Equities Flash Record Risk Appetite as Bitcoin Awaits U.S. Demand Confirmation

Risk appetite across financial markets has climbed to historically elevated levels over the past six months, yet that strength remains uneven.

U.S. equities continue to reflect aggressive bullish positioning, while Bitcoin has not confirmed similar conviction from institutional flows.

According to data shared by CryptoQuant, the divergence between traditional risk assets and crypto remains structurally visible in both derivatives positioning and spot demand metrics.

Equities Lean Aggressive as CPI Cools

Options activity in U.S. equities shows sustained call dominance, with call volumes materially exceeding put demand. At the same time, implied volatility sits near historical lows, signaling strong investor confidence and stable liquidity conditions.

The macro backdrop reinforces this positioning. Headline CPI slowed to 2.4% year-over-year, down from 2.7%, while core CPI eased to 2.5%. Lower inflation reduces pressure on real yields and supports expectations of eventual monetary easing, a combination typically constructive for risk assets.

Equity markets have responded accordingly, pricing in stability rather than stress.

Bitcoin Lacks Spot Confirmation

In contrast, Bitcoin’s structure appears less decisive. The Coinbase Premium Index, often used as a proxy for U.S. institutional spot demand, remains in negative territory.

Historically, durable Bitcoin rallies tend to align with sustained positive premiums, reflecting active accumulation from U.S.-based participants. The absence of that premium suggests that recent price movements have not been driven by consistent institutional spot buying.

ETF flow data tells a similar story. Net flows continue to alternate between inflows and outflows rather than forming a clear multi-week accumulation trend. This inconsistency signals hesitation rather than full re-engagement.

Recovery Phase, Not Confirmed Trend

Despite supportive macro conditions following the CPI release, Bitcoin remains in what can best be described as a recovery validation phase.

Over the next 30 days, three signals will be critical:

1. Sustained positive Coinbase Premium – indicating U.S. spot demand returning with conviction.
2. Consecutive ETF net inflows – confirming institutional capital re-entry.
3. Spot-driven price strength – rather than leverage-led squeezes.

Until those elements align, upside attempts may remain structurally fragile even in a favorable macro environment.

Structural Outlook

Equities currently reflect confidence backed by liquidity and inflation moderation. Bitcoin, by contrast, requires confirmation through consistent U.S. spot demand and institutional flows.

For now, the macro tailwind is present. Participation remains the missing component.

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