XRP Open Interest Rises as 1.66B XRP Locked in Futures, Price Pops 2.45%
XRP’s derivatives market showed renewed activity on Feb. 21, 2026, as open interest (OI) in futures rose 2.56% over 24 hours to about 1,660,000,000 XRP locked in unsettled contracts. The uptick in futures commitment coincided with a short-term price gain: XRP climbed roughly 2.45% in 24 hours to reclaim a weekly high near $1.45. The article notes that the increase in futures activity signals growing trader confidence amid broader market rebound hopes, but also highlights weak performance from existing XRP spot ETF-like funds, which reported no inflows or outflows in their last session — suggesting limited institutional participation. Overall, the data point to heightened retail and derivatives interest that could support a near-term price recovery, though institutional inertia and recent weeks of price correction leave the sustainability of any rally uncertain.
Bullish
The news is mildly bullish. A 2.56% rise in open interest to about 1.66 billion XRP indicates increased futures positioning, which often precedes or accompanies price moves as traders take directional bets. The concurrent 2.45% price gain to ~$1.45 supports the view that the market is beginning a short-term recovery after several weeks of losses. Historically, rising OI alongside price increases suggests fresh capital entering the market (not merely profit-taking), which can amplify momentum and lead to further near-term upside. However, lack of ETF inflows and apparent institutional inactivity are constraints: without sustained institutional buying, rallies driven primarily by derivatives and retail can be more volatile and prone to quick reversals. For traders: expect higher intraday volatility and opportunity for momentum trades (long-biased) while managing risk with stops — treat any breakout as tentative until confirmed by sustained OI growth, spot volume increases, or institutional flows. In the long term, sustained bullishness will depend on broader market recovery and renewed institutional participation.