Key Highlights
- XRP has fallen beneath the critical $1 mark, currently hovering around $0.9942.
- Large-scale transactions exceeding $1 million jumped by 280%, with over 38 significant transfers logged within a day.
- Binance open interest for XRP reached its highest point in two months, indicating heightened derivatives market engagement.
- Trading volume in derivatives markets climbed 12.48% to reach $1.55 billion, while futures open interest saw a modest decline.
- A recovery scenario requires XRP to regain the $1 threshold and surpass the $1.02 resistance barrier.
On Tuesday, XRP descended below the psychologically important $1 threshold, settling near $0.9942. The digital asset ranked among the poorest performers in the major cryptocurrency segment across both daily and weekly timeframes.
Contrasting with the price decline, significant investor movement on the XRP Ledger experienced a notable uptick. High-value transfers exceeding $1 million witnessed a 280% surge within a 24-hour window, documenting over 38 substantial transactions.
Cryptocurrency market observer Ali Charts (@alicharts) highlighted this development through social channels, stating: “$XRP WHALES ARE BACK! Whale activity on the XRP Ledger has exploded over the past 24 hours. The number of transactions exceeding $1 million has surged 280%, climbing to more than 38 large transactions.” The observation underscored the disconnect between declining valuations and increased major holder engagement.
$XRP WHALES ARE BACK!
Whale activity on the XRP Ledger has exploded over the past 24 hours.
The number of transactions exceeding $1 million has surged 280%, climbing to more than 38 large transactions. https://t.co/70eHTdeG8a pic.twitter.com/FDEdYzqGl5
ā Ali Charts (@alicharts) August 18, 2026
However, it’s important to recognize that large-volume transactions don’t necessarily indicate accumulation. These movements often reflect exchange-related activities, fund transfers, or portfolio reorganization.
Derivatives Market Shows Mixed Momentum
The XRP derivatives landscape presented conflicting trends. Overall trading activity increased by 12.48%, pushing volume to $1.55 billion during the most recent period. Options trading volume experienced a substantial 58.25% boost, reaching $883,790.
Conversely, futures open interest contracted by 0.69% to 2.75 billion units. This decline implies that market participants reduced leveraged exposure despite broader participation growth.
XRP Open Interest Hits Two-Month High on Binance
āThe current rise in open interest reflects increased participation and speculation in the XRP derivatives market, making the upcoming price movement more significant.ā ā By @ArabxChain pic.twitter.com/0eDHoxtEjj
ā CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) August 18, 2026
Additionally, monitoring data from @cryptoquant_com revealed that XRP’s open interest on Binance climbed to its strongest level in eight weeks. This elevation signals growing position-building in anticipation of possible price movement.
Critical Technical Thresholds
Technical indicators present a cautious outlook. The Relative Strength Index currently registers 43.46, positioned below the neutral midpoint of 50. Meanwhile, the Chaikin Money Flow indicator shows a reading of 0.06, indicating modest but positive capital inflow.
For XRP to establish a credible recovery trajectory, recapturing the $1 level is essential. Successfully breaking through the $1.02 resistance barrier could propel prices toward $1.05, which previously served as a support area.
Should XRP remain trapped below $1, immediate support emerges at $0.97. Failure to maintain this floor would likely accelerate the existing bearish momentum.
Market analyst Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) observed that XRP recently recorded its weakest weekly closing price in approximately two years, prompting speculation about potential bottom formation.
$XRP just hit its lowest weekly close again in nearly 2 years.
Is XRP finally forming a bottom? pic.twitter.com/5xDF9afLSh
ā Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) August 18, 2026
The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization advanced 0.79% on Tuesday, reaching $2.19 trillion. Bitcoin maintained its position above the $64,300 level.


