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News · Altcoins

Monero Futures Open Interest Tops $300M, Nearing January Record

Derivatives positioning in XMR hits a five-week high of 515,730 coins, elevating risks of a liquidation cascade similar to January's 66% plunge.

▼ Bearish$XMR $590.85 −3.6%
October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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Key point 1 of 3

01

Monero futures open interest surpassed $300 million, approaching the record peak of roughly $320 million set in January .

October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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Key point 2 of 3

02

Open interest denominated in native units rose to a five-week high of 515,730 XMR, up from 400,000 XMR one week earlier .

October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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Key point 3 of 3

03

A comparable buildup in January preceded a 66% market crash from $790 to under $300 as exchange liquidations erased long positions .

October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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Context

A surge in spot prices above $600 spurred aggressive leveraged long positions across derivatives exchanges, lifting open interest back toward all-time highs.

October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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Why it matters

Traders with leveraged long exposure face severe liquidation risks if spot prices retrace, which can cause cascading selling across order books.

October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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What to watch

Derivative liquidation volumes and open interest contraction on platforms tracking XMR contract health, particularly near key psychological support levels.

October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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Sources

Built from 1 primary source, machine-checked before publication.

  • coindesk.com
October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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October 21, 2026basisdesk.news
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