DOT jumps 14% as Polkadot transactions surge – THESE 2 metrics hint at…

DOT’s rally has more capital behind it. That same leverage could become its fastest exit.

Written by Olayiwola Dolapo

Reviewed by Renuka Tahelyani

Updated 10:00 EDT September 8, 2026

Polkadot [DOT] climbed roughly 14%, but a narrow liquidation imbalance introduced friction across its perpetual market.

Even so, rising Open Interest, positive Funding Rates and stronger network activity supported the bullish case. Whether leveraged demand survives the next volatility spike could determine if DOT extends its rally.

Can DOT’s bullish positioning hold?

Open Interest rose 13% over 24 hours to roughly $203 million. The increase showed that traders committed more capital to DOT’s perpetual contracts.

DOT funding rate chart — Source: CoinGlass

The Open Interest-Weighted Funding Rate also stood near 0.0095% at press time. Positive Funding Rates indicated that long traders paid shorts, reflecting bullish positioning.

However, rising Open Interest can also increase liquidation pressure during a price reversal. Leverage is extending the rally, yet it may decide how violently momentum unwinds.

Is Polkadot activity supporting DOT?

Polkadot’s Transactions climbed during the past month and reached over 13,800, according to Artemis. The increase strengthened the network-use story around DOT.

Artemis - Transactions — Source: Artemis

Daily Active Users also rose to roughly 2,700. However, that level remained moderate relative to the broader network. Growth now needs persistence.

One busy month can lift activity; sustained users would build a stronger case for repricing DOT.

Could liquidations slow DOT’s rally?

From the start of the 8th of September, short liquidations reached $39,500. Long liquidations totaled $29,130 during the same period. Across 24 hours, short liquidations reached $575,190, compared with $454,490 in long liquidations.

DOT liquidation chart. — Source: CoinGlass

The differences remained modest, suggesting neither side suffered a decisive flush. That imbalance aligned with DOT’s bullish price action, although it offered limited confirmation.

For now, DOT could extend its rally if Open Interest and network activity remain elevated. A reversal, however, may expose leveraged longs as positive Funding Rates increase holding costs. DOT’s rally now sits between growing participation and the leverage accompanying it.