XRP has recently broken through key price levels and is extending gains, but the derivatives market is showing the strongest selling pressure so far this year.

Blockchain media outlet U.Today reported on Aug. 27 that Binance’s XRP net taker volume recorded the largest selling advantage of 2026.

XRP spot markets remain strong. CryptoQuant analysts said altcoin market capitalisation rose by more than $183 billion in recent days, an increase of about 20 percent. Over the same period, XRP surged about 70 percent, making it a leading beneficiary of the altcoin rebound.

Selling stood out in derivatives markets. On Binance, the scale of XRP taker selling advantage expanded to about $96 million. Net taker volume measures the difference between market buy and sell volume, with a more negative reading indicating dominance of aggressive sell orders.

Participation in derivatives markets also rose. Binance’s XRP open interest increased about 14.8 percent. Rising open interest alongside growing selling pressure suggests new positions and leveraged exposure are increasing. However, an increase in open interest alone cannot be taken as proof that new positions are oriented to the sell side.

The divergence between spot and derivatives markets has also become clearer. Spot buying is supporting the upward trend, but derivatives markets are showing caution about the sustainability of the recent rally.

XRP is holding above $1.40 after breaking through key price levels. Even with spot-market strength, a sharp rise in selling pressure in derivatives markets makes it difficult to rule out the possibility that the rally’s upward momentum could weaken. Even if spot buying continues, increased caution in derivatives markets could slow near-term upside momentum.

XRP’s near-term direction may depend on how much spot demand can absorb selling pressure in derivatives markets. If selling dominance persists while open interest is rising, price volatility could also increase.