[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong] XRP market activity is expanding rapidly, sharpening a short-term upward trend.

According to CoinGlass, cited by blockchain outlet The Crypto Basic on March 17 (local time), XRP spot trading volume surged 115 percent over the past day to about $1.84 billion. The price also gained, rising to $1.60.

By exchange, South Korea's influence stands out. On Upbit, XRP volume rose 131.6 percent to $449.4 million. XRP's share of total trading also climbed above 18 percent, far ahead of bitcoin at 11.57 percent and ether at 9.64 percent. This shows interest in XRP is quickly concentrating among Asian investors, particularly in South Korea.

A similar trend appeared on global exchanges. XRP volume on Binance rose 95 percent from the previous day to about $400 million, while Coinbase and Bybit also saw trading expand to $283 million and $114.3 million, respectively.

A key point is that buying demand appears to be accompanying the rise, beyond a simple increase in trading. When spot volume and prices rise at the same time, it indicates actual capital inflows into the market. XRP has risen about 14 percent over the past 48 hours, forming strong momentum.

On-chain data is also sending positive signals. Exchange fund flows showed net outflows at many venues, capturing an "accumulation" move as investors shift XRP into personal wallets. Upbit saw about $26.8 million in net outflows, and net outflows also occurred on Coinbase and Gate, while some exchanges posted limited net inflows. In general, net outflows from exchanges are interpreted as a sign of reduced selling pressure.

In the derivatives market, expectations for gains are also being reflected. XRP open interest rose 3.45 percent to about $2.87 billion, while futures trading volume surged more than 80 percent. With the buy-order ratio above 50 percent, the market appears to be gradually tilting toward a long bias.

Network activity also hit its highest level in the past 5 weeks, confirming improvement in fundamentals. The market is seeing analysis that rising volume, fund outflows and stronger derivatives indicators are combining to raise the likelihood of further gains in XRP.

Still, the possibility of increased volatility exists after a short-term spike, and whether the volume trend continues is cited as a key variable that will determine the direction ahead.