XRP Braces for Volatility as Options Expiry Approaches with $0.54 Max Pain

• The crypto market braces for significant volatility with the upcoming expiry of XRP options.
• XRP’s max pain price for May’s expiry stands at $0.54, signaling potential market shifts.
• Analyst identifies a hidden bullish divergence in XRP, signaling a potential major price movement.

XRP’s forthcoming monthly options expiry on May 31 carries substantial implications. The data from Deribit suggests that XRP, a digital asset closely monitored due to ongoing litigation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has its maximum pain price set at $0.54. This pricing benchmark, particularly higher than its current value, indicates a possible uplift in its market position.

The recent influx of XRP options trading has garnered attention, with call options reaching as high as $1.1 on the platform. As the legal battle with the SEC looms, investor sentiment remains cautious yet optimistic, awaiting the lawsuit’s resolution. This month’s expiry is crucial, poised to trigger significant market movements due to anticipated federal rate cuts and the ongoing lawsuit outcomes.

As the expiry date approaches, over 5,260 XRP options worth approximately $2.81 million are set to determine the next phase of market sentiment. With a notably low put-call ratio of 0.22, the trading atmosphere appears predominantly bullish. Additionally, the rise in total futures open interest, reaching a noteworthy $629.82 million, further highlights the growing investor engagement and market anticipation.

Despite the pressures from the SEC, including a staggering $2 billion in proposed fines, Ripple Labs continues its vigorous defense. The legal proceedings are now at a critical juncture, awaiting a decisive judgment from Judge Torres, expected as early as the third quarter of 2024. 

In a recent analysis, crypto analyst Cobb highlighted a significant development in the XRP market. According to Cobb, XRP is on the verge of a major move, as indicated by an imminent bullish divergence in its trading patterns. This divergence suggests that the market could experience a substantial upswing in the near future.

According to his analysis, XRP is forming a similar pattern to one seen before a significant rally in 2017. This hidden bull divergence indicates strengthening bullish momentum, even as the price consolidates. XRP’s current consolidation phase, paired with current market performance, suggests a heightened probability of upward movement.

As of press time, XRP is trading at $0.5245, down by 0.12% in the past 24 hours. The market capitalization is $29 billion, while the trading volume has surged by 60% to $1.13 billion, indicating increased market activity.