XRP Price Holds Steady Near $1.38 Ahead of U.S. Inflation Data

XRP traded quietly around $1.38 as crypto markets entered a cautious consolidation phase, with investors holding back ahead of the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index report. The inflation data is expected to shape Federal Reserve policy expectations and could trigger the next significant move across digital asset markets.

Despite muted short-term price action, the XRP Ledger recorded over 2.7 million daily transactions, one of its strongest activity levels in months, signaling that on-chain fundamentals remain robust. Institutional confidence also appears intact, with XRP-linked investment products accumulating approximately $1.4 billion in assets under management since launch, reflecting sustained long-term interest even as trading momentum slows.

Adding to the positive fundamental backdrop, Ripple announced a $750 million share buyback that implies a company valuation of around $50 billion. This follows a $500 million funding round in November at a $40 billion valuation, backed by prominent hedge funds and crypto investment firms, reinforcing Ripple's growing institutional credibility.

From a technical standpoint, XRP briefly rallied toward $1.41 during the session on elevated volume before encountering seller resistance, confirming that the $1.40 to $1.41 zone remains a critical short-term barrier. Despite the rejection, buyers consistently defended the $1.37 support level, forming a pattern of higher lows that suggests dip-buying demand persists. Meanwhile, Bollinger Bands on the daily chart have tightened considerably, a technical signal that historically precedes a significant breakout in either direction.

Traders are watching closely. Sustained support above $1.35 to $1.37 could set up another push toward the $1.40 to $1.42 resistance band. A confirmed breakout above $1.42 would open the door toward the mid-$1.40s, while a drop below $1.35 risks exposing deeper support around the $1.30 to $1.32 range.