Ripple CTO Explains Rising Fees as Price Tests $1.36

• XRP struggles near $1.60 as lower highs form, signaling weakening bullish momentum.
• Open interest and spot outflows point to reduced leverage and selling pressure.
• XRP Ledger nears capacity with fee spikes, reflecting strong network activity demand.

The price of XRP continues to reflect uncertainty as traders weigh weakening momentum against underlying network activity. Recent price action on the 4-hour chart shows a fading recovery, with XRP struggling to sustain gains after touching the $1.60 level. Consequently, the market now leans toward consolidation, as technical signals and on-chain data point to reduced conviction among participants.

Market Structure Signals Caution

XRP recently formed a higher high near $1.60, suggesting a short-lived bullish push. However, price has since retraced and begun forming lower highs. This shift indicates weakening momentum rather than a confirmed reversal.

Moreover, the price now tests immediate support between $1.36 and $1.38. This zone has become a key decision level for traders. A sustained hold above it could revive bullish sentiment. Conversely, a break below it may trigger a deeper move toward $1.30 or even $1.24.

Additionally, resistance remains firm between $1.42 and $1.44, where sellers recently rejected price advances. Until XRP clears this range, upside momentum will likely remain limited.

Indicators Highlight Weak Trend Strength

Technical indicators reinforce the cautious outlook. The Supertrend indicator has flipped bearish, signaling short-term downside pressure. Besides, the Average Directional Index remains below 20, showing weak trend strength.

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Hence, the market currently lacks a strong directional bias. Traders appear hesitant, which aligns with the broader consolidation pattern. This environment often leads to choppy price action and false breakouts.

On-Chain Data Reflects Cooling Sentiment

Open interest data further supports the cooling narrative. After peaking above $10 billion during a strong rally, open interest has dropped sharply. It now stabilizes near $2.5 billion.

This decline suggests reduced leverage and lower speculative interest. Additionally, XRP spot flows show consistent outflows over time. These outflows indicate ongoing selling pressure and limited accumulation.

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Significantly, large negative spikes in flows point to panic selling during price drops. Meanwhile, inflows remain weak and sporadic. This imbalance highlights a market leaning toward distribution rather than growth.

Network Activity and Fee Surge

Despite softer price action, network activity has surged. The XRP Ledger recently approached 200 transactions per ledger, pushing it near capacity. Consequently, transaction fees increased sharply.

David Schwartz explained that fee spikes occur when demand exceeds capacity. The system raises fees quickly to prevent congestion and maintain stability.

Moreover, validators determine fees collectively using an exponential model. This structure prioritizes higher-value transactions and keeps the network efficient during heavy usage.

Technical Outlook for XRP Price

Key levels for XRP remain clearly defined as price consolidates within a weakening range structure. Recent rejection near $1.60 has shifted momentum slightly bearish. However, the broader structure still reflects consolidation rather than a confirmed downtrend.

• Upside levels: Immediate resistance stands at $1.42–$1.44, where sellers recently stepped in. A clean breakout above this zone could open the path toward $1.50–$1.52. Moreover, reclaiming $1.60 would signal renewed bullish strength and potential continuation higher.

• Downside levels: The $1.36–$1.38 range acts as immediate support and remains under pressure. A breakdown below this level could push price toward $1.30–$1.31, a strong support zone with prior bounces. Additionally, losing $1.30 would expose $1.24 as the next major demand area.

• Resistance ceiling: The $1.50–$1.52 region remains the key level to flip for sustained bullish momentum. Until XRP reclaims this zone, rallies may face continued selling pressure.

Technically, XRP appears to be compressing within a horizontal range after a failed breakout attempt. This setup often precedes a volatility expansion. However, weak trend strength and bearish indicator signals suggest caution in the short term.

Will XRP Move Higher?

The near-term outlook depends heavily on whether buyers can defend the $1.36 support zone. Holding this level could allow XRP to build momentum for another attempt at $1.44 resistance.

Moreover, improving sentiment in derivatives markets would be necessary to support a breakout. Current data shows reduced leverage and persistent outflows, which limit bullish conviction.

If buyers regain control and push price above $1.44, XRP could retest $1.50 and potentially $1.60. On the other hand, failure to hold $1.36 would likely accelerate downside pressure toward $1.30 and below.

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For now, XRP remains at a critical inflection point. Price compression, weakening momentum, and mixed on-chain signals all point to a decisive move ahead. The next breakout or breakdown will likely define the short-term trend.