XRP plunged below its key daily exponential moving averages (EMAs): the 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day, marking a significant technical downturn. At $1.0863, the token now confronts an "EMA waterfall," a bearish pattern indicating sellers dominate both short- and long-term charts. Moving averages that once supported XRP have flipped into resistance, creating multiple hurdles for any recovery attempt.
Technical Breakdown and Resistance Levels
The decline has been unfolding since early 2026, with the initial breach below the 200-day EMA occurring on January 6, when XRP dropped under $2.34. This was swiftly followed by the 100-day EMA giving way as prices slipped below $2.22. Shorter-term EMAs held for a while longer, but by January 18, XRP had dropped below both the 20-day and 50-day EMAs, completing the fall below all major averages. Though there was a brief rebound above the 20- and 50-day EMAs weeks later, renewed selling pressure has pushed XRP back below these thresholds.
Now, the immediate resistance stands at the 20-day EMA of $1.1004. Surpassing this level is a prerequisite for any optimistic momentum. Even if XRP clears the 20-day EMA, it faces further resistance at the 50-day EMA ($1.1487), the 100-day EMA ($1.2446), and the 200-day EMA, the most formidable barrier at $1.4502. Considering the current price, XRP must rally roughly 33.5% to retake the 200-day EMA, an uphill battle in the current climate. Clearing this level would be necessary but not sufficient to signal a trend reversal, as sustained gains above it would be required.
Recent developments such as XRP’s upcoming Fix upgrade could influence this trajectory, but technicals remain unfavorable for now.
The pattern also emerges alongside a breakout from a descending triangle formed since XRP peaked near $2.50 in January. While this could hint at volatility shifts, the dominant EMA resistance levels keep the bears in control for the moment.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
