XRP trades sideways for 200 days amid bullish and bearish signals
XRP has spent nearly 200 days consolidating between $1.90 and $2.90, leaving traders and analysts divided on the altcoin’s next move. The prolonged sideways trend comes after a sharp rally of over 500% in November 2024. Since then, XRP/USD has failed to break out decisively in either direction, forming a broad symmetrical triangle pattern that typically precedes significant price action.
Analysts are now closely watching this structure for cues, with some suggesting that XRP could be gearing up for a substantial breakout reminiscent of its 2017 surge.
Historical fractals hint at $3.70 to $10 upside
One of the more optimistic takes comes from crypto analyst Mikybull Crypto, who highlighted striking similarities between XRP’s current three-week chart and the pattern it formed before its meteoric rise in 2017. Back then, XRP surged by 1,300% to reach $3.40, following a symmetrical triangle breakout.
XRP/USD three-week price chart. Source: TradingView
According to Mikybull, XRP’s current consolidation mimics this setup, potentially positioning the token for a breakout toward $3.70 — around a 75% gain from the current price of $2.12. Another analyst, XRPunkie, echoed this sentiment, calling the pattern an “epic breakout in the making,” with expectations for XRP to break above the $4 mark.
Long-term consolidation sets stage for $10 or more
Taking a broader view, analyst GalaxyBTC points to a long-term fractal that may be even more significant. Their analysis compares XRP’s ongoing multi-year consolidation to its 2014–2017 cycle. The earlier phase lasted 1,267 days and culminated in the 1,300% rally to $3.40.
Now, XRP has been consolidating for over 2,470 days — nearly seven years. If history repeats, the extended timeframe could amplify the next breakout’s magnitude. GalaxyBTC suggests a potential target between $8 and $10, should XRP follow a similar trajectory.
Adding fuel to bullish projections, some analysts are looking at Fibonacci extensions and upcoming ETF-related developments as factors that could push XRP to an even more ambitious $25–$27 range.
Bearish outlook: Cup-and-handle pattern points to $1.33
Not all chartists are optimistic, however. A growing number of traders are identifying a potential bearish reversal pattern — an inverse cup-and-handle — taking shape on XRP’s daily chart. This structure typically signals a downward trend, and its confirmation could invalidate the bullish triangle setup.
XRP/USD weekly price chart. Source: GalaxyBTC/TradingView
The pattern shows XRP rounding off from a peak of $2.90 in March and breaking below short-term support. If the inverse cup-and-handle plays out, it projects a fall to the $1.33 level, which aligns with the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement — a zone that served as resistance during XRP’s 2021 correction.
Market remains undecided as bulls and bears await breakout
With XRP stuck in a wide trading range, market sentiment remains mixed. The symmetrical triangle pattern is inherently neutral and can resolve either way. Bulls are hopeful for a replay of the 2017 breakout, while bears see warning signs of a reversal.
As of now, XRP continues to hover around the $2.12 mark, with both camps watching key support and resistance levels for the next decisive move. Whether XRP surges toward $10 — or dips toward $1.33 — will likely depend on which side gains momentum in the days ahead.
