XRP faces imminent death cross as price tests key $1.38 level

Death cross nears as momentum shifts

A death cross typically occurs when a shorter-term average, such as the 50-day EMA, crosses below a longer-term average like the 200-day EMA. Many traders interpret this technical pattern as a signal for further declines, although it is widely recognized as a lagging indicator that reflects historical price weakness rather than predicting the future direction. In XRP’s case, the cross is not complete and remains an area of uncertainty for market participants.

XRP’s recent price action explains the current setup. The token surged from approximately $1.00 in August to a peak near $1.70 before entering a consolidation phase. After several weeks of sideways movement, XRP ran out of momentum in early October, dropping from the $1.50 area to a low around $1.26. This shift pulled the 50-day EMA downward, causing it to approach the longer-term 200-day average.

Bulls and bears focus on the $1.38 zone

Signs of a potential rebound have started to emerge. The most recent daily candle closed in positive territory near $1.34, suggesting pressure from sellers may be easing. Volumes during the pullback have remained subdued, which indicates that downward moves have not been aggressively pressed by the market. The relative strength index (RSI), currently near 40, is beginning to turn upward from oversold levels.

XRP needs to reclaim and hold above both the 50 and 200 EMA to shift momentum, with a close above $1.38 critical for bullish prospects. Sustained strength above $1.40 would likely open a path for a return toward the $1.50 region.

If bullish traders can manage a breakthrough above these moving averages, the threat of a completed death cross could quickly fade. This scenario would halt the downward movement of the averages and potentially invalidate the bearish technical signal. However, a clear rejection at the EMA cluster, followed by a decline under $1.30, would likely confirm the death cross, increasing the likelihood of further declines toward recent support at $1.26. Breaking below this support zone could see XRP moving toward $1.20 and possibly lower.

For the time being, the situation remains evenly balanced. With the death cross almost formed but not yet confirmed, XRP is currently testing the price zone that will determine the trend’s next direction. The market’s reaction to the $1.38 level is expected to provide the clearest signal on whether bullish momentum will return or if further losses are in store.