Bitcoin’s Decline Draws Attention to CME Futures Gap Below $80K
Bitcoin (BTC) has dropped 10% this week to $86,300, marking a decisive breakdown from its long-standing trading range between $90,000 and $110,000. As the sell-off deepens, traders are turning their focus to a notable “runaway gap” in CME Bitcoin futures that remains unfilled below $80,000.
Price gaps occur when an asset’s trading session opens significantly higher or lower than the previous close, leaving a void on the chart. Since CME Bitcoin futures do not trade around the clock like the spot market, gaps frequently appear when trading resumes.
The gap in question formed on Nov. 5, following President Donald Trump’s election victory. CME Bitcoin futures opened at $81,210, well above the prior session’s high of $77,930, leaving a gap that some analysts believe will eventually be revisited.
“Historically, CME gaps tend to get filled over time, though there’s no fixed timeline,” said Nicolai Sondergaard, a research analyst at Nansen. “Recent macro uncertainty and market weakness have increased the probability of this level being tested sooner.”
Despite the bearish sentiment, some analysts caution that not all gaps are guaranteed to close. Runaway gaps, which emerge during strong trends, often remain unfilled for extended periods. However, with Bitcoin’s volatility rising and risk appetite fading, traders are keeping a close eye on whether BTC will dip toward $80,000—or if another bounce is in store.
