Key Takeaways
XRP price slips to $2.38, extending its weekly losses amid US-China trade tensions
Government shutdown delays XRP-spot ETF approvals, stalling institutional interest
Analysts eye $2.16–$2.20 support zone as crucial for short-term stability.
XRP Slides as Macro Headwinds Mount
XRP price declined 1.31% in the past 24 hours to $2.38, underperforming the broader crypto market (+0.15%). The downturn comes amid escalating US-China trade tensions and a prolonged US government shutdown, both weighing heavily on market sentiment.
Tariff threats and potential export restrictions on software shipments to China have shaken global risk appetite, triggering a broad risk-off move across digital assets. The uncertainty has pushed Bitcoin dominance to 59.28%, marking its highest level since June 2025.
ETF Delays Weigh on Institutional Confidence
The 22-day US government shutdown has effectively frozen SEC operations, causing delays in reviewing and approving XRP-spot ETF filings. With the SEC working under limited staffing, analysts expect 3–4 weeks of additional lag before new ETF approvals once government offices reopen.
This procedural delay has muted institutional inflows, leaving XRP vulnerable to broader market pressures. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, XRP ETF odds remain at 85% by year-end, but sentiment remains cautious until the SEC backlog clears.
Technical Picture: Momentum Still Weak
Data from the latest technical analysis dashboard reinforces a bearish technical bias:
Relative Strength Index (RSI 14): 38.55, neutral but nearing oversold territory
MACD Level (12, 26): -0.13246, signals weak momentum
Momentum (10): -0.22873, shows fading buying pressure and a bearish signal
Moving averages also suggest near-term weakness:
10-day EMA: 2.4318, 20-day EMA: 2.5338, and 50-day EMA: 2.7066 all remain above current price levels.
The 200-day EMA at 2.6121 continues to act as a key resistance point.
These readings confirm that XRP remains below all major trend lines, signaling limited upside confidence unless a decisive close above $2.64 occurs.
Market Sentiment: Traders Eye $2.16 Support
Market analysts point to $2.16–$2.20 as a crucial support zone. A sustained move below could expose $1.94 and $1.58, while reclaiming $2.50 might neutralize the current downward bias.
On-chain data from CoinGlass shows an open interest of $3.81 billion, with a $15.42 million inflow on October 17 that suggests ongoing speculative positioning despite short-term pressure.
Experts note that a rebound toward $2.64 could restore bullish momentum, though this depends on progress in US-China trade negotiations and ETF approval clarity.
Outlook for XRP: Key Levels to Watch
Immediate support: $2.20 / $2.16
Primary resistance: $2.64 / $2.77
Long-term resistance: $3.00
Until ETF progress or a macro easing materializes, XRP’s price forecast remains cautiously neutral-to-bearish, with sentiment hinging on institutional flows and broader crypto market recovery.
