‘Big Ripple Moment:’ Analyst Says the XRP/BTC Setup Last Seen in 2018 is Back

Ripple (XRP) is trading at $2.28 while key support remains, with traders eyeing resistance at $2.32, an EMA ribbon test, and an upside target at $2.66.

It fell from $2.41 and broke below the $2.32 support. A sharp move towards $2.21 was met by buying interest, allowing the price to recover to current levels. The focus now is on whether XRP can get back above $2.31-$2.32 or stay within a downside range.

Support holding at $2.27, eyes on $2.66 target

The $2.27 level corresponds to the 0.236 Fibonacci retracement, a point traders often look to during strong trends. Crypto analyst Tara noted that “$2.27 is the new CRITICAL level” for XRP, adding that a moving average is also rising towards this area. This combination helps support the current price zone.

A clear break above could shift focus to higher targets between $2.49 and $2.66. These areas correspond to the previous Fibonacci extension levels. If the token fails to hold above $2.27, the next lower level will be $2.18, marked by the 0.382 retracement. A move below could bring $2.11 into view.

…aannnd there’s the .236 retrace on #XRP for $2.27.

This short-term correction is still under development. The .236 support at $2.27 is the new CRITICAL level #XRP Like it so far. MA pushes RIGHT up and also adds support. We need #XRP to come up to test the $2.30… pic.twitter.com/Amcftkc6el

— TARA (@PrecisionTrade3) January 6, 2026

Moreover, market momentum is showing the first signs of slowing down. The RSI is at 64, lower than previous overbought levels, but still above neutral.

On the weekly chart, XRP tests the EMA ribbon, a group of moving averages used to indicate long-term direction. XRP remained below this line for months, but recent price strength has brought it back into the $2.37 zone. Analyst Steph Is Crypto said,

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“$XRP IS TRYING TO GAIN BACK THE WEEKLY EMA RIBBON. THIS IS A BIG MOMENT.”

In previous cycles, crossing this line has been associated with stronger upward trends. Whether the price closes the week within or above the ribbon can influence how traders react in the short term.

XRP/BTC Chart Signals Possible Power Shift

Another setup that is turning heads is the XRP/BTC pair. Chartist “The Great Mattsby” pointed out that this pair is approaching a breakout above the monthly Ichimoku Cloud – a level not exceeded since 2018. If confirmed, it could reflect XRP’s improving strength against Bitcoin. The timing aligns with broader interest in cross-asset moves at the start of the year.

XRP’s recent decline appears to be the result of rapid selling rather than a gradual decline. This type of action often resets trading positions, creating room for a cleaner base if support holds.

Additionally, on-chain data shows growing activity from larger holders and rising liquidity, as previously reported. Spot-based Ripple ETFs have also seen steady inflows for almost two months. This institutional demand has helped keep prices above $2.00 and could continue to support current levels if buying interest remains strong.