Crypto Market Snapshot & XRP Focus

Market overview:

Bitcoin holds near $90.5K as volumes decline, signaling range-bound, choppy conditions.

Major altcoins are mixed, with selective strength (e.g., SOL, ZEC, TON) while overall liquidity remains thin.

XRP performance:

XRP fell about 5%, dropping from $2.28 to $2.18 after failing to break key resistance.

The pullback cooled XRP’s strong start to 2026, despite CNBC labeling it the year’s “hottest trade.”

What’s driving XRP:

Institutional demand remains strong, with continued net inflows into U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs.

Bullish sentiment, improving network activity, and declining exchange reserves support the broader narrative.

Technical picture:

$2.28 is the major resistance and current distribution zone.

Heavy volume sell-off confirms rejection, not a weak drift.

Support sits near $2.15, where buyers stepped in and formed a short-term base.

Rebounds are constructive but unproven until resistance is reclaimed.

Key levels to watch:

Bullish case: Reclaim $2.20, then hold above $2.28 → opens room toward $2.30–$2.32.

Bearish case: Loss of $2.15 → downside rotation toward $2.10, possibly $2.00.

Bottom line:

XRP is still one of 2026’s top performers, backed by ETF flows and strong sentiment — but narrative alone isn’t enough. Until price decisively reclaims $2.28, rallies are likely to face selling pressure. This remains a narrative vs. price-action market.