- XRP is under short-term pressure but shows signs of accumulation off exchanges.
- Bitcoin derivatives markets are pricing in near-term volatility despite flat prices.
- Rising hedging activity suggests the current market balance may not last.
XRP extended its pullback this week, printing another daily loss even as trading activity surged across the market. At the same time, Bitcoin has remained unusually quiet near $91,000. On the surface, conditions look stable. Beneath it, however, derivatives data suggests mounting pressure that could soon disrupt the broader crypto market.
This growing divergence between price action and trader positioning is leaving investors cautious, with XRP and Bitcoin offering two very different — but connected — warning signals.
XRP Selling Continues Despite Heavy Participation
XRP traded near $2.05 at last check, down more than 2% on the day. The decline came alongside a sharp spike in volume, which jumped nearly 200% to over $3 billion. Rising volume during a sell-off typically reflects strong conviction, not apathy, suggesting that traders are actively repositioning rather than stepping away.
On-chain data adds nuance to the move. Exchange netflows turned negative, with over $22 million worth of XRP leaving centralized platforms. Historically, this behavior often points to accumulation, as investors withdraw assets for longer-term holding during periods of weakness.
Liquidity Zones Shape XRP’s Short-Term Path
Derivatives positioning shows clear technical battlegrounds forming. Long liquidation leverage has clustered just above $2.01, creating a key support area. On the upside, short liquidation levels near $2.11 are acting as immediate resistance.
From a technical standpoint, XRP remains under pressure after losing the $2.23 level and slipping below its 50-day exponential moving average. Trend strength indicators still favor continuation to the downside, with $1.90 emerging as a critical level if current support fails. That said, higher-timeframe charts show XRP holding a long-term horizontal base near $2.02, keeping broader bullish scenarios alive — for now.
Bitcoin Options Traders Brace for a Shock
While XRP weakens, Bitcoin is consolidating below $95,000 with shrinking spot volume and fading momentum. To spot traders, the market looks stable. To options traders, it does not.
Short-dated Bitcoin options are flashing elevated implied volatility, particularly around and below current prices. This reflects aggressive demand for near-term downside protection — a signal that traders are bracing for a sudden move. Meanwhile, longer-dated volatility remains subdued, showing little confidence in a sustained trend either way.
This imbalance often precedes sharp market moves. When price stays calm but hedging demand rises, it signals underlying stress rather than confidence.
Also Read: Solana Nears $145 as XRP Defies $454M Crypto Fund Outflows — What’s Driving the Split?
XRP’s decline and Bitcoin’s quiet consolidation may seem unrelated, but both reflect a market caught between caution and anticipation. XRP traders are defending key support zones while quietly accumulating. Bitcoin derivatives traders, meanwhile, are preparing for turbulence that spot prices have yet to reflect.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. CoinBrief.io is not responsible for any financial losses.
