Home Blog Page 300

Cardano Founder Hoskinson Warns of U.S. Recession

Mark Brennan
-
0
Cardano Founder Hoskinson Warns of U.S. Recession

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson warned that the United States faces a significant risk of recession if several global forces converge.

In a recent commentary, he said a potential AI bubble burst, combined with long-time U.S. allies shifting trade and investment toward China, could push the economy into recession.

As a result, Hoskinson argued that prolonged economic decoupling would sharply reduce U.S. consumption and could become economically catastrophic without timely policy intervention.

Key Points  

  • Hoskinson identifies retaliatory EU tariffs, a potential AI bubble burst, and a shift in trade toward China as major risks to the U.S. economy.
  • He warns that a recession becomes inevitable if these pressures persist without intervention.
  • Goldman Sachs estimates a 35% odds that the U.S. will enter a recession this year.
  • Hoskinson notes that decisive action by the U.S. government could still prevent or mitigate a downturn.

What Could Drive US Into Recession

The Cardano founder made the assertion in a recent interview while addressing questions about whether and when the U.S. could enter a recession. He described a chain reaction in which financial strain and geopolitical realignment weaken foreign direct investment into the U.S.

He pointed to deepening economic ties with China among Western partners, including new trade deals and expanded diplomacy involving Canada and the U.K., as signs of a gradual but meaningful shift in global trade dynamics.

Hoskinson also warned of a potential AI bubble burst and escalating retaliatory tariffs across Europe as factors that could drive the U.S. into recession.

Potential Timing

According to him, losing a significant share of trading partners over a three- to five-year period would directly weaken U.S. consumption. Since consumption underpins the economy, he argued that losing as many as 50% of trading partners would have a severe impact.

He adds that if these pressures remain unchecked, a U.S. recession becomes inevitable. However, he maintains that prompt and decisive government action could still prevent an economic downturn.

Fears of Potential Recession Remain

Amid escalating trade tensions, financial experts warn that the U.S. faces rising recession risks. In March 2025, Goldman Sachs estimated a 35% chance of a U.S. recession within the next 12 months, citing intensifying trade wars.

After a prolonged back-and-forth with China last year, the U.S. entered 2026 by slamming a 10% tariff on several European countries, effective February 1. In response, the EU suspended its trade deal with the U.S.

However, President Trump later reversed course, scrapping the tariffs after reaching an agreement on Greenland’s future.

Despite the reversal, economist Mark Zandi warned that the U.S. remains close to recession, citing a weakening labor market and slowing economic growth. 

Data Shows 45% of XRP Wallets Hold Less Than 100 XRP

Mark Brennan
-
0
Data Shows 45% of XRP Wallets Hold Less Than 100 XRP

Market data shows that nearly 50% of all XRP wallets currently hold less than 100 XRP, confirming room for further adoption.

According to the XRP wallet distribution metric, exactly 45% of wallets hold between 1 and 100 XRP worth $1.90 to $190. Additionally, those holding 100 to 1,000 XRP represent 22% of the total wallets. This confirms that the XRP market still has room for growth despite being nearly 13 years old.

Key Points

  • XRP has traded for nearly 13 years, but most market commentators believe the asset is still early, with room for growth.
  • One of the factors driving this argument is the XRP wallet distribution metric, which indicates that about 45% of the 7.53 million XRP wallets hold less than 100 XRP.
  • Moreover, those holding between 100 and 1,000 XRP represent 22% of the total, with just 10% managing wallets with 10,000 to 100,000 XRP.

XRP Still Early?

Japanese XRP community member Sekairoboyashi recently shared this data, aligning with suggestions that the XRP market is still early.

Notably, despite being nearly 13 years old, XRP holders believe the crypto asset is still in an early growth phase. Since its launch, XRP has delivered an all-time gain exceeding 32,000%, yet several market commentators argue that its current adoption level leaves room for expansion. 

They believe investors entering the market today may still be setting themselves up relatively early, especially when they compare XRP’s user metrics with those of older and more established cryptocurrencies.

For instance, XRP currently boasts 7.53 million wallets. In contrast, Bitcoin alone has approximately 56.8 million wallets holding between 0 and 1 BTC. This difference shows how much smaller XRP’s holder base remains, even after more than a decade of existence. 

45% of XRP Wallets Hold Less Than 100 XRP

Notably, of the 7.53 million wallets, the report from Sekairoboyashi reveals that a substantial portion of XRP wallets hold relatively small amounts of the asset. 

Specifically, around 45% of all XRP wallets contain between 1 and 100 XRP, making this the largest single group of holders on the network. Meanwhile, about 22% of wallets are estimated to hold between 100 and 1,000 XRP, while another 17% fall within the 1,000 to 10,000 XRP range. 

Interestingly, as the balances increase, the number of wallets continues to decline. Notably, about 10% of XRP wallets reportedly hold between 10,000 and 100,000 XRP. Moving up, roughly 4% of wallets control between 100,000 and 1 million XRP. At the top, wallets holding more than 1 million XRP account for less than 2% of the total. 

Current Holders Will Benefit When Institutions Enter

Sekairoboyashi emphasized that this means large-scale holders, or whales, represent only a small fraction of the overall XRP holder base. He also noted that when these upper tiers are combined, roughly the top 15% of wallets collectively control the majority of the circulating supply.

Now, while a large number of participants hold relatively small balances, owning 10,000 XRP or more already places a wallet within the top 15% of all holders. According to Sekairoboyashi, this shows how rare long-term holders with sizable balances have become over time.

He further suggested that this could become important if institutional players, banks, and even sovereign entities begin using the XRP Ledger at scale. In such a scenario, he believes the greatest benefit would accrue to those who accumulated and held XRP quietly during periods of relatively low adoption.

Why Markets Focus on XRP Price but Ignore Its Underlying Structure

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
-
0
Why Markets Focus on XRP Price but Ignore Its Underlying Structure

XRP has been trading sideways for over a year since its breakout, but much of the conversation still focuses on short-term price swings rather than the bigger picture.

According to popular XRP commentator unknowDLT, this price-only mindset is why many holders may mishandle their positions when XRP finally moves higher. He argues that most investors overlook XRP’s broader role and could sell too early, well before it reaches its intended use as a global liquidity tool.

Key Points

  • XRP has traded sideways for over a year, while most debate short-term price moves instead of long-term value.

  • Commentators warn that price-only thinking leads many holders to sell too early and miss XRP’s bigger role.

  • Long consolidations fuel doubt, but history shows XRP often breaks out suddenly after patience wears thin.

  • Analysts say XRP moves without warning. So, investors are either positioned early or forced to chase later.

Understanding vs. Speculation

That sentiment resonated with long-time XRP participants. X user ProfessoRipplEffect echoed the idea that meaningful wealth creation in crypto rarely comes from price watching alone.

Instead, he argued that only a small percentage of holders truly understand the implications of the technology they own, and those are the ones who benefit most over time.

This gap between understanding and speculation has shown up repeatedly throughout XRP’s market history.

“XRP Is Dead” Narratives Keep Repeating

A similar point was raised earlier this week by Vet, a well-known XRPL validator, who criticized recurring claims that XRP is “dead” or will “never moon.”

He pointed out that these narratives tend to resurface during long consolidation phases after investors grow impatient.

Historically, XRP has spent extended periods moving sideways before breaking out abruptly. Between 2022 and 2024, XRP hovered around the $1 level for years, only to surge roughly 7x after its 2024 breakout.

Now, with XRP trading around $2 for nearly a year, skepticism is once again creeping back into market conversations. According to Vet, investors who fail to learn from past cycles often exit too early, missing the very breakout moves they had longed for.

Market Structure Over Market Noise

Some community members view XRP’s path through a wider historical lens, comparing it to Bitcoin’s early days and even the early internet, both of which were dismissed before becoming essential. From this view, fear and doubt come from misunderstanding, not weak fundamentals.

They argue that long consolidation phases test patience more than skill, and markets rarely reward impatience. True conviction, they say, comes from staying focused on the long term rather than reacting to short-term price noise.

XRP Breakouts Rarely Announce Themselves

Recent technical commentary supports this idea. Analysts like ChartNerd say XRP breakouts often happen without warning, catching most traders by surprise. In most cases, investors either position early or chase the price later.

Not everyone agrees, though. Critics argue that XRP’s price gains may not always reflect real value, especially as the U.S. dollar weakens. From that angle, higher prices can sometimes reflect fiat depreciation rather than true growth.

XRP Distribution Phase Targets $6 to $14 Range

Mark Brennan
-
0
XRP Distribution Phase Targets $6 to $14 Range

While XRP has continued to face bearish pressure amid a broader market weakness, chart data suggests higher targets may be on the horizon.

XRP continues to trade under pressure as weakness across the wider crypto market weighs on price action. After climbing to $2.41, the price has pulled back to $1.90. While short-term momentum remains soft, market data suggests the market may be setting up for a much larger move.

Specifically, XRP’s current behavior confirms a long-term thesis that has played out since the 2024 rally. XRP now sits within a distribution phase that often precedes strong continuation moves, especially when the price spends extended time moving sideways.

Key Points

  • XRP has pulled back to $1.90 after reaching a recent high of $2.41, indicating a corrective move after an initial surge.
  • Sideways price action indicates a balance between buyers and sellers, not weakening demand.
  • The correction follows a clear five-wave advance, suggesting the broader bullish structure remains intact.
  • A final resolution phase could briefly test support near $1.70 before reversing higher.
  • Extended consolidation increases the potential for a stronger breakout once momentum returns.
  • Current cycle projections point to upside targets ranging from $6 to $14 if the trend resumes.

Why XRP’s Sideways Movement Matters

XForceGlobal, a Korean Elliott Wave analyst, highlighted this in a recent analysis. According to him, XRP is forming a flat pattern, a corrective structure that appears when buyers and sellers reach a temporary balance.

However, he insisted that this balance often indicates strength beneath the surface, not weakness. Specifically, the market pauses not because conviction disappears, but because urgency fades on both sides.

According to his analysis, XRP already completed a clear five-wave advance earlier in the cycle. This move confirmed bullish intent. However, instead of pushing straight into another rally, the market entered a compression phase to absorb gains and establish a new floor. 

How Flat Patterns Test Traders

The analyst stressed that flat patterns exist to frustrate traders psychologically. Notably, the price does not trend strongly in either direction, which wears down both bulls and bears over time. Leveraged positions unwind slowly, and impatience replaces confidence. This process clears weak positioning without sharp sell-offs.

He added that most XRP traders still agree on the broader direction but disagree on the timing. This disagreement removes panic and excitement from the market, creating a calm but uncomfortable environment. To him, the markets often build the strongest moves from these quiet, frustrating phases.

The XRP A-B-C Structure

XForceGlobal then divided the flat pattern into three waves: A, B, and C. Notably, Wave A emerged as a controlled pullback rather than a fear-driven sell-off, pushing XRP from the $3.4 high in January 2025 to $1.67 by April 2025. During this wave, traders trimmed positions, and the price drifted lower without urgency.

Wave B followed with a rebound that moved above the January high, hitting $3.66 by July 2025. This move created what analysts call an expanded or running flat. While the bounce looked bullish on the surface, it lacked strong momentum and commitment, trapping traders who expected immediate continuation.

Why Wave C Changes Everything

Meanwhile, Wave C represents the resolution phase of the flat. XForceGlobal explained that this wave turns impulsive because one side of the market finally gives up. Specifically, stops trigger, weak hands exit, and positioning resets. Although the broader structure remains corrective, wave C moves with force because it releases built-up pressure.

However, he stressed that Elliott Wave theory defines impulsiveness by behavior, not direction. XRP currently trades within the Wave C, which has pushed prices from the $3.66 peak in July 2025 to the current level of $1.9. 

Distribution Supports Higher Cycle Targets

Meanwhile, looking at higher timeframes, XForceGlobal sees XRP’s year-long consolidation as a sign of strength. According to him, even if the price briefly breaks structure to hit $1.70, such a move would still complete the flat rather than invalidate the bullish cycle.

He presented two scenarios. First, in a running flat, the price will resolve higher without breaking previous lows. Secondly, in an expanded flat, the price will briefly dip below the structure before reversing. According to him, both paths point toward higher levels once the correction ends.

Based on this setup, XForceGlobal sees XRP targeting at least $6 in the current cycle, with extended upside reaching as high as $14. He also stressed the importance of risk management, noting that he has a personal profit-taking target of around $2.70.

Peter Schiff: Bitcoin Holders Are Losing Big While Precious Metals Hit New Records

Zabi
-
0
Peter Schiff: Bitcoin Holders Are Losing Big While Precious Metals Hit New Records

Economist and longtime market commentator Peter Schiff has again urged Bitcoin investors to reconsider their positions.

He insists that precious metals are sending clearer signals amid today’s shifting economic landscape. In a series of posts on X, Schiff said that while Gold and Silver continue to surge, Bitcoin has struggled to deliver comparable returns.

His comments come amid rising volatility across currency, bond, and crypto markets. He argues that such conditions tend to favor traditional stores of value.

Key Points

  • Gold reached $4,967 per ounce, setting a record high.
  • Silver climbed to $99.24 per ounce, also reaching a record high.
  • The U.S. Dollar Index fell to 98.37, a weekly decline of about 1%.
  • Bitcoin traded near $89,234, down 0.6% for the day and roughly 30% below its prior peak.
  • Since November 2021, Bitcoin has lost more than 50% of its value relative to Gold.

Precious Metals Rise as the Dollar Weakens

Schiff pointed to fresh record highs in precious metals as evidence of changing investor priorities. Gold recently climbed to $4,967 per ounce, while Silver reached $99.24, with both metals setting new all-time highs.

At the same time, the U.S. Dollar Index fell to 98.37, marking a weekly decline of roughly 1%. According to Schiff, this divergence underscores mounting pressure on the dollar, reflecting heightened financial strain. It also illustrates why investors are increasingly seeking protection in hard assets.

Against this backdrop, Bitcoin has failed to keep pace, raising questions about its performance during periods of monetary stress.

As of this writing, Bitcoin was trading near $89,234, down 0.60% on the day and roughly 30% below its previous peak. Schiff contended that the primary risk for long-term holders is not a sudden market collapse. Instead, it lies in the opportunity cost of capital immobilized in an underperforming asset.

In his view, investors who remained in Bitcoin have missed substantial gains available in precious metals—a gap he described as increasingly difficult to overlook.

Measuring Bitcoin Against Gold

To reinforce his argument, Schiff compared Bitcoin’s performance against Gold rather than fiat currencies. He claimed that since Bitcoin’s November 2021 high, its value has declined by more than 50% when measured in Gold terms.

This comparison, he said, reveals a deeper, longer-term erosion of purchasing power that is masked when Bitcoin is measured solely against the dollar.

Despite his criticism, Schiff acknowledged Bitcoin’s early success. He noted that it delivered extraordinary gains during its initial adoption phase when ownership was limited.

However, he argued that performance declined as institutional investors and Wall Street entered the market. Schiff added that this broader participation coincided with a decrease in relative returns.

Questioning Bitcoin Role During Monetary Stress

Moreover, Schiff questioned Bitcoin’s ability to fulfill its long-promoted role as “digital gold.” He argued that Bitcoin’s failure to mirror Gold’s recent rally undermines that narrative and casts doubt on its effectiveness as a hedge during monetary turmoil.

He warned that prolonged underperformance could ultimately precipitate a sharp market correction. Meanwhile, elevated precious metal prices may be indicative of deeper structural issues linked to rising debt levels.

Although market conditions remain fluid, Schiff’s latest remarks reinforce his long-standing preference for Gold and Silver. Once again, he frames precious metals, not Bitcoin, as safer havens during periods of economic and monetary uncertainty.

XRP Price Forecast for Jan 23: Key Levels XRP Needs to Break for a Directional Move

Albert Brown
-
0
XRP Price Forecast for Jan 23: Key Levels XRP Needs to Break for a Directional Move

XRP faces key resistance and support levels, with a breakout above resistance potentially signaling a directional move.

XRP has seen notable movement in the past day, changing hands at approximately $1.90 after experiencing a 2.7% drop. The price initially reached a high of $1.96 before descending to the lower end of its daily range, settling just above $1.90. The chart shows consistent downward pressure throughout the day, with XRP failing to hold above the $1.95 level.

Despite this recent decline, XRP has shown positive performance over a longer time frame. Over the past 30 days, the token has gained 2.8%, suggesting some degree of resilience amid the current retracement. However, the weekly performance shows a steeper drop of 8.2%. As XRP continues to experience intraday volatility, traders will be looking for key support levels to determine whether a reversal or continued decline is likely.

What’s Next for XRP?

XRP’s daily chart indicates bearish activity in the market, with the price fluctuating below the Parabolic SAR. For any strong trend to form, the price must break the Parabolic SAR resistance at $2.14, a crucial level that has provided resistance in the past.

XRPUSD Price Analysis
XRPUSD Price Analysis

Looking at the MACD indicator, the bars have transitioned to negative territory, which could signal a shift in momentum toward the downside. The MACD line is also trending below the signal line, a sign that bears have been dominant in the recent past. For any upward move to occur, the bulls need to flip the histogram to green and push the MACD line above the signal line.

If XRP manages to hold above its support at $1.86, breach the Parabolic SAR, and flip MACD bullish, a move toward $2.16 or even $2.35 could be expected. Alternatively, failure to breach the Parabolic SAR may lead to a retracement back toward the $1.80 support zone.

Next XRP Move to Occur Today?

Another analyst, Maxi, shared his perspective on X, stating that he believes the next significant move for XRP will occur today. This statement is in line with the technical indicators observed on the chart, where XRP appears to be testing a critical resistance level. 

XRP Price Prediction
XRP Price Prediction

As the price action consolidates near the trendline, there is potential for a breakout, which could signal the next directional move for the fifth-largest crypto by market cap. His chart shows a potential target above $2.50 if the breakout occurs.

Cardano Analysis: ADA Can Deliver a 2x Rally If It Reclaims This Stronghold

Albert Brown
-
0
Cardano Analysis: ADA Can Deliver a 2x Rally If It Reclaims This Stronghold

Cardano consolidates around a key support area but has faced severe selling pressure from a decisive resistance level above.

Attempts to reclaim this supply zone have proved abortive, with the support below keeping momentum alive. This consolidation may continue until Cardano prevails over the stronghold resistance, paving the path for higher prices.

Key Points

  • Cardano consolidates around a key support area in the mid-$0.30s but has faced severe selling pressure from a decisive resistance level above.
  • Attempts to reclaim this 100-period SMA supply zone have proved abortive, with the support below keeping momentum alive.
  • For Cardano to target higher prices, it needs to break above this 100-period SMA.
  • A break above the 100-period SMA would open the way for a 2x rally for Cardano.

Cardano Sits at Major Support Zone

A bright start to the year was cut short when Cardano dumped violently from $0.428 on January 14 to the lows of $0.342 five days later. Meanwhile, the coin has stabilized around a key support in the mid-$0.30s, a TradingView analysis from CoinCodex highlighted.

The commentary noted that this support level has been the first to cushion selling pressure. Instead of ADA slowly correcting, as previously seen after a rejection, it has stabilized around the $0.35 support level.

However, CoinCodex emphasized that this does not suggest the bottom is in, just that market participants are beginning to digest earlier moves without emotion. The analyst added that dips into this supply zone are getting absorbed faster than before.

The recent market trend confirms this. Specifically, ADA has rebounded from its lows of $0.342 to $0.373 two days ago before retracing slightly to $0.360 at the time of writing.

Cardano Struggles with Higher Prices

Despite stabilizing at the current support, attempts to reclaim higher resistance areas have not yielded much result. The analysis highlighted that the $0.396 level, aligning with the 100-period simple moving average at the time, has repeatedly rejected higher prices.

Cardano fell below this indicator during the January 18 dip and failed to reclaim the area. Currently, the indicator stands at $0.388, 7% below the market price.

What ADA Needs to Do

Notably, the commentary highlighted that for Cardano to target higher prices, it needs to break above this 100-period SMA. According to the analyst, any upside move short of this would represent a relief rally, rather than a trend reversal.

However, the mid-$0.30 support is also crucial. As long as ADA keeps above it, then it can keep retesting new highs.

According to the analysis, a break above the 100-period SMA would open the way for a 2x rally for Cardano. A shared chart shows that the next major resistance lies at the 1.271 Fibonacci extension at $0.886.

Cardano Breakout Target/CoinCodex
Cardano Breakout Target/CoinCodex

It bears mentioning that this move remains highly speculative and based on analysis rather than an assured price prediction. As such, it is not financial advice.

Dogecoin First SEC-Approved ETF Goes Live while Shiba Inu Falls Behind

Lele Jima
-
0
Dogecoin First SEC-Approved ETF Goes Live while Shiba Inu Falls Behind

Dogecoin has left Shiba Inu behind in the spot ETF race after an ETF tied to the token received U.S. SEC approval and began trading this week. 

The long-running rivalry resurfaced after DOGE secured its first SEC-approved spot exchange-traded fund, while Shiba Inu remains absent from the ETF race. The milestone has reignited debate over how institutional access could reshape competition in the meme coin sector.

Key Points 

  • Dogecoin’s dominance over Shiba Inu grows after its spot ETF wins U.S. SEC approval.
  • DOGE remains the only meme coin with a standalone SEC-approved spot ETF, setting it apart from rivals.
  • Although SHIB has met several benchmarks, no U.S. asset manager has filed for an exclusive SHIB spot ETF.
  • Anonymous leadership, slow development, unfinished projects, and internal disputes are cited by critics as institutional red flags for SHIB.

DOGE First SEC-Approved ETF Launches as SHIB Lags Behind

Earlier this week, the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF officially listed on Nasdaq under the ticker TDOG following SEC approval. As the first fully approved spot Dogecoin ETF, the launch places DOGE alongside major assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, all of which have spot ETFs.

Dogecoin is currently the only meme coin with an SEC-approved spot ETF, leaving Shiba Inu notably behind in the ETF race.

Since its launch in August 2020, Shiba Inu has positioned itself as Dogecoin’s primary rival. However, it currently has no exclusive spot ETF filing or approval. Its closest link to a U.S.-based ETF came when it was mentioned as a potential asset in the T. Rowe Price ETF, rather than as a standalone product.

Shiba Inu Absence in Spot ETF Race Stuns Market Participants  

Meanwhile, Shiba Inu’s absence from the spot ETF market remains surprising, given that it meets several key eligibility benchmarks. Notably, the SEC classifies meme coins like SHIB as non-securities, a critical requirement for ETF approval.

In addition, SHIB already has a regulated futures product trading on Coinbase, a pathway Bitcoin and Ethereum followed before securing spot ETF approval. Moreover, Grayscale has identified SHIB as eligible for a spot ETF under the SEC’s Generic Listing Standard (GLS), which was approved in mid-2025.

Despite these factors, no issuer has filed for an exclusive SHIB spot ETF, even as the SHIB community continues to push for such a product.

Potential Reasons Why US Asset Managers Are Avoiding SHIB

Although SHIB launched an exchange-traded product in Europe through Valour, it continues to lag in the United States. Instead, asset managers have favored other meme coins such as PENGU and BONK.

Critics attribute this gap to persistent concerns about the ecosystem. They cite the team’s anonymous structure, slow development, unfinished projects, and internal disputes as key reasons institutions have avoided filing for a SHIB ETF.

Meanwhile, Dogecoin’s SEC-approved ETF has strengthened its dominance in the meme coin market. DOGE leads the sector with a $21 billion market cap, far ahead of SHIB’s $4.61 billion, which ranks second. 

Bitcoin Analysis for Jan 23: BTC Needs to Close Above $89,704 Bollinger Band Resistance

Mark Brennan
-
0
Bitcoin Analysis for Jan 23: BTC Needs to Close Above $89,704 Bollinger Band Resistance

Bitcoin is testing key Bollinger Band resistance, with traders awaiting a breakout for bullish momentum or a potential retracement.

Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced some fluctuations in recent hours, with the price hovering just below the $90,000 mark. The chart shows a series of up-and-down movements, with Bitcoin briefly testing a high of around $90,159 before retreating below $89,500. This volatility came after a week marked by mixed signals in the market, as Bitcoin failed to sustain upward momentum despite positive developments in regional equities and a weakening U.S. dollar.

The price movements from the chart indicate Bitcoin’s ongoing struggle to break and close above the $90,000 resistance zone. Notably, Bitcoin’s price action over the past week has shown some significant volatility, with a decline of 6.4% in the last 7 days. On a 14-day basis, Bitcoin is down by 3%, further confirming the lack of a strong upward trend. 

Traders will now be looking for a breakout above $90,000 for further confirmation of bullish momentum or a possible decline.

Where is Bitcoin Headed?

In the latest 4-hour chart for Bitcoin, the price shows consolidation between the upper and lower bands of the Bollinger Bands. The price briefly tested the middle band at $89,704, indicating initial resistance. However, the first-born crypto has pulled back toward the lower band based at $88,302, signaling a possible lack of momentum to break higher.

Bitcoin 4-Hour Chart
Bitcoin 4-Hour Chart

If Bitcoin fails to breach the middle band and close above it, it could face a retracement to the lower band, representing immediate support. Traders will closely watch this range for any decisive price action.

In addition to the Bollinger Bands, the True Strength Index indicator shows negative values, with the blue line crossing above the red line. This confirms that bearish momentum has persisted but is shifting in the short term. For a bullish reversal to occur, the TSI would need to flip to positive territory. 

Overall, a break above the resistance level at the middle band could launch BTC to the upper Bollinger Band at $91,105.

Analyst Points at Potential $135,000 Surge

Looking elsewhere, analyst Trader Tardigrade recently pointed out on X that Bitcoin has been following a distinct Zig-zag pattern on the weekly chart. This pattern features alternating bullish and bearish movements, where upward rallies meet subsequent pullbacks, creating a back-and-forth movement.

Bitcoin Prediction
Bitcoin Prediction

Tardigrade suggests that if this pattern persists, Bitcoin could experience another surge following its current consolidation phase, potentially targeting higher levels like above $135,000. However, if the pattern continues to follow the expected course, a correction could follow, pushing Bitcoin back down to test support zones around $112,000. 

Long-term Signal Shows 2026 Could Be a Telling Year for XRP

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
-
0
Long-term Signal Shows 2026 Could Be a Telling Year for XRP

The current XRP price structure is sending an important long-term signal that 2026 could be a promising year for XRP.

After breaking above its previous 2021 highs in late 2024, XRP has spent more than a year consolidating above that level. Many analysts are now describing this development as a defining phase rather than a sign of weakness.

Key Points

  • XRP broke above its 2021 highs in late 2024 and has held that level for over a year.
  • Analysts see the long consolidation as accumulation, not weakness.
  • 2025 tested trader patience, but the broader bullish structure remains intact.
  • Market watchers say 2026 could confirm a major breakout toward new highs.
  • Macro Breakout That Changed the Structure

Macro Breakout That Changed the Structure

Specifically, technical analyst ChartNerd shared this view in his latest commentary on XRP on X. He noted that in the fourth quarter of 2024, XRP completed a macro breakout by reclaiming its 2021 resistance zone. In particular, this referred to XRP’s price move from around $0.50 to above $2 between November and December 2024.

Notably, the $2 price level had capped price action for several years, making its recovery a remarkable shift in XRP’s long-term market structure.

Since then, XRP has mostly traded above its former range. The price has consistently respected the old resistance as new support, reinforcing the idea that the breakout was structurally meaningful.

2025 Tested Patience, Not the Trend

For most of 2025, XRP traded sideways in a relatively tight range, particularly after briefly touching $3.66 in July. This move frustrated short-term traders, especially considering that XRP’s price dipped by around 60% since then over the subsequent six-month period.

ChartNerd described the period as “boring,” noting that the lack of strong volatility masked what was actually a prolonged accumulation phase.

From a technical perspective, extended consolidation above a major breakout level signals strength. Since it is holding above previous cycle highs, attention is now focused on whether 2026 brings the next major breakout.

“2026 Will Be a Telling Year” for XRP

According to ChartNerd, 2026 will be the “telling year,” when XRP either confirms its breakout with fresh momentum or breaks below the structure it has defended for over a year. So far, price action shows resilience, suggesting the consolidation phase may be nearing its end.

ChartNerd's XRP chart
ChartNerd’s XRP chart

XRP ‘Looks Good’ for a $4 Breakout

Other XRP market watchers are also expressing similar bullish sentiment, with price outlooks pointing toward new all-time highs. In a tweet, popular trader DonWedge said, “XRP looks good,” highlighting a repeating pattern on the 12-hour chart.

He argued that a breakout could send prices toward $4, requiring just over a 100% move. Some analysts see even higher upside.

For instance, one Elliott Wave analyst argued this week that XRP remains in an accumulation phase and could reach $6. While these breakout prices are not guaranteed, traders say XRP’s long consolidation may be nearing its end.

1...299300301...2,626Page 300 of 2,626