XRP Slides in Tandem With Bitcoin Despite No Negative Catalysts, Can It Hold the $1.30 Support?

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Despite the absence of any specific negative developments, XRP (Ripple) has entered a precarious decline, closely tracking the downturn of market bellwether Bitcoin and threatening the key support level of $1.30.

As of February 28 (local time), according to CoinMarketCap, XRP is trading at $1.36, down 2.90% over the past 24 hours. The decline appears to stem not from any inherent flaws or adverse issues related to XRP itself, but from a broader macro market weakness, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling 2.28% and the total cryptocurrency market capitalization decreasing by 2.27%, indicating a high beta correlation. CoinMarketCap’s Fear and Greed Index also stands at 14, reflecting extreme fear among investors.

At present, there are no clear secondary catalysts driving XRP’s price lower. There have been no notable announcements such as major partnerships or unusual on-chain activity. Trading volume has also edged down by 0.016%, remaining at an average level, suggesting that rather than conviction-driven panic selling, the market is being weighed down by passive selling amid a broader risk-off sentiment.

The short-term outlook hinges on whether XRP, now testing its lowest levels since early February 2026, can defend the $1.30 support line. Holding above this critical level could allow the token to consolidate within a range between $1.30 and $1.50. However, if $1.30 is decisively broken, there is a significant risk of an extended decline toward the next major support at $1.15.

Ultimately, the most important triggers determining XRP’s near-term trajectory are Bitcoin’s price action and the ongoing litigation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If Bitcoin fails to stabilize around the $65,000 level and extends its losses, XRP is likely to face continued downward pressure. At the same time, developments in the lawsuit—including court filings or rulings that could impact future regulatory clarity—are viewed as key factors that could reverse the currently subdued market sentiment.

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