Ripple XRP Price Forecast: XRP-USD at $2.91 Holds Key Support Before ETF Test

Ripple (XRP-USD) Price Forecast: ETF Optimism, Whale Accumulation, and Technical Patterns Define the Next Move

XRP Holds Above $2.90 Despite Bitcoin’s Weakness

Ripple’s XRP-USD has been trading resiliently around $2.91, down 3.8% on the day but still clinging to the critical $2.90 support zone. Over the weekend, the token briefly touched $3.12 before sellers capped gains near the August ceiling of $3.38. While Bitcoin’s sharp retracement below $112,000 shook overall sentiment, XRP avoided a deeper breakdown, suggesting that whale accumulation and new ecosystem catalysts are providing an underlying bid.

ETF Anticipation Builds Ahead of October SEC Decisions

October is increasingly shaping up to be a pivotal month for XRP, with the U.S. SEC expected to issue rulings on spot crypto ETFs. While Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs have already captured $12 billion and $54 billion in inflows respectively, market projections suggest that an XRP ETF could draw $8–10 billion within its first years. If approved, forecasts for October price action project a range of $3.05 to $3.47, marking up to a 21% ROI from current levels. Liquidity inflows from institutional channels could be the largest since Ripple’s 2023 legal breakthrough, potentially propelling XRP toward its July high of $3.66.

Whale Accumulation Strengthens Market Floor

On-chain data reveals that addresses holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP have expanded their share to 10.6% of supply, up from 9.14% in March. This steady rise in whale ownership points to strategic accumulation during dips, a dynamic that has historically preceded rallies in the token. Open interest in XRP futures also climbed to $8.3 billion, signaling strong participation from leveraged players and supporting liquidity for sharp moves in either direction.

Gemini Launches XRP-Backed Credit Card

Gemini exchange introduced an XRP-focused Mastercard, offering up to 4% cashback in XRP on EV charging, fuel, and rideshare purchases, with additional rewards of 3% on dining and 2% on groceries. The integration of Ripple USD (RLUSD) as a settlement base across U.S. spot markets further cements XRP’s utility narrative, tying token demand to everyday transactions. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized that “55 million Americans own crypto” and noted the partnership as part of a broader strategy to embed XRP and RLUSD in retail finance.

Technical Levels Suggest Critical Breakout or Breakdown

Technically, XRP has carved out multiple bullish formations since its rebound from the April low of $1.61, including a golden cross in July and a cup-and-handle pattern on the daily chart. The immediate resistance remains $3.00, a level repeatedly contested in August. A confirmed breakout above this zone could open upside to $3.66 initially and potentially to $5.00 if ETF approval triggers strong inflows. On the downside, losing $2.72 support risks accelerating a sell-off toward $2.50. Indicators are mixed: RSI is hovering in the mid-60s, suggesting room for continuation, while the MACD remains under a sell signal, flagging caution in the short term.

Extreme Forecasts and Market Sentiment Divide

Former Goldman Sachs analyst Dom Kwok stirred controversy by suggesting XRP could reach $1,000 by 2030, implying a staggering 31,000% rally from current levels. While most professional projections remain in the $5–$20 medium-term range, the discussion underscores the polarizing nature of XRP’s long-term trajectory. The token’s history reinforces volatility risk: after hitting $3.40 in 2018, XRP collapsed below $0.30, and again in 2021 it sank under $0.50 after nearing $2. Current sentiment remains split, with retail enthusiasm high but institutional players awaiting regulatory clarity.

Verdict on XRP-USD

At its current level near $2.91, XRP is positioned at a crossroads. A sustained break above $3.00 would confirm bullish momentum toward $3.66 and $5.00, while a failure to hold $2.72 could send the token back to $2.50 support. With October’s ETF decision looming, volatility will remain elevated. The risk-reward profile makes XRP a speculative Buy on dips below $2.80, with the understanding that regulatory and technical catalysts will decide whether it rallies toward $3.50–$4.00 in the near term or falters back into consolidation.

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