XRP Faces Critical Technical Test Amid Market Turbulence

As of December 2025, the cryptocurrency market finds itself navigating a prolonged period of weakness, with veteran trader Peter Brandt casting a particularly cautious eye on XRP. Brandt has identified a potential bearish double top formation on XRP's weekly chart, a classic technical analysis pattern that often signals a reversal of an uptrend and can precede significant downward price movement. This technical warning emerges against a sobering macroeconomic backdrop for digital assets, with reports indicating that over a staggering $1.3 trillion has exited the broader cryptocurrency sector since the previous November. This massive capital outflow underscores a sector-wide risk-off sentiment that has impacted nearly all major tokens. XRP's price action has not been immune to this industry-wide downturn. The token is currently trading approximately 85% below its all-time high recorded in 2018, highlighting the severe and prolonged bear market conditions that have persisted for years. Brandt's analysis suggests that the recent price structure could indicate the completion of a recovery rally and the beginning of a new leg down, contingent on a confirmed break below the pattern's neckline. For long-term holders and institutional observers, this presents a critical juncture. The double top pattern's significance is amplified by the token's failure to regain its former highs despite various developments surrounding Ripple Labs and its ongoing legal proceedings. This technical perspective necessitates a balanced view. While chart patterns provide valuable insights into market psychology and potential supply/demand imbalances, they are not infallible predictors in a market known for its volatility and sensitivity to external catalysts, such as regulatory news or large-scale partnership announcements from Ripple. However, the convergence of a bearish technical structure with a multi-trillion-dollar sector-wide capital flight creates a formidable headwind. For the bullish case to regain dominance, XRP would need to not only invalidate this double top pattern by pushing decisively above its recent highs but also demonstrate strength independent of a recovering broader market—a challenging feat in the current interconnected crypto ecosystem. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this technical setup confirms Brandt's warning or if underlying fundamental developments can override the bearish chart narrative.

Veteran Trader Brandt Flags Bearish Double Top Structure for XRP Amid Market Downturn

XRP faces renewed scrutiny as seasoned trader Peter Brandt identifies a potential bearish double top formation on its weekly chart. The pattern emerges against a backdrop of broad crypto market weakness, with over $1.3 trillion exiting the sector since November.

Ripple's token has mirrored the industry-wide decline, currently trading 85% below its 2018 peak. Brandt's technical analysis suggests the recent breakdown could signal extended downside, though some analysts contend the structure may represent a bull trap rather than a true reversal pattern.

XRP Price Struggles Below Critical $2 Support Level

Ripple's XRP has entered a precarious phase as its price consolidates below the psychologically significant $2 threshold. The digital asset, now trading at $2.03, has breached a support level that previously triggered swift recoveries throughout January. This marks a departure from historical patterns where dips below $2 were consistently met with V-shaped bounces.

Technical indicators paint a concerning picture. The sustained position below $2 has emboldened sellers, with the 50, 100, and 200-day moving averages all trending downward. MACD histograms reinforce the bearish sentiment, showing deepening momentum below the zero line. Market participants now watch for either a decisive recovery or further downside as altcoin holders demonstrate risk-off behavior.

XRP Faces Bearish Pressure as Analysts Warn of Potential Drop to $1

XRP, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has slumped nearly 5% today and over 10% this week, briefly testing the $1.80 support level. The sell-off follows a warning from veteran trader Peter Brandt, who identified a potential double-top pattern on weekly charts—a technical formation that often precedes further declines.

Failure to reclaim the $2 resistance level could accelerate losses toward $1.50-$1.60, with Brandt cautioning that a breakdown below $1.80 may open the path to $1. crypto analyst Ali Martinez echoed the bearish sentiment, noting that whales have offloaded 1.18 billion XRP in the past month, flooding the market with excess supply.

The token’s weakening momentum suggests short-term recovery prospects remain dim. Market participants are watching whether institutional buyers will step in to defend key support zones.

Trident Podcast Host Loses Entire XRP Balance in Ledger Wallet Breach

Jaime, host of the Trident podcast and a prominent XRP community member, publicly disclosed the loss of his entire XRP holdings after a security compromise of his Ledger cold wallet. The incident was announced via social media platform X, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in crypto storage solutions.

Cold wallet breaches remain rare but high-impact events, underscoring the importance of operational security even for experienced market participants. This case may reignite discussions about hardware wallet safeguards and recovery protocols.

XRP Market Dynamics: Expert Sees Buying Opportunity Amid Suspected Manipulation

An XRP community figure has identified potential market manipulation tactics, suggesting current price suppression creates strategic accumulation opportunities. The observation comes as XRP faces unique bearish pressures distinct from broader crypto market trends.

Global cryptocurrency markets remain under strain due to macroeconomic uncertainty, with altcoins particularly affected. The expert's commentary highlights how sophisticated players may be artificially depressing prices before anticipated rallies.

XRP ETFs Hit $1 Billion in Inflows Amid Technical Signals for Price Rally

XRP's price hovers at $1.86, a notable retreat from its July peak of $3.65, yet chart patterns hint at an impending rebound. The token has carved out an inverted head-and-shoulders formation and a double-bottom at $1.81—classic bullish signals that often precede upward breaks.

Institutional momentum defies the price slump. Spot XRP ETFs, barely a month old, have crossed the $1 billion inflow threshold with relentless daily demand. Recent data shows $8.54 million entering the funds, maintaining an unbroken streak of positive flows since launch. This contrasts sharply with Bitcoin and ethereum ETFs, which bled $277 million and $500 million respectively during the same period.

JPMorgan's projection of $6-8 billion in first-year inflows for XRP products underscores Wall Street's growing appetite. The asset's resilience in capital attraction, even as it trades below all major moving averages, suggests a disconnect between short-term volatility and long-term conviction.