Market structure · Chapter 8 of 31
What is open interest?
The total value of derivative contracts still open, and how rising or falling open interest confirms or questions a price move.
Open interest is the total number of futures contracts that are currently open and not yet settled. Unlike volume, which counts every trade, open interest counts how much money is still committed to the market right now.
Rising vs falling
Rising open interest means new money is entering and fresh positions are being opened. Falling open interest means positions are being closed and money is leaving the market.
Pairing it with price
The combination is what matters. Price up with open interest up suggests a move backed by new conviction. Price up with open interest down suggests short covering rather than fresh buying, which tends to be less durable.
How to read it here
We track open interest per instrument and over time. Watch for sharp spikes, which often precede volatility as leverage builds up.
Now watch this signal update in real time across the market.
See it liveEducational content, not financial advice.