Can Bulls Defend $1.85 Before $1.77?

• XRP struggles below key resistance zones, limiting upside despite short-term bounces.
• Support near $1.90–$1.92 is critical as a break risks sharper downside acceleration.
• Open interest and spot flows show cautious trading, signaling steady market engagement.

XRP price action continues to draw attention as sellers maintain control on the 4H chart. The token trades near $1.896 after another failed recovery attempt. Price slipped back into a prior support area, which confirms sustained downside pressure. 

Recent candles show sharp rejection from higher levels, suggesting buyers lack conviction. Consequently, short-term momentum favors caution as XRP struggles to build a stable base. Market participants now focus on whether buyers can defend nearby supports or allow a deeper move.

XRP Price Structure Remains Fragile

XRP continues to trade below key resistance zones, which limits upside attempts. The $1.95–$1.97 region now acts as the first obstacle. Price must reclaim this area to slow selling pressure. However, sellers defended this zone aggressively during the last bounce.

Additionally, the $2.01–$2.02 level holds greater importance. This area aligns with a key Fibonacci level and prior structure. A sustained move above it would improve sentiment. 

Above that, the $2.10–$2.17 range remains a major ceiling. Sellers previously stepped in there with force. Hence, bulls need strong momentum to challenge this zone again. The upper resistance near $2.28 remains distant under current conditions.

On the downside, XRP now tests the $1.92–$1.90 support band. This zone holds near-term importance. A clear break below it would weaken the structure further. Moreover, the $1.87–$1.85 area marks the next demand zone. If buyers fail there, downside acceleration could follow quickly.

The $1.77 level stands as the major downside target. Buyers must defend this level to prevent a deeper decline. Meanwhile, indicators suggest limited relief potential. RSI hovers near oversold territory, which allows short bounces. However, the broader trend still leans bearish. The MACD remains negative and shows no clear reversal signal yet.

Derivatives and Spot Flow Context

Open interest data adds context to current price behavior. XRP open interest dropped sharply from January highs above $5 billion to near $3.35 billion. This move signals traders closing positions rather than adding leverage. Significantly, open interest still sits above mid-2025 levels. This shows continued market engagement despite caution.

Spot flow data reinforces the defensive tone. Netflows stayed negative for extended periods, reflecting steady outflows. A brief inflow spike appeared during the late-July rally above $3.50. However, that move failed quickly. Outflows returned as price weakened again. Moreover, January flows show near-flat activity, suggesting indecision.

Technical Outlook for XRP Price

Key levels remain clearly defined for XRP as price trades near a critical inflection zone. 

• Upside levels: $1.95–$1.97 stands as the first recovery hurdle. A reclaim could open the door toward $2.01–$2.02, which marks an important structure and Fibonacci resistance. Beyond that, $2.10–$2.17 remains the main ceiling where sellers previously regained control. 

• Downside levels: $1.92–$1.90 acts as immediate support. A failure there exposes $1.87–$1.85, followed by the major downside level at $1.77. The broader technical picture shows XRP trending lower, with momentum still bearish despite oversold signals. 

Will XRP bounce or break lower? 

The short-term XRP price prediction hinges on whether buyers can defend $1.90 and reclaim $2.01. A sustained move above resistance could shift momentum. 

However, continued weakness risks a deeper pullback toward $1.77. For now, XRP remains at a pivotal zone where volatility may expand next.