A cup and handle pattern is beginning to form on the 8-hour chart for XRP. This bullish structure is usually seen before an upward breakout. The handle formed as XRP experienced a correction of approximately 7% from its peak on February 25th, creating a price stagnation zone. This pattern is now defining the key levels ahead. As long as XRP remains above $1.38, the bullish structure remains intact. A drop below this level would weaken the momentum. A drop below $1.31 would completely invalidate the bullish pattern. On the upside, XRP must first surpass $1.42 to confirm the handle breakout. The truly critical breakout level is $1.52, near the neckline of the cup and handle pattern. If XRP rises above $1.52, the technical projection could target approximately $1.71 (around the $1.70 region). If the breakout is stronger, the move could extend to $1.86 depending on the neckline breakout. For now, the sharp drop in XRP may have led to an unexpected outcome. This process seems to have structurally strengthened the asset rather than weakening it.

Long-Term Investors Maintained Their Positions While XRP Price Fell 40% The behavior of long-term holders was quite different as the XRP price fell. The Hodler Net Position Change metric shows the buy-sell balance of investors who have held for 155 days or more over a 30-day period. This group is considered the most knowledgeable investors, accumulating when the market is weak. On January 5th, when XRP was around $2.35, long-term holders added approximately 47.3 million XRP on a monthly basis. On February 26th, as the price dropped to around $1.40, a 40% decrease, the net position change jumped to 145.45 million XRP: a massive 200% increase.

XRP is currently trading in the $1.35 - $1.40 range (around $1.35, down approximately 3% in the last 24 hours). It hit a low of $1.11 in February, but has seen a 6% rebound in recent days due to institutional buying and spot demand. Short analysis: Technically, the critical support/resistance zone is between $1.30 and $1.44. If $1.44 is broken, the upward momentum will accelerate; if it falls below, $1.10 - $1.26 may be tested. Despite general market pressure, institutional accumulation signals are strong (spot trading ratio in exchange data is positive). Some analysts are setting targets of **$3.50 - $10 (+)** for the end of 2026 (some even say 900%+ potential), but conservative estimates remain in the $1.4 - $2.80 range. Current news: Ripple is further decentralizing the XRPL ecosystem in 2026: XAO DAO launched new funding hubs, regional accelerators, and independent developer programs. Funds invested since 2017 ($550M+) will now be distributed community-focused → bullish in the long term. Institutional accumulation continues, retail purchase volume increased by 200%+ on some exchanges. XRP is relatively resilient while the market is generally down, but ETF flows have slowed and regulatory uncertainty is putting pressure.