The XRP options market has noted a striking increase in premiums for bullish positions, illustrating renewed investor enthusiasm. Coinbase Markets reported that this marks one of the strongest waves of optimism observed in the past year. Current data indicates investors are willing to bear higher costs for potential short-term upward movements.
What Does the Skew Indicator Reveal?
Reaching the 95th percentile, the one-week 25-delta call minus put skew for XRP soared to 9.3 volatility points, as per Coinbase Markets data. This anomaly highlights a rare strengthening in demand for call options over puts—an occurrence that is far from common.
Coinbase Markets asserted that investors are increasingly prepared to pay for positions anticipating price gains. Nonetheless, this trend doesn’t guarantee equivalent or immediate upward price movement.
How Rapid Was the Rebound?
For much of late 2025 and the first half of 2026, the one-week XRP skew remained in negative territory, dips occasionally going below minus 10 volatility points. This suggested a higher implied volatility for puts compared to calls at that time.
Equilibrium shifted swiftly as August ended, driving the indicator to exceed 15 volatility points before a slight pullback. Current observations point to a rebound to double-digit levels, maintaining the bullish sentiment.
What Is the Skew Measuring?
The target metric measures the disparity between the implied volatilities of one-week XRP call options and same-maturity put options at the 25 delta level. Through this comparison, Coinbase monitors the costs investors incur for hedging upwards or downward positions, leveraging their status as a major U.S.-based cryptocurrency platform.
Mini glossary: A 25 delta risk reversal measures the implied volatility difference for similar call and put options. A positive value signifies greater premiums are paid for upward protection or profit-seeking.
The existing value of 9.3 points means the implied volatility for related call options surpasses comparable put options by 9.3 points, reflecting shifts in option demand direction but not a direct price target.
Extrem skew does not independently offer a clear price signal but indicates investors accepting unusual costs for bullish positions.
Recent Price Movements Spark Interest
This trend in the options market coincided with a notable recovery in XRP prices. CoinGecko data reveals an approximate 18% rise over the past week in XRP value, aligning with enhanced short-term demand for upward options.
