XRP Navigates Critical Price Juncture Amid Divergent Market Forces

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The XRP token finds itself at a pivotal technical crossroads as of December 18, 2025, trading within a volatile range of $1.82 to $1.91. This zone represents a crucial support level that market analysts are watching closely, with the asset's near-term trajectory hanging in the balance.

A striking divergence is evident between spot price weakness and sustained institutional interest. Data from SoSoValue reveals that U.S.-listed XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded net inflows for 30 consecutive days through December 17. On that day alone, approximately $19 million entered these products. The total assets under management for XRP ETFs have now surpassed the $1.14 billion threshold. This persistent institutional accumulation, occurring even as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw outflows, suggests large-scale investors may be using the price dip to build positions through regulated channels.

Technical Outlook Paints a Cautious Picture

Prominent market analyst Peter Brandt has flagged a potential bearish "Double-Top" formation on XRP's weekly chart. The pattern's neckline rests near the psychologically significant $2.00 level, a barrier the token has failed to overcome. Brandt warns that a confirmed breakdown below the current $1.82-$1.85 support band could trigger a deeper correction, with potential targets at $1.00 or the 200-week moving average around $1.07.

However, a glimmer of hope comes from the weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI), currently reading between 33 and 37. Historically, RSI levels in this depressed territory have occasionally preceded trend reversals, indicating XRP is nearing oversold conditions.

On-Chain Data Reveals Whale Distribution

Blockchain analytics present a less optimistic counter-narrative. According to Santiment and analyst Ali Martinez, major investors, often called "whales," have sold roughly 1.18 billion XRP over the preceding four weeks. Holdings in wallets containing 10 million to 100 million XRP have consequently dropped from 4.8 billion to 3.6 billion tokens. This significant distribution by long-term holders, aimed at risk reduction, has created selling pressure that ETF inflows have not fully offset.

Ripple Advances Business and Regulatory Fronts

Amid the market volatility, Ripple continues to expand its infrastructure. On December 18, the company announced a deepened partnership with TJM Investments, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. Ripple is making a direct investment in TJM to enhance trading and clearing services for its institutional clientele. TJM intends to broaden its offering to include digital assets for hedge funds and family offices in the coming months.

In parallel regulatory developments, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has reportedly issued a preliminary approval for a trust bank charter. Furthermore, energy firm VivoPower is structuring a $300 million equity deal with participation from Ripple.

Sentiment and the Path Forward

The broader market mood, as measured by the Crypto Fear & Greed Index, sits at a level of 17, indicating "extreme fear." For XRP, the immediate future hinges on the defense of the $1.82 support. A breach below this level would confirm the bearish technical patterns. Conversely, a successful hold could demonstrate that the foundational institutional buying via ETFs is robust enough to withstand the current selling pressure from large holders. The battle between these opposing forces will determine XRP's next significant move.