XRP has finally shattered a key psychological milestone — soaring past the $3 mark for the first time in years. The crypto community lit up with excitement as Ripple’s native token surged nearly 5% in a single day, peaking at $3.03, while major players like Bitcoin and Ethereum managed only modest gains of 0.5% and 2.5% respectively. On paper, XRP stole the spotlight.
But beneath the bullish euphoria, one respected analyst is raising red flags — and his warning could change everything.
⚠️ Analyst Alert: “Death Cross” May Signal Storm Ahead
Crypto market watcher Ali Martinez has issued a stark caution to XRP holders. While price action is celebrating above $3, Martinez points to a technical red flag flashing on-chain: the formation of a “Death Cross” on the MVRV ratio — a key metric comparing market value to realized value (investor cost basis).
> “Historically, the MVRV death cross has often preceded heavy downside in altcoin cycles,” Martinez notes.
This cross, when short-term averages dip below long-term ones, suggests that the recent rally could be running on fumes — with bearish momentum waiting just below the surface.
🧠 The Psychology Behind $3 – And Why It’s Dangerous
The $3 threshold carries more weight than just numbers. It’s a psychological magnet, a line that invites emotional buying. When mainstream media, like USA Today, begins calling XRP “the smartest crypto to buy at $500,” Martinez warns: that’s often when things start to break.
> “Mainstream hype is typically the last push before a top,” he tweeted. “When retail jumps in late, whales usually exit.”
This kind of overhyped coverage has historically served as a contrarian indicator — signaling a market top, not a floor.
🧱 Critical Support Levels: $2.80 and Below
Despite the pump, XRP is still dancing on a tightrope. Martinez highlighted $2.80 as a short-term cushion based on recent buying behavior. But he cautioned that the true support lies lower — closer to $2.48. A break below this zone could invite cascading liquidations and a trip back to late-2023 levels.
> If market pressure intensifies — whether due to macro triggers, Bitcoin volatility, or a sector-wide correction — XRP could tumble fast.
📈 Long-Term Outlook Still Bullish, Says Egrag Crypto
Not everyone shares the short-term pessimism. Well-known crypto chartist Egrag Crypto believes the party isn’t over — just delayed.
Using a 6-month candlestick framework, he outlined two potential targets for XRP’s next macro rally:
Conventional Chart Target: $4.89
Logarithmic Projection: $48.90
Split the difference, and $27 becomes the average — an ambitious, yet theoretically grounded mid-cycle target.
> “We still have five months left before this candle closes,” Egrag explained. “XRP is just getting started. The wave hasn’t crested yet.”
📊 Market Context: Altcoin Strength, ETF Hype, and Ripple’s Legal Tailwinds
This rally also comes amid:
Growing altcoin dominance as Bitcoin cools off near the $130K consolidation range
Increasing institutional interest post-Ether ETF success
Ripple's expanding global partnerships and continued legal clarity wins following its partial victory over the SEC in 2024
Together, these dynamics build a fundamental floor beneath XRP — but they may not be enough to resist short-term technical corrections.
🧩 Final Take: Hold the Hype, Watch the Trend
While XRP's breakout above $3 is a historic moment, it’s not a guarantee of sustained upside. Smart traders should treat this level as both an opportunity and a potential trap. Momentum is real — but so are reversals.
📌 Key Levels to Watch:
Resistance: $3.10 – $3.25
Short-Term Support: $2.80
Critical Support: $2.48
Bullish Continuation Confirmation: Close above $3.35 on strong volume
✅ TL;DR:
XRP hits $3.03 — best-performing major coin today
Analyst warns of MVRV “death cross” — bearish signal
Short-term support at $2.80, deeper cushion at $2.48
Mainstream media bullishness could signal a market top
Long-term analysts still see $4.89–$48.90 potential
Caution advised: Don’t get blinded by the green
🌕 Are you holding for the moon or planning for the dip? XRP’s next move could decide the tone for altseason. Stay sharp, stay informed.