Out-of-the-Money Skew

Skew

The out-of-the-money skew, within cryptocurrency options markets, represents the price differential between options with the same strike price but different expiration dates, specifically focusing on options that are currently out-of-the-money. It reflects market sentiment regarding the potential for extreme price movements, often indicating a higher demand for downside protection, particularly as expiration approaches. This phenomenon arises from factors such as hedging activity by institutional investors, fear of sudden market crashes, and the limited liquidity in longer-dated options contracts. Consequently, a steeper skew suggests a greater perceived risk of significant price declines than gains.