Ethereum Options

Definition ∞ Ethereum options are financial derivatives that grant the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell Ethereum at a predetermined price by a specific date. Call options permit buying, while put options permit selling, providing investors with tools for speculation or hedging against price fluctuations. These contracts are traded on centralized exchanges or decentralized platforms, offering exposure to Ethereum’s price movements without direct asset ownership. Their value is derived from the underlying asset’s price, strike price, time to expiry, and volatility.
Context ∞ News frequently covers the growing volume and open interest in Ethereum options markets, reflecting increasing institutional participation and market maturity. Discussions often revolve around implied volatility metrics and their implications for future price predictions. A critical future development involves the expansion of regulated options products and clearer frameworks for their trading.