XRP In Critical Zone With Record Open Interest

The XRP crypto is going through a rough patch. In one week, Ripple’s token has lost 8% of its value. It is currently trading around 2.20 dollars, far from its historical peaks. The 3 dollars mark seems to be moving away. This stagnation raises questions: what is happening? Should we worry about the stability of this major crypto or just wait for a trigger? The market seems hesitant, but derivative activity is exploding. A paradox.

The paradox of Open Interest: a crypto crash in ambush?

The word is spreading in crypto circles: what if XRP was on the brink of a new pullback? In recent days, several signals are worrying. One of them is the collapse of XRP staking, a discreet phenomenon but indicative of a temporary disengagement of users. Added to this is a larger piece of data: Open Interest (OI). This indicator, which measures the total value of open derivative contracts, has exploded in recent days to reach 5.2 billion dollars.

But beware: this record level does not guarantee an upward trend. It mainly signals strong tension. Especially in a market without a clear catalyst. The indicator could precede an explosion… or a collapse. The price has remained stuck in a narrow range, reinforcing the idea of an upcoming movement. The crypto community is holding its breath.

XRP and volatility: between bullish surge and bearish spiral?

In the crypto universe, a surge of derivative activity fuels both hopes and fears. For XRP, open positions are multiplying. Yet, the price of XRP remains stuck around $2.34. An intriguing stagnation. The “short squeeze” scenario is on everyone’s lips. If short sellers get trapped, a sharp rise could trigger.

But nothing is certain. The absence of catalysts — whether an ETF, progress on the XRP Ledger, or clear political support — makes the evolution unpredictable. In the crypto industry, anything can flip. A massive profit-taking, or risk aversion triggered by macro events, could push XRP into a bearish spiral. We have seen this in the past.

As volume rises, fragility increases. The immediate future of XRP will depend on the project’s ability to reignite institutional interest and reassure the crypto community.

Behind the 5 billion: what XRP’s Open Interest hides

XRP’s Open Interest (OI) has risen to 5.2 billion dollars, but what does this number really hide? Unlike a trend indicator, it does not distinguish long or short positions. It simply measures the quantity of open derivative contracts, revealing intense speculative activity.

In January 2025, XRP had already crossed the 5.4 billion OI mark, then supported by euphoria around the RLUSD stablecoin and rumors of an ETF. Result: +13% in one weekend. Today, this rising interest is not accompanied by a strong event. The market is looking for direction.

Some key figures:

• Bitget holds 1.26 billion dollars in contracts;
• Binance and Gate.io total 861 and 754 million respectively;
• OI has increased by 31% in two weeks;
• Total derivative volume exceeds 3 billion;
• Options volume has jumped 303%.

The contrast with January is striking. The bullish momentum has given way to waiting. The crypto world now scrutinizes every sign, as a correction or takeoff could happen at any moment.

Meanwhile, another signal is emerging: institutions are turning away from XRP. Solana and Cardano now attract asset managers. This disaffection could limit XRP’s upward potential. Open Interest is rising, but confidence seems to be eroding. For Ripple’s crypto, the future remains full of uncertainties.