Bitcoin options volatility eases after US midterms as traders hedge inflation risk

Bitcoin options volatility expectations fell through the US midterm elections, while protection against a price decline remained more expensive than protection against a rise. Positions across expiries pointed to hedging around the upcoming inflation release. In its “ETF Outflows And Spot Selling Test Bitcoin’s Recovery” report published on November 4, 2026, Bitfinex said DVOL, which measures 30-day volatility implied by bitcoin options prices, stood at 39 at 06:00 UTC that day, down from its October 31 close of 40. Implied volatility declined through the elections as the premium paid for protection against the result unwound without the anticipated market move.