“When volatility is cheap, traders can build directional positions and hedges at relatively low cost. If the market then moves through a level with concentrated positioning, dealer hedging can accelerate the move,” Adam Haeems, head of asset management at Tesseract Group, which manages $500 million in client assets, said in an email.

“The practical implication is that low volatility should not be mistaken for low risk. It is a reason to be careful with leverage, particularly when trading volumes and market depth are subdued.”

For now, BTC remains choppy below $65,000 with some green shoots.

According to Paul Howard, a senior director at market-making firm Wincent, demand for puts, or downside protection, has weakened. At the same…