XRP Technicals Turn Bearish Toward $1 as ETF Inflows Persist
XRP is sending mixed signals: strong institutional demand via US spot XRP ETFs and expanding real-world use, but a bearish technical setup that traders warn could push prices toward $1.
On the daily chart, XRP is consolidating inside a symmetrical triangle after a selloff from above $2 earlier in 2026. The token is trading below key resistance around the 20-day EMA and 50-day SMA near $1.39–$1.40, with weak momentum (RSI ~43). Analysts cited in the article say a daily close below the triangle’s lower trendline near $1.28–$1.30 would confirm a breakdown. The measured downside target is about $1.05, with interim support near $1.20; a selloff could briefly test the $1 psychological level.
Despite the price weakness, ETF flows look robust. US spot XRP ETFs logged $81.63 million in inflows through April 24—the strongest month in 2026—reversing March’s $31.16 million outflow. Cumulative net inflows are around $1.29 billion. The article notes no ETF outflow days since April 9, and inflows of $55.39 million for the week ending April 17. Price, however, has stayed rangebound around $1.37–$1.43, implying institutional accumulation is absorbing supply rather than instantly driving upside. It also mentions about 35 million XRP moving off exchanges.
On utility, Rakuten integrated XRP in mid-April in Japan, enabling token trading, converting loyalty points into XRP, and spending via Rakuten Pay after conversion to Rakuten Cash. The integration reportedly reaches ~44 million users and 5 million merchants.
Overall, XRP’s fundamentals are improving, but the article frames current trading risk as skewed to the downside unless key resistance breaks.
Bearish
The article’s trading bias is bearish because XRP’s chart setup—consolidation in a symmetrical triangle after a strong downtrend—typically acts as a continuation pattern when the prior trend is down. With XRP trading below the 20-day EMA/50-day SMA zone (~$1.39–$1.40) and RSI around 43, the technical risk tilts toward a breakdown. A confirmed daily close below ~$1.28–$1.30 would open a path toward ~$1.05, with potential extension to the $1 psychological level.
However, ETF inflows and off-exchange accumulation are real supports, which may limit downside or delay any breakout. Historically, similar “fundamentals improve but price action lags” periods often see a two-phase market: first, markets digest positive headlines while waiting for technical confirmation; then, after FOMO fades and liquidity dynamics shift, price follows the dominant technical trend. Long term, Rakuten’s payment/loyalty integration could strengthen adoption narratives, but in the short term traders are likely to prioritize the breakdown/buy-the-dip levels defined by the triangle structure.