When observing the weekly chart, it becomes evident that the XRP price does not move in short, clean trends. Instead, it progresses through extended phases, often of significant duration.
This pattern was visible in XRP's early years, during which it experienced minimal movement. Subsequently, it surged during the 2017 bull run, reaching a peak near $3.30 in early 2018. Following this, a prolonged and challenging correction ensued, leading to years of attempts at slow recovery.
The journey was far from smooth, yet the underlying pattern has consistently repeated. XRP undergoes periods of substantial expansion, followed by extended cooling-off periods, and then begins to build momentum again.
The Significance of XRP's Current Sideways Phase
A notable observation is the price action following the breakout in late 2024 and early 2025. The XRP price experienced a surge into the multi-dollar range and then ceased its upward trend. Rather than continuing higher or experiencing a significant decline, it has been consolidating sideways for over a year.
Currently, the price is trading around $2.05, creating a sense that the market is in a state of equilibrium. However, this sideways movement is not necessarily a negative indicator. When XRP trades within a confined range for an extended period, it typically signifies that underlying pressure is accumulating.
The market appears to be awaiting a catalyst strong enough to trigger a decisive move, either upwards or downwards. This type of behavior is often characteristic of accumulation phases, where significant market participants discreetly position themselves rather than aggressively chasing price movements.
Why Traders Are Closely Monitoring XRP Around $3.10
On the price chart, a specific level consistently emerges as a critical demarcation point: approximately $3.10. This level corresponds to the 2.272 Fibonacci extension and is being regarded as a pivotal resistance point.
#XRP Grinding Sideways for 1+ Year That Could Open Door to $9. #Ripple 🧵🧵🧵 pic.twitter.com/7ndjzckDTi
In straightforward terms, if the XRP price successfully breaks above $3.10 and subsequently establishes it as support, this would indicate a transition from a period of consolidation to a new phase of expansion. It would signify that the established range has resolved to the upside, rather than continuing its prolonged sideways movement.
However, if this breakout does not occur, the prevailing narrative remains unchanged. XRP would continue to be confined within its extended sideways consolidation, regardless of the perceived excitement in short-term price fluctuations.
The Origin of the $9 Target
Further up on the price chart, another level naturally draws attention: approximately $9. This figure represents the 2.618 Fibonacci extension and is not presented as an arbitrary target for speculative gains.
The underlying rationale is straightforward: should XRP break out of its current extended range, reclaim the $3.10 level, and maintain upward momentum, then these higher Fibonacci extensions could become viable technical objectives.
These are not guaranteed outcomes or definitive predictions, but rather potential areas the market might target based on historical price structure. For the present moment, however, these considerations are secondary until the XRP price demonstrates its ability to escape its current trading range. The initial requirement is a confirmed breakout, after which a broader discussion can commence.