XRP’s price seesawed dramatically between August 20 and 21, surging back to $2.93 after dipping to $2.82, as traders and speculators wrestled with a pivotal resistance at $3. The turbulence was fueled by an impressive spike in trading volume—nearly threefold the daily average—a testament to the intense interest surrounding the digital token. As crypto whales unloaded holdings amidst a volatile market backdrop, the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem faced liquidation pressures amounting to $360 million, creating a charged atmosphere for traders.
Trading Dynamics and Market Sentiment
XRP’s trading session was nothing short of a rollercoaster. As the token plummeted to its session low of $2.82 during the early afternoon, it quickly rebounded to close at $2.93. This swift recovery was underscored by a notable volume spike, with 155 million tokens changing hands in a single hour—far surpassing the typical 63 million daily turnover. “The volume surge clearly indicates institutional players are making moves,” commented Laura Chen, a market analyst at CryptoChronicle. “But the question remains whether this interest can sustain and propel XRP past the critical $3 mark.”
The broader crypto market felt the strain, with $360 million in liquidations as institutions shuffled between assets, a factor that undoubtedly weighed on investor sentiment. Despite this, the XRP bulls displayed resilience, pushing back against the bearish pressure to stabilize the token’s price. This follows a pattern of market resilience seen after significant legal victories, as highlighted in our recent coverage of XRP Breaks Key Resistance After Ripple-SEC Win — Is $8 Next?.
Technical Indicators and Future Projections
XRP traders are closely watching the $2.99 resistance level, which has proven to be a formidable barrier. On the flip side, the $2.82 support level has shown robust defense, providing a potential springboard for future gains. “If XRP can break and maintain a position above $2.99, it could target the $3.17 zone, setting the stage for potentially exponential gains,” noted Max Turner, a technical analyst at Blockchain Insights. However, not everyone is convinced. Some skeptics caution that failure to sustain above current levels might trigger a slide back to $2.65.
Market observers are also paying attention to whale behavior, as their trading patterns often signal underlying market trends. Will the whales continue to distribute, or will they accumulate? This ongoing dance around the $3.00 mark could dictate XRP’s near-term trajectory. Concerns about market manipulation have also been raised, as discussed in XRP Price Being Manipulated? XRPL Validator Shares Scathing Blockchain Findings.
Broader Market Context and Implications
The recent turbulence in XRP prices occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny. Recent blockchain security downgrades have sparked concerns over potential vulnerabilities, adding a layer of complexity to the already dynamic market environment. With institutional players adjusting their risk profiles and the specter of liquidations looming large, the market is keenly aware that any shifts in sentiment could ripple across other major tokens and even memecoins.
As August unfolds, traders and investors will keep a vigilant eye on whether XRP can muster the momentum to break free from its current shackles. The potential for a breakout remains tantalizingly close, but the market will need to see sustained buying pressure to overcome the entrenched resistance. On the other hand, any signs of weakening support could set the stage for cautionary positioning.
In this ever-evolving landscape, XRP’s journey remains one to watch. The coming weeks may well decide whether the token can capitalize on its recent gains—or if it will retreat amid broader market uncertainties. Stay tuned, as the crypto market never fails to deliver surprises.
Source
This article is based on: Volume Triples Daily Average as XRP Bulls Battle $3 Resistance
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.