The XRP price is pulling significant attention on low timeframes, but not for the reason many investors might expect. While exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to the token continue to attract steady inflows, the price of XRP has moved in the opposite direction.
Over the past 24 hours, the asset slipped toward the $2.07 level, extending a short-term pullback that has puzzled traders watching strong institutional demand in the background.
This divergence between ETF activity and price performance reflects a mix of broader market weakness, technical resistance, and profit-taking after XRP’s earlier rally from the $1.80 area. Rather than reacting to negative headlines, the token’s recent decline appears driven by short-term trading dynamics.
ETF Inflows Remain Strong, But XRP Price Lags
XRP ETFs have continued to record consistent inflows since their launch. Data shows that these products have accumulated more than $1.26 billion in net inflows, with no recorded outflow days so far. On January 15 alone, XRP ETFs attracted about $17 million, outperforming Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana ETFs.
Institutional interest also appears stable beyond ETFs. Exchange-held XRP balances have fallen below 2 billion tokens, down from over 4 billion in late 2025. This suggests fewer tokens are readily available for selling, a trend often associated with longer-term accumulation.
Despite these supportive factors, XRP’s price has struggled to gain momentum. The token reached $2.39 earlier in January but has since slipped back toward the $2.00–$2.10 range. Over the past week, it is down roughly 3%, even as ETF inflows remain steady.
Key Resistance at $2.13 Caps Upside
Short-term technical levels are playing a major role in the XRP price behavior. The $2.13 area has acted as a strong resistance zone, with traders repeatedly selling into rallies near that level.
During the latest session, XRP fell from around $2.15 to $2.07 after being rejected near $2.13 on above-average volume. A brief spike in selling pushed the XRP price to a low near $2.059 before buyers stepped in, leading to a modest rebound.
Market structure shows a series of lower highs and lower lows, a pattern that reflects short-term bearish control. As long as XRP remains below $2.13, rallies are likely to attract selling rather than sustained buying.
Broader Market and Technical Signals Weigh on XRP
The wider crypto market has also been under pressure, with the global market cap recently shedding tens of billions of dollars in a single day. In this environment, traders tend to reduce risk, even in assets with strong institutional inflows.
Adding to the cautious tone, some technical indicators have turned less supportive. On the weekly chart, the XRP price has moved below its SuperTrend line, a signal often interpreted as a shift toward bearish conditions. This has contrasted with renewed “super cycle” talk circulating on social media.
While XRP’s long-term outlook may benefit from regulatory progress in Europe and continued ETF demand, short-term price action remains driven by technical resistance and profit-taking. For now, the token appears to be consolidating rather than starting a new upward trend.
Cover image from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart from Tradingview
