Volatility Skew Dislocation

Skew

Volatility skew, in the context of cryptocurrency options, represents the implied volatility surface’s shape, reflecting market expectations of future price movements. It typically displays a positive skew, indicating higher implied volatility for out-of-the-money put options compared to out-of-the-money call options, a phenomenon often attributed to demand for downside protection. This asymmetry arises from the perception of greater risk associated with price declines in volatile assets like cryptocurrencies, influencing option pricing models and trading strategies. Understanding skew dynamics is crucial for accurate risk assessment and hedging in crypto derivatives markets.