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Positive developments surrounding Ripple do not always translate into higher XRP prices. Despite regulatory progress and expanding institutional services, XRP remains vulnerable to cryptocurrency market weakness, declining investor appetite, and broader economic uncertainty.
The US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted Ripple final clearance on October 26 to launch the Ripple National Trust Bank (RNTB), concluding a federal chartering sequence that began with conditional approval in December 2025.
The approval puts reserve custody for Ripple USD (RLUSD) under direct federal supervision, a step regulators have increasingly required of stablecoin issuers since Congress passed the GENIUS Act in July 2025. Ripple is the second major crypto firm to clear the OCC’s full approval process this year, after Circle did so in July.
According to CoinMarketCap, RLUSD's market capitalization reached USD 2.6 billion, highlighting Ripple's expanding stablecoin operations.
However, the approval does not automatically create additional XRP demand. RLUSD issuance will remain with Ripple's New York-regulated subsidiary, while the new institution focuses on reserve management and custody.
XRP trades at USD 1.3260, showing a modest recovery while remaining below its 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at USD 1.360 and 200-day EMA at USD 1.372. These levels continue to limit upside momentum.
The cryptocurrency holds slightly below its 100-day EMA at USD 1.333, providing immediate technical resistance. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands near 45, indicating subdued buying momentum. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has turned slightly positive, suggesting that selling pressure may be easing despite the broader bearish trend.
On the upside, XRP must reclaim USD 1.360 before testing the next resistance at USD 1.372. A sustained daily close above both moving averages could strengthen recovery. However, failure to maintain support at USD 1.32 could push XRP toward the psychological USD 1.300 level.
Cryptocurrency prices remain sensitive to interest rates, liquidity, and investor risk appetite. Ahead of the Federal Reserve's October 28 policy decision, traders faced uncertainty surrounding inflation and future borrowing costs. Bitcoin also experienced selling pressure, trading around USD 80,000 during the recent market downturn.
XRP's weakness reflected broader cryptocurrency declines rather than exclusively negative developments affecting Ripple. When investors reduce exposure to speculative assets, altcoins frequently struggle to sustain independent rallies.
Investor demand provides another explanation for XRP's muted response. According to SoSoValue, XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded approximately USD 4.3 million in net inflows during October 19-23, yet their combined assets fell from USD 1.77 billion on September 25 to USD 1.48 billion on October 23.
Meanwhile, daily ETF trading volume declined from more than USD 102 million on October 2 to USD 18.8 million on October 23. On October 26, XRP ETFs recorded USD 3.61 million in net outflows.
Ripple's OCC approval strengthens its institutional presence but has not lifted XRP prices. Weak market sentiment, ETF outflows and resistance near USD 1.360-USD 1.372 continue to limit recovery. A sustained rally may require stronger investor demand and improving broader cryptocurrency market conditions.
Also Read: XRP Trading Volume Explained: What Happens Before Major Crypto Events?
1. Why is XRP not rising despite positive news about Ripple?
XRP remains under selling pressure due to weak cryptocurrency market sentiment, declining institutional trading activity and broader economic uncertainty. Ripple's regulatory progress does not automatically increase demand for XRP tokens or guarantee higher prices.
2. What does Ripple's OCC approval mean for XRP investors?
Ripple received final OCC approval on October 26 to operate a national trust bank, bringing RLUSD reserve custody under federal supervision. Although the approval strengthens Ripple's institutional infrastructure, its direct impact on XRP demand remains uncertain.
3. What is the current XRP price and its key resistance levels?
XRP trades near USD 1.3260, remaining below its 50-day EMA at USD 1.360 and 200-day EMA at USD 1.372. A sustained breakout above these resistance levels could improve bullish momentum and support a potential recovery.
4. How are XRP ETF flows affecting market sentiment?
XRP ETFs recorded approximately USD 4.3 million in net inflows during October 19-23, followed by USD 3.61 million in outflows on October 26. Declining ETF trading volumes and fund assets suggest cautious investor positioning despite Ripple's positive regulatory developments.
5. Can XRP recover if broader cryptocurrency market conditions improve?
XRP could benefit from stronger Bitcoin performance, improving market liquidity and renewed institutional investment. However, a sustained recovery would likely require XRP to reclaim resistance near USD 1.360–USD 1.372 alongside stronger buying activity.
