- XRP is weakening against Bitcoin and struggling to hold key support levels around $1.30.
- Meanwhile, XRPL is rolling out an upgrade as Ripple strengthens its corporate reputation.
XRP continues to face pressure against Bitcoin even as the XRP Ledger rolls out a key technical upgrade. Market data shows XRP is still underperforming on higher timeframes, despite recent network improvements and positive corporate news around Ripple.
The XRP/BTC trading pair remains weak, with analysts pointing to continued structural challenges. At the same time, the broader crypto market is still heavily driven by Bitcoin strength and institutional capital flows.
XRP Underperformance Signals Weak Market Structure
XRP has struggled to regain a strong footing against Bitcoin in recent months. Analysts note that Bitcoin has gained nearly 38% from yearly lows, while XRP has failed to match that pace.
The XRP/BTC pair remains below its 20-month exponential moving average. This is often viewed as a long-term indicator of relative weakness. XRP is also trading in a tight range. It continues to move between key support and resistance levels without a clear breakout trend.
At the time of writing, XRP is trading near $1.33. It has recorded a slight daily decline as selling pressure remains steady.
Key Market Indicators Show Continued Pressure
Recent data highlights several signs of weakening liquidity and demand for XRP:
- Binance XRP liquidity index has dropped to its lowest level since January 2020
- Altcoin Season Index has continued to decline
- XRP remains trapped below resistance near $1.36 to $1.38
- Strong support sits around the $1.30 level
If XRP loses the $1.30 support zone, analysts warn that it could slide further toward $1.17. However, holding above this level may allow consolidation before another recovery attempt.
Overall, Bitcoin dominance remains high. Institutional capital continues to favor Bitcoin over most altcoins, including XRP.
XRPL Activates fixCleanup3_1_3 Network Upgrade
While price action remains weak, the XRP Ledger continues improving its core infrastructure.
The XRP Ledger, a decentralized blockchain network linked to Ripple, is now activating the fixCleanup3_1_3 amendment. This upgrade is rolling out through rippled version 3.1.3 and received full validator support.
The upgrade officially activates on May 27, 2026.
The update focuses on backend improvements designed to improve network efficiency and data accuracy. Key changes include:
- Automatic removal of expired NFT offers
- Fixes for permissioned domain settings
- Improved vault withdrawal trust-line handling
- More accurate loan accounting across the ledger
The update also reduces unnecessary ledger clutter. This helps improve performance for developers and institutions building on the network.
The XRP Ledger amendment system plays a key role in governance. It allows changes to activate smoothly once validators reach consensus.
Node Operators Must Upgrade or Risk Disconnection
The upgrade process is not optional for infrastructure providers. Nodes that fail to update risk becoming amendment blocked. This means they will no longer be able to validate transactions or sync with the network.
This mainly affects:
- Exchanges
- NFT platforms
- Validators
- XRPL infrastructure providers
Regular users do not need to take any action. Wallet balances remain safe during the transition.
The system is designed to avoid chain splits and maintain network stability. Supporters argue that this approach helps the network evolve in a controlled and secure way.
Ripple Strengthens Corporate Reputation
Despite market weakness, Ripple continues to build its corporate profile. The company was recently named one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in the Bay Area for 2026. Internal surveys showed strong employee satisfaction, with a 95% approval rating.
This marks another consecutive year of recognition. It also reflects Ripple’s growing presence as a long-term blockchain infrastructure company.
The recognition adds a positive layer to Ripple’s broader ecosystem development efforts, even as XRP price performance remains under pressure.
Market Outlook for XRP and Bitcoin
The short-term direction of XRP remains closely tied to Bitcoin’s market behavior. Thin liquidity conditions continue to increase volatility across altcoins. As long as Bitcoin dominance stays high, XRP may continue to lag in relative performance.
However, ongoing XRP Ledger upgrades could support long-term ecosystem strength. Improvements in efficiency, lending accuracy, and NFT management may help attract more developers and institutional users.
For now, traders are focused on one key level. The $1.30 support zone remains critical. A breakdown could trigger further downside, while stability may lead to consolidation.
The coming weeks will show whether XRP can stabilize or continue to trail Bitcoin in the broader crypto market cycle.
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