XRP News Today: Bitcoin's Bear Trap Plays Out as Ethereum Soars and XRP Eyes $3.40

Bitcoin (BTC) remains in a consolidation phase around the $115,000 mark, with analysts noting a recurring price pattern that historically precedes strong bullish breakouts. The cryptocurrency’s price has swung between $111,764 and $117,310 in recent days, forming a consolidation pattern that includes failed breakout attempts and liquidity shifts typically seen in major market cycles [1]. On-chain data suggests that this is the third stage of a four-part cycle: range formation, failed breakout, liquidity sweep, and retesting of support levels [2]. The current phase, which is showing signs of bear trap formation, has led analysts to predict a potential retest of the $112,000–$113,000 range before further upward movement. The 200-day simple moving average remains a key bullish indicator, though short-term indicators such as the RSI and MACD reflect weakening momentum [1].

Ethereum (ETH) recently reached a new all-time high of $4,945.60, breaking its previous record set in November 2021 [7]. Institutional adoption and increased interest in ether ETFs have been key drivers of this momentum. The cryptocurrency’s underlying blockchain is widely regarded as the backbone for smart contracts and large-scale stablecoin transactions, with Ethereum’s economic structure ensuring constrained supply growth even as demand rises [7]. The recent surge is also linked to strategic investments by companies following the example set by Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, with firms such as SharpLink Gaming and EthZilla acquiring large ether positions [7]. Analysts, including James Butterfill of CoinShares, suggest that Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities offer a more complex and diverse value proposition compared to Bitcoin, making it well suited for financial services and high-value digital transactions [7].

Ripple’s XRP is another altcoin showing signs of potential long-term growth. The token has been consolidating within a tight range of $2.84 to $2.99, with institutional trading volumes surpassing weekly averages by over 6% [3]. On-chain data highlights multiple instances of institutional-sized flows, indicating increased participation from larger market actors [3]. Despite facing a strong resistance at $3, XRP’s current price action shows a pattern of sideways consolidation following a bullish impulse. Analysts project that a sustained break above the $3.00 level could trigger a move toward a $3.40–$3.48 target range within the next 30 days, supported by a bull flag pattern and strong positioning above key moving averages [4]. However, the short-term MACD histogram indicates bearish momentum, suggesting that near-term consolidation may precede a breakout [4].

The broader crypto market has also shown signs of stabilization, with XRP’s trading volume remaining steady in the $10–$20 billion range [5]. This level of liquidity is seen as a positive sign for institutional activity, providing the necessary depth for large transactions without extreme volatility. The market resilience is attributed to growing adoption in cross-border payments and strategic partnerships with financial institutions, as well as recent technical upgrades that enhance transaction efficiency [5]. Market analysts note that this stability supports a more predictable environment for both retail and institutional investors.

Meanwhile, regulatory clarity in the U.S. is also expected to provide a tailwind for crypto markets. Senator Cynthia Lummis has outlined a potential timeline for the passage of the Crypto Market Structure Bill by Thanksgiving or Christmas 2025 [5]. The legislation is anticipated to establish a federal framework for digital assets, clarifying roles for the SEC and CFTC and addressing jurisdictional conflicts that have previously hindered innovation. A unified regulatory structure could foster greater investor confidence and position the U.S. as a global leader in digital finance [5].

Source:

[1] How will Bitcoin consolidation around $115000 end? (https://happycoin.club/en/bitkoin-konsolidiruetsya-okolo-otmetki-115000-chto-dalshe/)

[2] Bitcoin's Consolidation Pattern Has a Bullish Track Record and 140k Target (https://coinedition.com/bitcoins-consolidation-pattern-has-a-bullish-track-record-and-140k-target/)

[3] XRP Whipsaws on $2.84–$2.99 Range as Bulls Eye Breakout Above $3 (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/21/xrp-whipsaws-on-usd2-84-usd2-93-range-as-bulls-eye-breakout-above-usd3)

[4] XRP Price Prediction: Targeting $3.40-$3.48 Range Within 30 Days Despite Near-Term Consolidation (https://blockchain.news/news/20250824-price-prediction-xrp-targeting-340-348-range-within-30)

[5] XRP Volume Steadies $10–20B | Lummis Hints Crypto Bill Could Pass by Thanksgiving or Christmas 2025 (https://coinpaper.com/10665/xrp-trading-volume-holds-10-20-b-range-senator-lummis-hints-crypto-market-structure-bill-could-pass-by-thanksgiving-or-christmas-2025)

[6] Ethereum Hits Record, Cryptos Reverse on Bitcoin Flash (https://www.investors.com/news/ethereum-price-record-high-bitcoin-cryptocurrency-fed-speech/)

[7] Ether, Ethereum's coin, breaks 2021 all-time high (https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/ether-all-time-high)