XRP, the sixth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, has been trading within a tight range for nearly 200 days, sparking intense speculation about its next major move. The altcoin, currently priced at $2.12, remains locked in a consolidation zone between $1.90 and $2.90. With historical fractals and technical patterns offering mixed signals, analysts are divided on whether the next leg will be a bullish breakout or a bearish correction.
XRP’s Prolonged Consolidation Fuels Market Uncertainty
Since its remarkable 500% rally in November 2024, XRP has struggled to break decisively above or below its current trading range. The market is showing clear signs of indecision, with bulls and bears failing to take control. Despite the sideways movement, many analysts suggest that XRP is coiling up for a major breakout, with momentum gradually building.
The symmetrical triangle pattern visible on XRP’s multi-week chart has further added to the intrigue. This formation, typically neutral, can break in either direction, but bullish sentiment is beginning to dominate among technical traders.
2017 Fractal Points to $3.70–$10 Breakout
Crypto analyst Mikybull Crypto has highlighted striking similarities between XRP’s current pattern and its price behaviour in 2017, which culminated in a massive rally. At the time, a symmetrical triangle led to a 1,300% surge, taking the price from under $0.30 to a peak of $3.40.
According to Mikybull, the triangle pattern on the current three-week chart mirrors that same structure, with a breakout target near $3.70, representing a 75% gain from current levels. Fellow analyst XRPunkie also supports this thesis, calling the potential breakout “epic” and forecasting that XRP could soon surge past the $4 mark.
Seven-Year Consolidation Could Trigger Even Bigger Rally
A longer-term perspective comes from analyst GalaxyBTC, who believes XRP’s extended consolidation is part of a broader cycle. Drawing comparisons to its 2014–2017 structure, the analyst points out that XRP spent 1,267 days consolidating before the last explosive breakout.
The current consolidation phase has lasted more than 2,470 days, nearly seven years, suggesting the next rally could surpass previous highs. If XRP were to repeat its 1,300% gain from the recent low of $0.63, it could potentially top out between $8 and $10.
Some more ambitious projections, using Fibonacci extensions and potential ETF-related optimism, place XRP’s future high as far as $25–$27.
Bearish Risks Remain: Inverse Cup-and-Handle Pattern Emerges
Despite the bullish chatter, not all analysts are convinced. Some point to the formation of a bearish inverse cup-and-handle pattern, which traditionally signals a trend reversal. The structure began forming after XRP peaked at $2.90 in March, followed by a rounded decline and a break below short-term support.
If the pattern completes, it may project a fall toward the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement level near $1.33. This level coincides with key historical support from XRP’s 2021 correction phase, making it a critical point to watch if the bearish scenario unfolds.
Outlook: Bulls and Bears Brace for XRP’s Next Move
As XRP approaches the 200-day mark within its current consolidation zone, traders remain on edge. Technical signals are mixed, with strong arguments on both sides. Bulls are encouraged by historical fractals and long-term patterns that favour a breakout to new highs, while bears warn of a potential reversal signalled by a developing bearish chart pattern.
In the short term, XRP’s price direction will likely depend on its ability to either break above $2.90 with strong volume or fall below key support near $1.90. Until then, the market waits, watching for the next catalyst that will determine XRP’s path.
