The crypto market took a hard hit on Monday, losing 4% in value and billions in market cap. XRP holders faced more pain as the token slipped below $3, dropping over 4% in just 24 hours. Once the third-largest crypto, XRP has now fallen to fourth place with a market cap of $168.32 billion.
The fall came as Bitcoin slid under $115,000, pulling the entire altcoin market down with it.
Profit-Taking After ETF Launch
Just days ago, the market celebrated the launch of the first U.S.-listed XRP ETF, which recorded impressive day-one trading volume above $37 million. While this debut was historic, it also triggered a classic “sell the news” response.
Many institutional players, who had built strong positions ahead of the launch, chose to lock in profits rather than hold for further gains. This wave of selling put immediate pressure on XRP’s price.
Liquidations Add to the Decline
The sell-off was further worsened by large-scale liquidations. Data shows XRP traders faced nearly $22 million in liquidations over the last day, with 99% of that coming from long positions.
The liquidation squeeze fueled downward momentum, leaving many retail investors caught off guard.
Regulatory Shadows and Market Mood
Another piece adding weight to XRP’s decline was the SEC’s updated ETF guidelines, which clarified future pathways for crypto funds but also introduced tighter compliance rules for altcoins. This news shook confidence, leading to further cautiousness in the market.
Meanwhile, the broader sentiment index dropped to a neutral 47, reflecting uncertainty among traders.
What’s Next for XRP?
As of now, XRP is trading around $2.80, struggling to stay above crucial support levels. Meanwhile, technical patterns suggest that if selling pressure continues, the token could fall toward the $2.50–$2.60 zone.
For bulls to regain control, XRP would need to break above $3.10–$3.20, a level that could reopen the path toward recovery.
