Open Interest Records

Definition ∞ Open Interest Records represent the total number of outstanding derivative contracts, such as futures or options, that have not yet been settled or closed. In cryptocurrency markets, this metric provides insight into the aggregate amount of capital committed to these financial instruments. High open interest can indicate strong market participation and potential for significant price movements. It measures the overall activity and liquidity in the derivatives market.
Context ∞ Crypto news frequently references Open Interest Records to gauge speculative activity and potential market volatility. A sudden increase or decrease in open interest can signal shifts in trader sentiment or impending price changes. Analysts monitor these records across various exchanges to understand the leverage and positioning of market participants. This data offers important context for interpreting the directional bias of the derivatives market.