By: Isha Das
XRP's journey in recent times has been marked by significant ups and downs, reflecting a highly volatile market environment. Despite a sharp price rally sparked by the conclusion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit against Ripple, analysts are now divided on the direction XRP could take. Initially, XRP futures open interest rose by 20%, forecasting a potential price surge to $6. However, the recent price movements suggest a more cautious outlook.
The aftermath of the SEC decision saw XRP's daily trading volumes soar by 208% to $12.4 billion, amidst speculation of an XRP ETF approval by 2025. Nonetheless, the excitement is tempered by emerging bearish signals. Technical charts show a bearish fractal similar to the pattern preceding the 2017-2018 selloff and hint at a potential 45% price drop to around $1.64 before finding substantial support. This forecast is based on a concerning divergence between price highs and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) lows.
XRP's recent price jump has masked a decline in active user numbers, signaling that the rally might be driven by existing investors rather than new market entrants. CryptoQuant observations revealed a 10% drop in daily active addresses, even as XRP's price climbed. This suggests that existing holders are rotating capital rather than new users entering the market.
Despite potential bearish patterns, there remains optimism about XRP's long-term prospects, especially with breakout possibilities. XRP’s price has been consolidating just below $3.350, showing potential signs of an upward breakout. Should XRP break past its current resistance levels, this could signal a significant rally, possibly fueled by institutional adoption and renewed investor confidence.
Moreover, some analysts point to a long-term symmetrical triangle formation in XRP's price chart, suggesting that a breakout could propel the price to an ambitious $12.60. This prediction hinges on a sustained bullish trend, supported by macroeconomic factors and improved market sentiment.
Overall, XRP stands at a critical juncture, with potential for both significant gains and substantial corrections. Technical indicators and market dynamics will play pivotal roles in determining its trajectory.