XRP Plummets 9%: Key Support Level Under Threat
By John Nada·Feb 28, 2026·4 min read
XRP dropped 9.1% after breaking below $1.36, raising concerns over further declines. Traders eye $1.30 support as critical for potential recovery.
XRP has experienced a significant decline, tumbling 9.1% from $1.42 to $1.30 after breaking below the critical support level of $1.36. This move signals intensified selling pressure and follows a high-volume breakdown that has wiped out a recent relief rally.
The breakdown in XRP's price is indicative of a broader trend observed within the cryptocurrency market, characterized by a series of sell-offs and shifts in momentum. As traders dissect the current landscape, they are closely monitoring whether $1.30 can serve as a near-term floor for XRP. A decisive break below this level could expose the cryptocurrency to further downside, potentially targeting the $1.20 to $1.22 range. The failure to maintain a rebound and the swift rejection around $1.32–$1.33 confirm a pattern of lower highs, indicating a broader downtrend.
This price action is particularly concerning as it reflects a failure to sustain momentum following a brief relief rally, which had initially provided some hope for bullish sentiment. The rally, however, was short-lived, as selling pressure intensified once the $1.36 support was breached. The volume during this period surged more than 170% above average, signaling a significant capitulation phase where forced selling rather than gradual distribution became the dominant force in the market. This spike in volume suggests that traders were eager to exit their positions, contributing to the rapid decline in XRP's value.
The importance of the $1.36 level cannot be overstated. Previously acting as a structural support, its breach has turned this level into a point of resistance, complicating recovery efforts for XRP. As the price retraced, the immediate resistance now sits between $1.32 and $1.33, effectively capping any near-term recovery attempts. The psychological implications of these levels are significant; traders often view these thresholds as battlegrounds where buyers and sellers clash, making the outcome crucial for future price movements.
Analysis of the broader cryptocurrency market reveals that XRP is not alone in its struggles. A renewed weakness has spread across various cryptocurrencies, suggesting that this downturn is part of a larger market trend rather than an isolated incident. However, it is crucial to note that the decisive move impacting XRP appears to be primarily technical rather than influenced by external headlines. This distinction is important for traders attempting to navigate the current volatility, as it implies that the market is reacting to established trading patterns rather than external factors.
As the price plummeted, XRP reversed sharply after failing to sustain its rebound. The initial short-covering bounce, which pushed XRP to $1.325, was quickly rejected, forming a clear lower high. This pattern reinforces the notion that the broader downtrend remains intact, with traders now seeking confirmation of a reversal before engaging in further buying. The sequence of lower highs has established a bearish sentiment that traders will need to overcome in order to reclaim higher levels.
Looking ahead, traders are focused on whether the $1.30 level can hold as a near-term floor. If this level stabilizes, XRP may consolidate before attempting another push toward the critical resistance zones of $1.32–$1.36. A reclaim of $1.36 would be the first sign that the breakdown may have been overextended, providing a potential entry point for buyers looking to capitalize on any reversal.
Conversely, if $1.30 fails decisively, the downside risk shifts toward the $1.20–$1.22 region. This area is often viewed as a significant support zone where longer-term demand could emerge, potentially attracting buyers who see value at lower price levels. For now, momentum favors sellers, and any bounce is viewed as corrective until resistance levels are reclaimed. The current trading environment emphasizes caution, as traders remain vigilant for any signs of a potential trend reversal amid the prevailing bearish sentiment.
