XRP traded lower this week despite continued strong interest from institutional investors, with prices hovering between $1.88 and $1.90 on December 23 and 24. The token slipped by around 2% to 3% in daily trading, reflecting broader market volatility during the holiday period.
The price weakness comes even as XRP-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded their largest daily inflow in two weeks, with $43.89 million added on December 23. Since their launch, XRP ETFs have now seen 19 consecutive days of net inflows, totalling more than $1.1 billion, underlining sustained institutional demand.
Bearish Technical Signals
Technical indicators suggest short-term pressure remains on XRP. The price recently fell below $1.90, a level that had acted as key support. Analysts say a sustained move lower could bring $1.85 into focus, with deeper support levels seen near $1.62 to $1.25 if selling intensifies.
Derivative market data also points to reduced speculative activity. Open interest has declined in recent sessions, suggesting traders are cutting leverage amid uncertain price direction.
Market Conditions and Sentiment
Trading conditions remain thin due to the year-end holiday period, which has amplified price swings. While institutional flows remain positive, retail sentiment has weakened, and XRP has underperformed compared with assets benefiting from strong Bitcoin ETF dominance.
Some analysts note early bullish divergences on momentum indicators, which could support a rebound if buying pressure returns. However, for now, bears appear to be in control, with $1.80 seen as a critical near-term support level.
Longer-Term Outlook
There were no major regulatory announcements or partnership developments related to XRP on December 24. Despite the lack of fresh catalysts, long-term optimism remains among some investors, supported by Ripple’s broader ecosystem expansion and past price performance.
XRP surged more than 570% earlier in 2025, rising from around $0.50 to $3.40, and some long-term projections suggest higher prices could return if ETF inflows continue and adoption improves in 2026. For now, however, market attention remains focused on whether XRP can stabilise above current levels.
