XRP stabilizes near $1.40 as traders bet on a bottom – What’s next?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-02-22Last updated on 2026-02-22

Abstract

XRP is stabilizing near the $1.40–$1.20 support zone within a long-term descending channel, showing signs of potential exhaustion rather than further decline. The cryptocurrency has printed its largest spike in realized losses since 2022, often a signal of late-stage capitulation. The MACD indicator shows bullish convergence, suggesting weakening selling pressure. However, the NVT ratio has increased by over 108%, indicating that market valuation is expanding relative to network activity—a potential short-term imbalance. Additionally, Binance traders are heavily positioned long, with a Long/Short Ratio of 2.22, creating asymmetric risk: a rebound could accelerate gains, but a breakdown may trigger rapid liquidations. The key outlook depends on whether XRP holds current support. A sustained hold above $1.20, coupled with MACD strength, could lead to a recovery attempt. Conversely, a break below may initiate further declines before any reversal.

XRP prints its largest realized loss spike since 2022 while price compresses against long-term channel support near $1.40.

Fear appears elevated, yet historical precedent suggests that heavy loss realization often clusters near exhaustion points rather than trend continuation zones.

XRP defends $1.20–$1.40 within the channel

Price continued trading inside a prolonged descending channel that has guided structure since the late-cycle high. XRP now defends the $1.40 region, while the lower horizontal support sits near $1.21.

Attempts toward $1.79 and $2.20 have failed, reinforcing the dominance of the upper channel boundary. However, candles now compress near the lower trendline, showing reduced downside expansion.

The structure reflects controlled decline rather than disorderly liquidation. If buyers continue defending $1.20, the channel could tighten into a breakout attempt.

However, a decisive close below that region would shift structure and challenge the containment thesis.

The MACD now shows bullish convergence as the blue line crosses above the signal line. Green histograms continue developing, indicating weakening downside pressure compared to prior waves.

However, price has not reclaimed mid-channel resistance, which limits confirmation. The indicator reflects internal improvement, yet structure still confines upside attempts.

If histogram expansion persists while price holds at $1.40, buyers could gradually strengthen control. Still, validation requires sustained closes above descending resistance rather than a temporary crossover reaction.

NVT spikes 108% as activity lags

CryptoQuant’s data showed the NVT Ratio at 454.51 after surging +108.36% in 24 hours. This sharp rise signaled that market value has expanded relative to transaction throughput.

However, elevated NVT levels often reflect reduced network activity rather than immediate expansion in utility.

Price compression near support while valuation metrics rise creates imbalance. If transaction activity does not recover, valuation could appear stretched in the short term.

However, capitulation phases often distort NVT readings during transitional periods. Context now shows network slowdown coexisting with price stabilization inside a tightening range.

Binance traders lean aggressively long

Binance top trader positioning showed 68.91% of accounts holding long exposure, while 31.09% remained short.

The Long/Short Ratio stood at 2.22, reflecting strong directional conviction despite structural weakness. Crowded long positioning near support introduced an asymmetric risk.

If price rebounds decisively, long exposure could accelerate upside through squeeze dynamics. If support fails, leveraged positioning could unwind rapidly.

Current positioning reflects anticipation of a bottom similar to 2022, though price must confirm that outlook through sustained higher lows and structural recovery.

To sum up, XRP now stands at a pivotal zone where capitulation, channel compression, elevated NVT, and heavy long positioning converge.

Realized losses suggest exhaustion, yet valuation appears stretched relative to network activity. Price structure still respects the descending channel, though compression hints at an approaching resolution.

If $1.20–$1.40 continues holding and MACD expansion persists, XRP could attempt a recovery phase.

However, failure at support would likely trigger long liquidations before any durable reversal forms.


Final Summary

  • XRP’s largest realized loss spike and channel compression signal potential late-stage exhaustion rather than fresh breakdown.
  • However, crowded longs and weak network activity leave the $1.20–$1.40 zone as a decisive make-or-break support.

Related Questions

QWhat is the current key support zone for XRP's price according to the article?

AThe current key support zone for XRP is between $1.20 and $1.40, which is being defended within a prolonged descending channel.

QWhat does the recent spike in XRP's realized losses suggest about the market phase?

AThe spike in realized losses, the largest since 2022, suggests potential late-stage exhaustion and capitulation rather than the beginning of a fresh downtrend.

QWhat does the NVT Ratio's 108% surge indicate about the XRP network?

AThe 108% surge in the NVT Ratio indicates that the market value has expanded significantly relative to transaction throughput, signaling reduced network activity and potentially stretched short-term valuation.

QHow are Binance top traders positioned regarding XRP, and what risk does this create?

ABinance top traders are leaning aggressively long, with a Long/Short Ratio of 2.22. This creates an asymmetric risk where a rebound could accelerate gains, but a support failure could trigger rapid liquidations.

QWhat technical indicator shows bullish convergence, and what confirmation is still needed for a recovery?

AThe MACD shows bullish convergence with the blue line crossing above the signal line and green histograms developing. However, confirmation requires sustained price closes above the descending mid-channel resistance, not just a temporary crossover.

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