XRP is facing a pivotal moment after failing to test the $2.60 resistance level, with price action now leaning toward critical demand. The token continues to trade sideways in a wide range, reflecting growing uncertainty as the broader crypto market faces renewed selling pressure. Despite a strong performance in recent weeks, bulls are struggling to maintain momentum, and the inability to push higher has left XRP vulnerable to further consolidation or downside.
The market’s overall risk-off sentiment is making it difficult for altcoins like XRP to establish a clear direction. Investors remain cautious, and bulls must now defend key support zones to avoid triggering a deeper correction. XRP is approaching a critical demand area that could determine its short-term trajectory.
Crypto analyst, Ali Martinez, shared insights on X, pointing to a potential bullish scenario if XRP can break above the $3 mark. According to Martinez, such a move would invalidate the current head-and-shoulders pattern forming on the chart, effectively flipping the outlook in favor of the bulls.
XRP Faces Key Breakout Test Amid Market Uncertainty
XRP is approaching a critical point in its price structure, where a breakout above key levels could trigger a major uptrend. However, investors remain cautious, with many worried that the current setup may be a bull trap — especially given the unstable macro environment. Since late January, financial markets have faced growing turbulence, fueled by trade war fears and erratic policy behavior from U.S. President Donald Trump. This uncertainty has weighed heavily on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, and continues to prevent clear trend formation across the board.
XRP’s price action reflects this broader market indecision. While the token has shown resilience, it remains locked in a wide range, unable to build sustained bullish momentum. The recent failure to break above the $2.60 resistance level has added to investor concern, as selling pressure appears to be creeping back into the market.
Martinez weighed in on the situation, highlighting a technical level that could define XRP’s short-term trajectory. According to Martinez, if XRP can break above the $3 mark, it would invalidate the current head-and-shoulders pattern forming on the chart — a pattern typically associated with trend reversals. Such a move would flip the market outlook bullish and open the door for a major rally.
Until that breakout occurs, however, the head-and-shoulders structure remains in play, and downside risks cannot be ignored. Investors are watching closely as XRP trades near critical support and resistance levels, knowing that the next breakout or breakdown could shape its direction for weeks to come. For now, XRP remains caught in a tight battle between bearish pressure and bullish potential.
Bulls Defend Key Support at $2.20
XRP is currently trading at $2.22 after losing the critical $2.40 level, which aligns with both the 4-hour 200 moving average (MA) and the exponential moving average (EMA). This breakdown has weakened short-term momentum, placing bulls in a defensive position as selling pressure begins to build. The $2.20 level now stands as a key support zone that must be defended to avoid a deeper correction.
To regain strength and shift momentum back in favor of the bulls, XRP must reclaim the $2.35 level in the coming sessions. A move above this resistance zone would indicate renewed buying interest and potentially trigger a push back toward the $2.60 range. Until then, price action remains fragile, with investors watching closely for confirmation.
However, if XRP fails to hold above $2.20, the market could see a sharp drop toward the $2.00 mark — a psychological and structural support level that has held in previous corrections. Such a move would likely confirm bearish dominance in the short term and further delay any potential breakout. As volatility continues to build, the next few hours could be crucial for XRP’s short-term trend direction.
Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
