Solana Price Drops, But Open Interest Signals Growing Activity

[Ben Graham]

Solana’s market looks like a tightly wound spring right now. Prices have been slipping while futures activity is picking up, and that gap is what traders are watching most closely.

It’s a setup that can keep losses rolling — or flip fast if a wave of short covering hits. Either way, the scene is driven more by bets than by steady buying.

Derivatives Betting Intensifies

According to reports, more futures contracts for SOL are being opened even as the price moves lower. That means fresh bets are being placed, not just old ones being closed.

Funding rates for perpetual contracts have moved into negative territory. When funding is negative, those backing short positions are paying those on the long side. It’s a clear sign of bearish leaning in the derivatives market.

Leverage A Big Part Of The Story

Reports say many of these positions are sized up with leverage. Traders are piling on with borrowed exposure. That raises the odds of violent swings because margin calls can trigger cascades.

A squeeze can happen quickly. If a piece of positive news appears or a large buyer steps in, those who are short may be forced to buy back, and that buying itself can push the price up fast.

Price is going down. Open Interest is going up. Funding is going down.$SOL is getting heavily shorted here. pic.twitter.com/YuYAy9lzZ0

— Ted (@TedPillows) February 4, 2026

Price Action Shows Weakness

Across short-term charts — intraday and daily — SOL has been under pressure. Spot trading volume remains light, which makes every trade count more.

Some traders are trimming risk because volatility in larger coins has spooked the market. In plain terms: fewer hands are willing to hold SOL at these levels, and that lack of real buying support keeps the downside pathway open.

Volatility Could Swing Either Way

This environment is speculative. High open interest plus negative funding is a bearish combo, but it also loads the market with risk.

Covered shorts can unwind in a hurry. Liquidity gaps are where big moves start. The same factors that drive downward momentum can, under different circumstances, accelerate a rebound.

Based on reports, the clearest signals to follow are changes in open interest, shifts in funding rates, and sudden spikes in spot volume or order book depth.

Also watch news flow closely; a single announcement can change sentiment overnight. Risk management matters here. Size positions so that forced liquidations are avoidable.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView