XRP holds near $1.40, but can bulls take control amid a BTC uptick?

• XRP rose above $1.40 as Bitcoin surpassed $81,000.
• A 23% surge in daily trading volume suggests sellers are active.
• The CLARITY Act, ETF inflows, and regulated exposure are likely to aid bulls further.

XRP trades near the $1.40 resistance level, with recent upward momentum pushing the cryptocurrency above a key level amid overall market enthusiasm.

While the uptick has stalled following Bitcoin’s breakout to above $81,000 and slight retreat, a pause could act as a base for fresh consolidation before XRP ticks up.

The Ripple-linked asset looked to have shrugged off news that a key insider trimmed their holdings in favour of the Ripple stock.

XRP price today

XRP is trading near the $1.40 resistance, with price action stalling at the level after the latest push higher amid Bitcoin’s spike to above $81,000.

The Ripple-linked cryptocurrency could eye an upside extension. However, it also risks a pullback on potential profit-taking across the market.

A 23% increase in daily volume suggests that sellers are active, with bulls now in need of a decisive breakout to retain control.

Ripple CTO trimmed XRP holdings

Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer Emeritus, David Schwartz, has publicly admitted he holds little XRP, saying he has moved most of his assets away from crypto exposure.

He revealed this via X, noting he recognizes crypto offers “a once-in-a-generation” wealth opportunity. However, Schwartz says he is choosing peace of mind over the potential windfall that crypto promises.

In this case, he has decided to buy Ripple stock for exposure to the company’s fortunes without worrying about the massive volatility characterizing cryptocurrencies.

“I don’t have that much left anymore. I’ve tried to get most of my assets (other than Ripple stock) away from crypto exposure. As I’ve said, I really don’t like risk even though pretty much every risk I’ve taken has worked out amazingly well for me,” he noted.

XRP price outlook

The technical picture for XRP shows that the price continues to grind sideways, currently above the middle of the channel range formed since the February 2026 lows. Buyers have typically absorbed supply at $1.35 in recent weeks, with further support around $1.30.

Despite seller participation remaining steady, bulls could be positioning for a breakout above $1.50.

Meanwhile, the upsloping RSI at 52 on the daily chart supports this outlook. The daily RSI, sloping upward at 52, bolsters this view, indicating building momentum without overbought conditions.

External catalysts like the CLARITY Act, growing ETF inflows, and expanding regulated access further empower bulls.

Notably, Russia’s Moscow Exchange (MOEX) will launch four new crypto indexes next week.

Going live on May 13 are indexes for XRP, Solana (SOL), Tron (TRX), and Binance Coin (BNB). MOEX is looking to enhance institutional visibility and liquidity.