XRP has faced significant bearish pressure over recent weeks, trading around the $2 mark as 2024 draws to a close. Despite experiencing a 9% loss in the last 24 hours, the token remains above $2, marking its first-ever yearly candle at this level. However, analysts predict that XRP’s path to higher prices, particularly the $13 target and beyond, is likely to be fraught with volatility and corrections before any major upside surge.

One analyst, “Guy on the Earth,” has shared an outlook for XRP that suggests the asset could experience a significant downturn in the short term. He compares the current market conditions to previous bullish cycles, particularly the 2013 and 2017 runs, where XRP underwent lengthy consolidation phases before surging to new highs. According to this analyst, XRP’s market behavior aligns with the patterns of these earlier cycles, with the potential for another massive rally once the consolidation phase completes.

The analyst foresees further downside in XRP’s immediate future, with potential price corrections that could see the token drop below the $1 threshold. In the coming days, he predicts that XRP will test support levels between $1.70 and $1.80. Should these levels fail to hold, the price may fall to the $1.33 level or even as low as $0.87. These support zones are significant because they align with Fibonacci retracement levels, marking key points where XRP could find buying interest and consolidate before a rebound. The analyst views the $1.70 support as a decent entry point, with $1.33 presenting a stronger opportunity for long positions, should the price dip that far.

Historically, XRP has followed a pattern of triangle consolidations, where the price stabilizes within a range before breaking out to the upside. This consolidation phase could extend longer than expected, which may induce anxiety among traders. However, the analyst suggests that these consolidations often set the stage for explosive price movements, and once XRP establishes a strong base, the potential for a breakout could be considerable.

Looking beyond the short-term fluctuations, the long-term outlook for XRP remains positive. The same analyst who predicted a dip below $1 also sees XRP reaching significant milestones in the next few years. The first of these targets is $13, with a more ambitious forecast of $27 by January 2026. While XRP may not replicate the massive gains of the 2017 cycle, in which it surged by over 1,100%, the analyst believes that $27 is still a realistic target. This would represent a substantial increase from its current price, though it would likely require a more mature and less volatile market.

For those considering an investment strategy, the analyst suggests a tiered approach to profit-taking as XRP nears key price levels. He advises selling 10% of holdings when XRP reaches $5.30, followed by another 20% at $8.50, and an additional 20% at $13. Investors should reserve the remaining 50% for the possibility of a peak at $27. This gradual approach allows investors to lock in profits at various levels while maintaining exposure to any potential upside.

At the time of writing, XRP is trading around $2.02, down 3.53% in the past 24 hours, as it struggles to hold its ground. In order to reach the analyst’s minimum target of $13, XRP would need to experience a 543% increase from its current price. To hit the more ambitious target of $27, the price would need to surge by 1,236%. These targets may seem lofty, but the long-term outlook for XRP remains strong, especially given the potential for a sustained bull market after the ongoing consolidation phase.

In conclusion, while XRP’s near-term path may be volatile and uncertain, analysts remain confident in its long-term potential. Support levels at $1.70, $1.33, and $0.87 provide key zones for potential entry, with the $13 to $27 range representing XRP’s most promising future milestones. The current cycle is expected to unfold similarly to past cycles, with consolidation leading to major price surges, making it a critical period for those looking to invest in the token for the long haul.