XRP Records Worst Weekly Drop Since 2022, Analysts Signal Possible Shakeout Before Q2 Move

[Ben Graham]

XRP is facing one of its most difficult stretches in years, with price action, on-chain data, and derivatives activity pointing to a market under pressure.

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After weeks of steady declines, the token has now recorded its sharpest weekly downturn since 2022, triggering renewed debate among analysts over whether the sell-off marks the start of a deeper correction or the late stages of a broader market shakeout.

Currently, XRP is trading near the $1.33–$1.36 range, down roughly 30% over the past month and more than 60% below its July 2025 peak of $3.65. The decline mirrors weakness across the wider digital asset market, where risk appetite has remained subdued amid macroeconomic uncertainty.

Capitulation Signals Emerge as Losses Spike

One of the most closely watched developments is the surge in realized losses across the network. On-chain data shows investors locked in nearly $1.93 billion in losses over the past week, the largest spike in about 39 months. Realized losses occur when holders sell below their purchase price, often during panic-driven sell-offs.

Historically, similar events have coincided with market capitulation phases, where short-term holders exit positions and tokens shift toward longer-term investors. A comparable spike in 2022 was followed by a significant recovery months later, though analysts caution that past performance does not guarantee a repeat.

Despite falling prices, trading activity has increased. Spot trading volume jumped above $2.3 billion in 24 hours, while futures volume and open interest also climbed, suggesting traders are actively positioning rather than leaving the market.

Key Levels and the “Shakeout” Narrative

Technically, the $1.30 level has become a critical support zone. XRP briefly slipped below it before recovering, indicating buying interest remains present. However, analysts warn that a confirmed breakdown could open the path toward $1.20 or even the psychological $1.00 level.

Some market watchers argue that the current structure resembles previous consolidation phases that preceded strong rallies. According to this view, another decline toward the $1.10 area remains possible as markets get rid of weaker participants before any sustained move higher.

Momentum indicators also reflect pressure. XRP continues trading below key moving averages, and while the relative strength index suggests oversold conditions, no confirmed bullish reversal has formed yet.

Structural Factors Shift Focus Toward Q2

Beyond short-term price action, attention is increasingly turning to structural developments that could influence performance later in 2026.

Analysts point to improving regulatory clarity, institutional positioning, and planned upgrades to the XRP Ledger aimed at supporting tokenized assets, lending functions, and compliant trading environments.

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Derivatives data adds another layer to the outlook. Open interest remains elevated despite declining prices, a pattern that has historically preceded expansion phases when new capital enters the market.

Cover image from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart from Tradingview