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Points of Focus
- XRP’s defense of the critical $1 support has shifted short-term momentum in favor of buyers.
- A high-volume daily close above $1.15 could unlock targets at $1.20.
- RSI, MACD, and on-balance volume indicate improving momentum.
XRP’s (XRP) sharp recovery from the psychologically important $1 support level has strengthened the short-term bullish case, but the token must now clear a dense area of resistance to turn its rebound into a sustained rally.
After defending lows around $0.99, XRP advanced toward $1.15 amid a wider cryptocurrency market recovery. Improving regulatory sentiment following new US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules also supported the move.
Bitcoin’s (BTC) break above $66,000 and Ether’s (ETH) rise beyond $2,000 provided a favorable backdrop for altcoins.
The decisive test now lies between $1.15 and $1.20. A convincing daily close above this range, backed by stronger trading volume, could open a path toward the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) near $1.28-$1.32.
Short liquidations add fuel to XRP’s recovery
Derivatives positioning has amplified XRP’s rebound. Approximately $6 million in XRP short positions were liquidated over a 12-hour period, reportedly representing the token’s largest single-day short wipeout in six months.
The broader market experienced roughly $1.7 billion in short liquidations during the same period, demonstrating how heavily traders had positioned for further downside. When prices rise against crowded bearish trades, forced buying from liquidations can accelerate the recovery.
However, this effect may be temporary. XRP requires continued spot market demand, not only derivatives-driven buying, to sustain a move above resistance.
Although reported trading volume increased to approximately 2.8 billion-3.3 billion, follow-through will be essential for confirming a breakout.
Technical momentum points toward $1.30
Several indicators support a cautiously bullish outlook. XRP has moved above its 20-day and 50-day exponential moving averages (MAs), while its relative strength index (RSI) has climbed to around 60. This indicates growing buying momentum without placing the asset in overbought territory.
Rising on-balance volume also suggests accumulation, while an improving moving average convergence/divergence (MACD) points to a potential shift from bearish to bullish momentum.
Multi-month breakout on RSI after forming a bullish divergence on the weekly.
We still need a weekly confirmation, but this is starting to look interesting.
If this breakout holds, things could get spicy. 👀 pic.twitter.com/D4i0hESCdw
— Jim Knox (@Jim_Knox589) August 19, 2026
XRP’s rebound has additionally invalidated a descending-triangle breakdown scenario, reducing the immediate risk of a deeper correction.
A close above $1.15 could bring $1.20 into focus, followed by the major resistance cluster around $1.28-$1.30.
Bullish case still needs confirmation
Despite the improving setup, XRP has not fully reversed its longer-term downtrend. Resistance remains concentrated at approximately $1.15, $1.20, and $1.30, creating several potential rejection points.
The $1 level, therefore, remains the foundation of the bullish thesis.
I told you!
ripple:native https://t.co/70eHTdeG8a
— Ali Charts (@alicharts) August 19, 2026
A daily close below $1.01 would weaken the recovery and increase the possibility of another test of $0.99, with the $0.80-$0.85 region becoming relevant if support fails decisively.
For now, momentum favors buyers. But only a high-volume break above $1.15 would provide convincing evidence that XRP’s rebound can develop into a broader rally toward $1.30.
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