- XRP fell below $0.58 due to market uncertainty driven by Fed rate concerns and lingering doubts over a potential SEC appeal in the Ripple case.
- The token’s future price movement hinges on whether the SEC decides to challenge the recent court rulings, with outcomes ranging from a drop below $0.40 to a surge toward $1.00.
XRP saw a 2.20% drop on Monday, August 26, dipping below $0.58 due to market uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions and lingering concerns over the SEC’s potential appeal in the Ripple case. The broader crypto market followed suit, with the total market cap decreasing by 2.33% to $2.156 trillion.
Economic Data Shakes Market Confidence
Recent U.S. economic data hinted at a resilient economy, reducing hopes for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024. July’s durable goods orders soared by 9.9%, and the Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index showed unexpected strength, challenging earlier market bets on significant rate cuts. This data added pressure to the crypto market, as higher rates typically deter risk-on investments like cryptocurrencies.
SEC Appeal Uncertainty Keeps Investors Guessing
Despite the influence of U.S. economic conditions, the primary concern for XRP investors remains the ongoing legal drama between Ripple and the SEC. Investors are still waiting to see whether the SEC will appeal the recent rulings in the Ripple case. The regulatory body has remained largely silent since the final judgment on August 7, contributing to market unease.
The SEC’s next closed meeting is set for August 29, and while it could provide clarity on its stance regarding an appeal, the agency might wait until the last possible moment to make a decision. Legal experts estimate a 50-50 chance of the SEC appealing the secondary market ruling—a critical issue that could significantly impact the broader crypto landscape.
Pro-crypto lawyer Fred Rispoli commented, “The SEC would want to appeal the secondary market issue. That’s the one thing driving whether they should appeal or not. They need to get that off the books because it’s crucial to how they handle enforcement actions.”
What’s Next for XRP?
XRP’s price outlook largely depends on the SEC’s next move. If the SEC appeals, XRP could plunge below $0.40. Conversely, a decision not to appeal could boost XRP toward the $1.00 mark, mirroring the surge it experienced on July 13, when it jumped from $0.4696 to a high of $0.9327 following favorable rulings in the Programmatic Sales case.
Technically, XRP remains above both its 50-day and 200-day EMAs, offering bullish signals. A return to $0.6000 could encourage a run at the $0.6312 level, potentially setting the stage for a move toward the August 7 high of $0.6434 and the key resistance at $0.6609. However, a break below the $0.5739 support level could trigger a fall to the 50-day EMA, raising the risk of a bearish reversal.
With the 14-day RSI at 51.90, XRP has room to climb toward resistance before hitting overbought territory. As the market waits for crucial SEC-related news, investors should stay alert and manage their exposure to avoid potential downside risks.
About the Author
