XRP Faces Bearish Pressure Amid Market Volatility

As the token struggles to maintain key support levels, analysts remain divided on whether a rebound is imminent or if further declines are on the horizon.

As the token struggles to maintain key support levels, analysts remain divided on whether a rebound is imminent or if further declines are on the horizon. With technical indicators flashing mixed signals and external factors influencing investor sentiment, traders are bracing for the next major move in XRP’s price trajectory.

XRP has experienced a sharp decline over the past week, dropping nearly 15% as broader crypto market weakness exerted downward pressure. The token fell toward the $2.00 mark, a significant psychological level after being rejected at higher resistance points. According to analysts, XRP must break above $2.22 and hold it as support to regain bullish momentum. Otherwise, the risk of further declines remains high.

Ripple (XRP) is waiting for a breakout in either direction as the price holds between the $2.50 critical resistance and $2 support. Source: MasNora on TradingView

Technical analysis points to key resistance at $2.25 and $2.325. If XRP fails to breach these levels, it could retreat toward $2.00 or lower. “The price action is currently dictated by resistance at $2.25. A breakout above this level could shift momentum, but failure to do so may result in extended losses,” said a market strategist.

Elliott Wave Analysis Suggests Further Correction

From an Elliott Wave perspective, XRP is in a Wave (B) phase of correction, which can portend bear continuation before stabilizing. XRP’s support at $1.533, say analysts, would be a crucial turning point. “Wave (B) corrections are likely to create uncertainty but pave the node for the big move ahead,” says one technical analyst.

XRP shifts to an Expanding Leading Diagonal, with Wave 2 Flat “chop”; demand seen around $2.00. Source: Schu3269 on TradingView

Traders are closely monitoring Wave (II) completion, which could witness a short-term rise in Wave B before potentially falling to Wave C. This model emphasizes the importance of good entry and exit points as XRP remains extremely volatile.

XRP Futures Open Interest Hits Yearly Low

Another worrying metric is the downtrend in XRP futures open interest, which recently hit an all-time low in 2025 at $1.33 billion. The 8% decline from the last week is an indication of leveraged players unwinding, which reflects a lack of confidence in XRP’s near-term strength.

XRP’s Open Interest is in a downtrend. Source: Santiment

Funding rate data also attest to this conservative stance. Since December 9, XRP’s eight-hour funding rate has hovered near zero, showing balance between bearish and bullish leverage. Unlike previous rallies, such as the 140% surge in late 2024, there has been no significant spike in leveraged buying, which is worrying for waning bullish pressure.

Legal Uncertainty Still Looms Over XRP

Although recent optimism within the crypto market exists, the court case between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to linger over XRP’s price. Although cases have been dropped by the SEC against firms such as Coinbase, OpenSea, and Uniswap, its action against Ripple is ongoing.

XRP’s price will stay stagnant despite news; only an SEC case dismissal can trigger a pump. Source: Kai Tran via X

Most in the cryptocurrency community are hoping for a positive outcome, but legal experts caution that this case is even more complex due to a prior court ruling and on-going appeal. “An upside victory for Ripple could spur a sharp rally, but continuing delays make it all the more uncertain,” said a legal expert after the case.

Ripple’s Strategic Efforts Face Roadblocks

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has attempted in recent months to campaign for a U.S. government-backed Strategic Digital Asset Reserve to diversify reserves away from Bitcoin. Such efforts have, however, been met with pushback, particularly after Donald Trump’s previous administration signaled that it would no longer be keen on seeking a specialized crypto council.

Ripple (XRP) was trading at around $2.22, down 3.2% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: XRP Liquid Index (XRPLX) via Brave New Coin

In addition, broader macroeconomic factors, including U.S. trade policy and market-wide corrections, have also played a role. Trump’s recent tariff threat against global trading partners triggered double-digit drops in major cryptocurrencies like XRP.

Key Levels to Watch for a Rebound

For XRP to regain strength, it needs to remain above the support price of $2.18. In case additional buying pressure is experienced, the token could test the descending trendline resistance line at $2.25. A firm breakout above $2.30 will be an affirmation of a momentum shift, subsequently, which may take XRP towards a