Crypto Options Trading Nears Record Highs Despite Lower Prices; Ethereum Upgrade to Boost Scaling; SBF Begins Risky Testimony

Bitcoin and ether options trading activity on Deribit exchange hits $20B, nearing previous high in Nov 2021 despite lower prices. Indicates growing interest in crypto options.

Ethereum's upcoming Dencun upgrade in 2024 will increase data availability and reduce transaction costs for layer 2 rollups, per Goldman Sachs. A milestone for ETH scalability.

Sam Bankman-Fried began testifying at his criminal trial, an unusual move allowing judge to review comments before jurors hear them. Risky decision to testify.

Bitcoin has risen 34% since September, decoupling from tech stocks which fell 9%. Upcoming BTC halving may keep assets uncorrelated.

Deribit controls 90% of global crypto options activity. ETH upgrade will reduce rollup costs passed to users. SBF testimony is first performance under oath.