As the token flirts with a key resistance zone between $2.20 and $2.40, traders and analysts are closely watching whether XRP can break through and sustain higher price levels.

A combination of technical and fundamental catalysts has helped propel the Ripple currency price upward in recent weeks.

The price of XRP, the cryptocurrency developed by Ripple, has recently flirted with a key resistance zone between $2.20 and $2.40, sparking interest among traders and analysts.

As the token flirts with a key resistance zone between $2.20 and $2.40, traders and analysts are closely watching whether XRP can break through and sustain higher price levels.

Recently, several bullish catalysts have helped to propel the Ripple currency price upward. Among the most notable drivers are large-scale XRP whale movements. In early April, over 267 million XRP tokens, valued at approximately $572 million, were transferred across several wallets. Such activity is typically interpreted by traders and analysts as a precursor to increased market volatility or potential market shifts.

“Whale transactions of this scale suggest confidence among large holders and often precede significant market shifts,” noted one analyst tracking Ripple XRP news.

At the same time, Ripple has continued to advance its institutional ambitions. The company acquired prime brokerage Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, a move expected to ease institutional onboarding into the XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem. This allows institutional clients to interact with Ripple’s payment infrastructure without direct exposure to crypto markets—a major step toward broader adoption of Ripple crypto solutions.

Adding to the bullish outlook, Ripple-backed ETF products have made their debut in the U.S. market. The launch of the first XRP ETF on April 8 further strengthens XRP’s credibility among investors, particularly those in the traditional finance sector.

However, the long-running case involving Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to impact market sentiment.

But in April, the SEC dropped its appeal against the court ruling that XRP is not a security when traded on public exchanges. Ripple also agreed to pay a reduced $50 million penalty, down from the original $125 million.

In an interesting turn of events, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse spoke in an interview that the firm would settle the fine in XRP, a proposition that has raised controversy over whether the digital asset would end up in the U.S. government’s new crypto hoarding program. While it remains unclear if the SEC would accept the fine in XRP, the move would be a major development for XRP’s standing in federal fiscal systems.

The legal breakthrough significantly reduces uncertainty, providing a favorable backdrop for any XRP price prediction heading into Q2.

XRP price is currently hovering around $2.12, having rallied from an all-time low price of $1.60. The token increased by over 4% over the past 24 hours and nearly 300% over the past six months, with increasing bullish momentum.

Still, technical levels indicate that a breakout is imminent. Relative Strength Index (RSI) is presently reading around 65, indicating bullish strength but not overbuying. Additionally, the Average Directional Index (ADX) is approaching 25, signaling rising trend.

However, analysts caution, that short-term bias is uncertain without XRP being able to convincingly breach the $2.40 level and establish it as a support. A failure to break above may result in the price action returning to support levels near $1.90 or even lower.

Despite the positive developments, some market participants are approaching XRP’s current range with caution. Analysts from technical circles point to the presence of untouched liquidity below current levels, which could attract downward movement if momentum weakens.

“The price is reacting at a familiar supply zone. Unless this level is convincingly broken to the upside, we may see a retracement,” noted one trader. “Price moves where the money is, and right now, there’s liquidity sitting below.”

Still, the broader mood remains optimistic, especially as inflation trends down and expectations of interest rate cuts build. These macroeconomic factors could inject additional liquidity into the Ripple market, offering another leg up for the XRP price.

The next major milestone for XRP would be a confirmed breakout above $2.40, which could set the stage for a run toward $3 and beyond. Some analysts even suggest that if the bullish momentum continues and macro conditions remain favorable, XRP could reach $5.50 by late 2025, a target previously floated by Standard Chartered.

For now, the XRP community will be closely watching key technical levels and awaiting further clarity on Ripple’s institutional expansions and the final resolution of the SEC case.

Whether or not XRP can decisively break through its current resistance will likely shape its trajectory for the remainder of the year. As always, caution and a close eye on market dynamics are advised.