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Why Are $XRP Traders Stepping Back From the Market?
Cryptoquant shared two analyses on July 9 that point to continued selling pressure, with both analyses relying on Binance open interest data alongside on-chain valuation metrics.
The first analysis found that Open Interest has declined to $350.6 million, one of its lowest levels in recent months, indicating leveraged traders are closing positions. It explained that lower Open Interest can reduce selling pressure by removing excess leverage.
The analyst wrote:
“Market risk appetite has weakened significantly. Investors appear exhausted. Open positions in the futures market are declining, while the spot market’s capitalization continues to shrink. Taken together, these metrics indicate that price action in $XRP remains in favor of sellers.”
The same assessment pointed to limited evidence of fresh capital replacing the positions being closed. As futures participation declines, the market has yet to show a convincing sign of renewed demand.
The analysis also highlighted $XRP’s NVT Ratio, or Network Value to Transactions Ratio. This metric compares the asset’s market capitalization to the value of transactions occurring on its network, with the ratio currently standing at 162.86. According to the assessment, the elevated reading suggests on-chain network activity has not accelerated enough to support a stronger market valuation.
Why Binance Futures Data Adds to the Bearish Picture
A separate $XRP market analysis also shared by Cryptoquant on July 9 examined Binance futures positioning. It linked $XRP’s move near $1.09 with a sharp slowdown in derivatives activity, placing Binance open interest at the center of the weaker market structure.
The analysis described falling open interest as a reduction in outstanding futures contracts as traders either close existing positions or open fewer new ones. When this trend occurs alongside declining prices, it often reflects weaker risk appetite and liquidity leaving the futures market.
According to the analysis:
“ $XRP futures contracts on Binance show a significant decline in recent days, falling to approximately 397 million $XRP, its lowest level in more than three months.”
The report added that lower open interest alone is not a definitive bearish signal. Instead, it may represent a period of repositioning while investors wait for stronger market direction. A recovery in both $XRP’s price and open interest could indicate returning liquidity, while continued declines would suggest traders remain cautious.
Taken together, the indicators point to weakening market participation across both derivatives and spot markets. The analyses suggest that a more constructive outlook would likely require stronger capital inflows, renewed futures participation and improving on-chain activity. Until those conditions emerge, the available metrics continue to indicate that sellers retain the advantage.
