XRP: Navigating the Crossroads of Bearish Signals and Foundational Growth

As of late December 2025, XRP finds itself at a critical technical and fundamental juncture. Veteran trader Peter Brandt has raised a significant caution flag, identifying a potential double-top formation on XRP's price chart—a classic bearish reversal pattern that historically signals a potential trend change from bullish to bearish. This technical warning emerges amidst a backdrop of robust ecosystem expansion led by Ripple, creating a stark contrast between price action and underlying development. The double-top pattern, characterized by two consecutive peaks at a similar price level followed by a decline, suggests that buying pressure is waning at that resistance zone. Brandt, known for his chart analysis, has tempered his warning by acknowledging that patterns can and do fail, leaving the door open for a bullish invalidation. This technical concern is compounded by a broader, more persistent trend: XRP has now traded below its 50-week moving average for 70 consecutive weeks. This lengthy period of consolidation beneath a key long-term trend indicator is notable. Historically, such extended phases of compression below this average have sometimes acted as a coiled spring, preceding powerful bullish rallies once the asset breaks decisively above it. The current situation presents a classic tension between technical analysis, which points to potential downside risk, and fundamental progress. On the development front, Ripple's ecosystem continues to mature independently of XRP's short-term price movements. A pivotal development is the ongoing deployment and integration of Ripple's USD-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD. Its expansion across various LAYER 2 networks is a strategic move to enhance utility, liquidity, and interoperability within the broader digital asset space. This growth in stablecoin infrastructure could foster greater adoption of Ripple's payment solutions and, by extension, increase the utility of the XRP ledger for bridging and liquidity purposes. The core narrative for XRP bulls remains its designed use case as a bridge currency in cross-border payments, and every ecosystem enhancement theoretically strengthens that long-term proposition. For investors and traders, the current landscape demands a balanced perspective. The bearish technical setup highlighted by Brandt warrants caution and suggests that any long positions should be managed with strict risk controls, awaiting a clear breakout above the double-top's resistance or a sustained reclaim of the 50-week moving average for confirmation of a stronger bullish trend. Conversely, the foundational work being done with RLUSD and Layer 2 integrations represents the slow, often price-agnostic, building of real-world utility. The ultimate price trajectory for XRP will likely be determined by which force prevails: the immediate weight of technical resistance or the gradual momentum of ecosystem adoption and resolution of the long-standing regulatory overhang that has uniquely impacted the asset. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the current consolidation transforms into a springboard for a new rally or validates the bearish warnings etched on the charts.

XRP Faces Bearish Technicals Amidst Ecosystem Growth

Veteran trader Peter Brandt warns of a potential double-top formation in XRP's price chart, historically a bearish signal. The pattern emerges as Ripple's ecosystem expansion—including RLUSD stablecoin deployment across Layer 2 networks—contrasts with technical indicators.

XRP has spent 70 consecutive weeks below its 50-week moving average, a threshold that previously preceded strong rallies. Brandt acknowledges the pattern could fail, but maintains current price action suggests downward momentum.

The divergence between technical warnings and fundamental progress creates market uncertainty. Ripple's institutional adoption continues accelerating even as traders monitor the $0.50 support level for confirmation of Brandt's bearish thesis.

Analyst Predicts XRP Could Surge 1,321% to $27 Amid Market Uncertainty

Market expert EGRAG Crypto remains bullish on XRP, asserting the cryptocurrency could rally to unprecedented levels despite recent market corrections. The analyst highlights a specific chart pattern suggesting a potential 1,321% surge to $27.

XRP's price action continues to draw attention as traders weigh technical indicators against broader market sentiment. The token's resilience in volatile conditions reinforces its position as a focal point in altcoin discussions.

XRP Ledger Faces Node Disruption as Upgrade Deadline Looms

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) approaches a critical juncture, with 45% of its nodes at risk of disconnection due to outdated software. Network data reveals a stark divide: while newer versions dominate, a significant portion remains on unsupported releases.

This technical reckoning underscores the challenges of maintaining decentralized networks during mandatory upgrades. The looming deadline highlights the tension between protocol evolution and node operator readiness.

Analyst Says Buying XRP Under $2 Is ‘Basically Stealing It’ at This Point

XRP faces downward pressure, trading at $1.83 with a 4.72% decline over the past 24 hours. Despite the pullback, analysts view the dip as a buying opportunity rather than a cause for concern. "Buying XRP under $2 is basically stealing it at this point," one analyst remarked, highlighting the asset's perceived undervaluation.

VivoPower Strikes $900M Ripple Deal with Lean Ventures

Nasdaq-listed VivoPower has entered a strategic partnership with South Korea's Lean Ventures, orchestrating a $300 million acquisition of Ripple Labs shares that provides indirect exposure to 450 million XRP tokens. The deal positions VivoPower's digital asset unit as conduit for Korean institutional investors seeking crypto market access.

Structured as a three-year play, the transaction targets $75 million in net returns while capitalizing on growing Asian institutional interest. K-Weather and other Korean asset managers are reportedly among interested parties, reflecting regional appetite for blockchain-linked investments.

The MOVE expands VivoPower's footprint in digital assets following previous Ripple-related ventures. Market observers note the deal's timing coincides with renewed institutional focus on payment-focused cryptocurrencies.

XRP Price Analysts Signal Potential Rally to $5 Amid ETF Inflows and Oversold Conditions

XRP is capturing market attention as technical indicators and institutional activity align NEAR critical long-term levels. The weekly Relative Strength Index has dipped to 33, approaching historic lows that previously signaled major reversals in 2017-2018 and 2022. These conditions often precede sustained upward trends.

Price action remains compressed near macro support between $1.80 and $2.30, with muted selling volume suggesting exhaustion rather than active distribution. A confirmed breakout above the $2.30-$2.50 resistance zone could catalyze movement toward $3.50-$5.00 targets.

Spot ETF inflows indicate growing institutional accumulation, adding fundamental weight to the technical setup. Analysts monitor whether the current consolidation represents capitulation before a new bullish phase. "Weekly closes above recent swing highs WOULD strengthen reversal confirmation," observes analyst Good Evening Crypto, referencing XRP's historical tendency for explosive rallies after extended compression periods.