it’s structural.
Why $90K Keeps Rejecting
Large call OI clustered at $90K
Dealers are short those calls
As price approaches, they hedge by selling spot BTC
→ This creates synthetic resistance through forced selling.
Why $85K Keeps Holding
Heavy put exposure sits below
Dealers hedge by buying spot on dips
→ That generates forced support.
The Net Effect
$90K sells
$85K defends
Price stays pinned between them
This tight range will unlock when options expire.
