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XRP’s latest recovery wave has started to lose strength after struggling to push above the $3 mark. The digital asset, which had bounced back from a recent dip toward $2.68, is once again testing critical support levels that could determine its next move.
At the time of writing, XRP is trading near $2.90, holding just above the $2.85 support zone and its 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. Despite the rebound from last week’s low, the inability to sustain momentum above $2.95 and $3.00 highlights the growing pressure from sellers in this price region.
Resistance Levels Keep Bulls in Check
After sliding from its recent peak near $3.13, XRP managed to recover above the $2.80 and $2.85 zones. This move initially gave traders confidence that a stronger uptrend might be underway. The rally even surpassed the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of the decline from $3.138 to $2.678.
However, the $3 psychological barrier has proven tough to break. Each attempt to cross this level has met heavy selling, with traders locking in profits and short-term bears increasing pressure. The most immediate hurdle lies at $2.9620, followed by the $3.00 zone. If bulls succeed in pushing through, XRP could target $3.05 and potentially extend toward $3.12.
For now, though, sellers continue to dominate this resistance band, preventing a clean breakout.
Key Support Zones Under Watch
On the downside, initial support for XRP is visible at $2.88, with stronger support resting near $2.85. This level is further reinforced by a bullish trend line forming on the hourly chart of XRP/USD. A decisive break below $2.85 could trigger more losses, potentially dragging the price down toward $2.78.
If the selling pressure continues, the next major level to watch would be the $2.70 zone. A drop below this support could invite stronger bearish momentum, pushing XRP into a deeper correction phase.
Market Indicators Signal Weakness
Technical signals suggest a cautious outlook for XRP in the short term. The hourly Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is currently trending in the bearish zone, indicating that downward momentum is building. Similarly, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has slipped below the 50 mark, reflecting weakening buying strength.
These signals point to a possible retracement unless buyers step in with renewed force.
Broader Market Context
XRP’s price movements are also influenced by overall market sentiment. Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, have seen mixed performances this week. Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim its recent highs, while Ethereum has shown relative resilience.
XRP briefly outperformed both during its bounce from $2.68, but without strong market-wide momentum, sustaining gains above $3 remains challenging. Traders are keeping a close eye on Bitcoin’s next move, as its direction often sets the tone for altcoin trends.
The $3 Barrier: Psychological and Technical
The $3 mark has become a significant battleground for XRP, both technically and psychologically. Breaking above such round numbers often requires strong volume and market conviction. Historically, these levels tend to attract both speculative buyers and profit-takers, creating volatility.
For XRP, surpassing $3 could reignite bullish sentiment and open the path toward $3.12 and beyond. On the other hand, repeated failures at this level may strengthen bearish confidence, leading to another leg down.
Traders Split on Next Move
Market participants remain divided on where XRP goes from here. Short-term traders are eyeing quick opportunities between the $2.85 support and $3.00 resistance, playing the range until a breakout occurs. Longer-term investors, meanwhile, are looking at the bigger picture, assessing whether XRP can maintain its broader upward trend despite current hurdles.
Some analysts believe that as long as XRP holds above $2.70, the asset retains a bullish structure in the medium term. Others warn that repeated rejections near $3 could weigh heavily on sentiment, potentially pushing the price closer to $2.50 in a worst-case scenario.
What to Watch in the Coming Days
The next few sessions will be critical for XRP’s trajectory. Traders should monitor:
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Resistance levels: $2.9620, $3.00, and $3.05.
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Support zones: $2.88, $2.85, and $2.70.
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Market sentiment: Broader crypto trends led by Bitcoin and Ethereum.
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Technical indicators: RSI and MACD for signs of momentum shifts.
If buyers regain strength and break through $3 with conviction, XRP could stage a stronger rally. But if $2.85 gives way, the market may see further correction toward lower supports.
Final Outlook
XRP’s price action highlights the constant tug-of-war between bulls and bears. While the recovery from $2.68 showed resilience, the inability to overcome $3 demonstrates that challenges remain.
For traders, the immediate focus is on whether XRP can hold above $2.85 and gather enough strength for another attempt at $3. Until then, caution is likely to prevail, with both sides preparing for sharp moves once the range is broken.
