Ripple (XRP) Is Down 38% in 2026. Will It Break Below $1 This Year?

Ripple's XRP token has fallen 38% in 2026, trading at $1.14, raising concerns it may break below the $1 psychological level as broader crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum also decline. The downturn reflects sector-wide selling pressure rather than Ripple-specific issues, with technical indicators showing oversold conditions but no immediate reversal." "article": "Ripple’s XRP token has dropped 38% year-to-date to $1.14, deepening losses as broader cryptocurrency markets decline. Bitcoin is down 30% to $61,661, and Ethereum has fallen 45% to $1,648, indicating a general risk-off trend rather than a Ripple-specific issue. The token’s proximity to the $1 level raises concerns about a potential break, especially as momentum-driven selling accelerates. The recent sell-off aligns with a broader crypto downturn, with XRP down 20% in the past month while Bitcoin and Ethereum have each fallen over 24% and 29%, respectively. The VIX index remains elevated at 18.92, signaling lingering market unease that could keep pressure on risk assets like XRP. A recovery in crypto prices may depend on reduced macro volatility, particularly Federal Reserve commentary on interest rates. Technical indicators suggest XRP is oversold, with its weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 29.12, but prolonged weakness has kept the token under pressure. A move below $1 could trigger forced selling from leveraged positions, though a rebound toward $1.30 remains possible if broader crypto stabilizes. Prediction markets show limited betting on a sub-$1 outcome, but sentiment has shifted since earlier in the year. Investors should watch whether XRP can hold near $1.10 and whether Bitcoin or Ethereum lead a recovery. Ripple’s 51% drop over the past year reflects extended losses, and the token’s future may hinge more on macroeconomic conditions than its own fundamentals. A break below $1 is plausible but not guaranteed, with volatility remaining a key factor for traders.