Open interest
Open interest is the number of derivative contracts reported as open rather than closed or expired.
Plain-language meaning
Open interest is the number of derivative contracts reported as open rather than closed or expired.
Why it is useful
Open interest is useful as descriptive evidence when it is compared on the same definition, source, period, unit and exact listing. It is one input to research, not a verdict.
Where it appears in XMarketRadar
Look for Open interest in Futures, Option Chain, Options Screener and derivative study tables for a selected underlying and contract.
How it is calculated or sourced
Open interest is provider- or exchange-reported contract/market data for a stated instrument and observation time; XMarketRadar does not infer a missing value from nearby rows.
Inputs, period and unit
Read the disclosed inputs or source, observation period, bar interval, unit, native currency and scale. A value without its source and as-of context is incomplete; unlike units must not be combined.
Worked example
Illustrative only: If 20,000 contracts remain open after matching opens and closes are processed, open interest is 20,000; trading volume that day can be much larger.
What high and low mean
A higher or lower Open interest value is descriptive, not automatically good or bad. Meaning depends on the instrument, comparison period, method and related evidence.
Positive, negative and genuine zero
Positive and negative Open interest values retain the definition shown here. A genuine reported or computed zero is displayed as 0 and is not the same as missing evidence.
Limitations and common mistakes
Open interest may differ by provider definition, observation time, instrument and venue. Common mistakes are dropping units or dates, comparing unlike scopes, and treating a missing value as zero.
Market-specific differences
Contract size, exercise style, expiry, settlement, price unit and trading rules vary across all supported markets. Always use the selected contract specification.
Suggested next steps
Open the related Derivatives terms below, then follow the matching Help Centre task guide and inspect Open interest on an exact exchange listing. Confirm source, as-of time, units and unavailable reason before using it in research.
Educational information only; not investment advice or an order service.
This Open interest tutorial is educational and descriptive. It is not investment advice, a price prediction, a recommendation, or an instruction to buy, sell, rebalance or place an order.
Also known as: oi