XRP Stabilizes After Early Dip, Traders Eye $2.40 Breakout
XRP steadied on Friday after an early dip to $2.19, as institutional buying helped absorb supply and limit further downside. The token traded within a tighter range into the close, reflecting cautious optimism despite broader market uncertainty.
Over the 24-hour period from Oct. 17 (06:00 UTC) to Oct. 18 (05:00 UTC), XRP moved between $2.19 and $2.35 a span of roughly 7% before settling near $2.33. Traders are now closely watching the $2.40 resistance level, which is seen as a key breakout point that could define XRP’s next directional move amid heightened attention on upcoming regulatory developments.
Market Snapshot
Range: $2.19–$2.35
Close region: $2.33–$2.35
Volume: Peak ~246.7M during the 07:00 UTC sell-off; late-hour tick volume ~1.69M
Context: Broader crypto cap slid this week amid tariff headlines and bank-risk jitters; some venues showed the total market near the mid-$3T range. CoinDesk+1
Technical Levels and Structure
Support
$2.23–$2.25 accumulation zone; buyers active sub-$2.20
Resistance
$2.35–$2.38 near-term band; confirmation required above $2.40Momentum
RSI neutral; MACD stabilizing; structure implies re-accumulation inside $2.19–$2.35
ETF Window and Fundraising Watch
Market participants are monitoring the SEC’s ongoing review of several spot XRP ETF applications, with decision windows clustered Oct. 18–25 per industry tracking. Separately, Ripple is reportedly organizing a ~$1B raise targeting XRP-focused treasury activity another potential liquidity and sentiment driver if finalized.
Macro Overhang
Risk appetite wavered after fresh U.S.–China tariff headlines; remarks suggesting high tariff levels are “not sustainable” briefly eased concern, but traders remain cautious heading into the weekend.
Setup for the XRP $2.40 breakout
What bulls need
A decisive 30–60 minute close above $2.40 with rising spot and perp volume, plus positive basis without extreme funding.What bears need
Failure at $2.35–$2.38 followed by a push back through $2.30, exposing $2.25 and the $2.19 intraday floor.
Managing risk around the XRP $2.40 breakout
Use predefined invalidation (e.g., back below $2.35 after the break).
Watch depth on major exchanges and large on-chain transfers.
Track ETF-related headlines during the SEC window and into after-hours.
Context & Analysis
The rebound from $2.19 alongside outsized absorption suggests deeper pockets supported the tape, consistent with “controlled rotation” narratives during macro stress. Still, the setup remains headline-sensitive: ETF outcomes can quickly re-price volatility, and macro trade rhetoric can thin weekend liquidity. For trending confirmation, breadth across large-cap alts and stable funding would strengthen any breakout above $2.40.
Conclusion
XRP heads into the weekend showing stability within a narrow $2.32–$2.34 range, signaling a period of consolidation after recent volatility. The token’s immediate focus remains on the $2.40 pivot level, which could determine its next directional move.
Market participants are expected to avoid overtrading within the tight range, instead waiting for a clear breakout before positioning for momentum. With sentiment still tied to regulatory cues, traders are also monitoring SEC-related updates and global tariff headlines that could influence broader risk appetite and XRP’s short-term trend.
FAQs
Q : What price level confirms momentum for XRP?
A : A sustained break and close above $2.40 with rising volume is the cleanest momentum signal.
Q : Why did XRP dip to $2.19 before rebounding?
A : Risk-off flows tied to tariff headlines and broader crypto selling, followed by strong absorption, drove the move.
Q : Are spot XRP ETFs close to a decision?
A : Industry tracking points to clustered SEC review windows between Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, though timelines can shift.
Q : How does macro policy affect XRP short-term?
A : Tariff rhetoric and bank-risk headlines can thin liquidity and amplify intraday ranges across alts.
Q : Is Ripple really raising $1B for an XRP treasury vehicle?
A : Reports indicate Ripple is organizing a ~$1B effort; details and structure are not yet finalized.
Q : What’s the broader crypto market doing today?
A : Several trackers showed the total crypto market in the mid-$3T range after a volatile week.
Q : Where are the next XRP supports if $2.30 fails?
A : Watch $2.25 first, then $2.19 the session low and prior absorption area.
Facts
Event
XRP stabilizes after early dip; traders focus on break above $2.40Date/Time
2025-10-18T11:19:00+05:00Entities
Ripple Labs; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); XRP (token)Figures
Low $2.19; resistance $2.35–$2.38; potential trigger $2.40; peak hour volume ~246.7M; late tick volume ~1.69MQuotes:
Sources
CoinDesk market update (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/10/18/xrp-stabilizes-after-early-dip-traders-eye-usd2-40-breakout), Decrypt market cap brief (https://decrypt.co), Bitget newswire on XRP ETFs (https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604991890)