XRP Hovers Near $2.00 Despite Strong ETF Inflows: Bulls Face Key Test

XRP continues to struggle around the psychologically significant $2.00 level, even as U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs record consistent positive inflows. The token’s price performance highlights a disconnect between institutional enthusiasm and short-term market dynamics, raising questions about whether Bitcoin’s rebound above $89,000 can provide the spark needed for a breakout.

(Sources: TradingView)

XRP Stuck Below $2.00 After Early Month Pullback

Since a sharp mid-month correction, XRP has repeatedly failed to hold above $2.00. A brief surge past this threshold in late November—fueled by ETF approval optimism—quickly faded amid broader crypto pressures, including profit-taking and reduced retail risk appetite.

Recent sessions have seen XRP test support in the $1.85–$1.90 range, but upside attempts remain capped by persistent overhead resistance and waning momentum.

This consolidation has been exacerbated by macroeconomic shifts, with capital rotating toward safer assets and technical breakdowns below key moving averages.

The $2.00 level—once viewed as a launchpad for further gains—has turned into a formidable barrier, with multiple rejections underscoring short-term seller dominance.

Market participants warn that without a decisive catalyst—such as renewed buying volume or positive regulatory developments—XRP risks further sideways action or a push toward lower supports near $1.80.

Robust ETF Inflows Contrast with Price Weakness

Despite the spot price stagnation, XRP has benefited significantly from the launch of U.S. spot ETFs. According to SoSoValue data, these funds have posted net positive inflows for 25 consecutive trading days.

While inflows slowed to $13.21 million on December 19 from over $30 million the prior day, there has not been a single net outflow day since mid-November launch.

Cumulative net inflows now exceed $1.07 billion, pushing total assets under management to $1.21 billion.

The December 19 figure of $13.21 million—following $30+ million on December 18—underscores sustained institutional interest, especially notable against outflows from Bitcoin and Ethereum products during recent market stress.

Technical Outlook: Mixed Signals at a Critical Juncture

From a technical perspective, XRP shows conflicting indicators for the near term.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has climbed out of oversold territory and sits around 42, suggesting selling exhaustion may be setting in.

On the daily chart, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) displays a bullish crossover, hinting at potential momentum buildup.

A clean break and hold above $2.00 could reclaim the $2.20–$2.50 zone, energizing bulls.

Conversely, a drop to $1.80 would signal renewed weakness and open the door to deeper retracement.

With ETF inflows providing fundamental support and Bitcoin showing signs of stabilization, the battle around $2.00 remains pivotal for XRP’s short-term direction.