XRP’s price is witnessing a decline today, following the broader trend in the crypto market. Currently, down by over 5.5% to $0.59, it continues its volatile trading pattern seen in recent days.
The current dip in XRP’s price reflects a retracement that commenced in March after reaching a peak of $0.74. Since then, it has decreased by approximately 18.5%, with several factors contributing to its decline.
U.S. Manufacturing Data Impact on XRP Price
The downward movement in XRP’s price aligns with similar drops across the cryptocurrency market. Investors are reassessing their expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts following robust U.S. manufacturing data.
The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index rose by 2.5 points to 50.3 last month, signaling a halt to a 16-month decline in manufacturing activity. This data suggests that the Fed may opt for two rate cuts this year instead of the previously anticipated three.
Reduced Interest in XRP and Whale Activity
Lower interest rates typically favor cryptocurrencies like XRP, which do not offer interest. However, recent trends indicate a decline in the number of significant XRP holders, often referred to as “whales.” Conversely, the number of addresses holding smaller amounts of XRP is increasing.
Market Outflows and XRP Dominance
XRP has underperformed compared to its major competitors in 2024, with a year-to-date performance of approximately -4.5%. The XRP Dominance Index has dropped by 36.55% during the same period, indicating a capital outflow from XRP to other cryptocurrencies.
This outflow is partly attributed to ongoing legal issues, including the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple. Last week, Ripple’s chief legal officer revealed that the SEC is seeking a $2 billion penalty against the company.
Technical Analysis and Future Outlook
Technically, XRP’s current price decline is part of its fluctuation within an ascending triangle pattern. The cryptocurrency’s next downside target is projected around the triangle’s lower trendline, which intersects with its 200-week exponential moving average near $0.52 by mid-April. Conversely, a breakout above the triangle’s upper trendline could propel XRP’s price to $0.74, its local peak from March 11.
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