XRP is facing renewed scrutiny after Standard Chartered sharply lowered its year-end 2026 price forecast to $2.80.
The revised target represents a 65% reduction from the bank’s previous $8 projection and reflects what its digital assets research team describes as a far more hostile macroeconomic backdrop.
The downgrade comes as global liquidity conditions tighten and risk assets remain under pressure. XRP, which recently touched $1.66 before sliding roughly 16%, is now trading closer to the $1.48-$1.50 range. The move underscores how quickly sentiment has shifted across the broader crypto market.
Forecast Reset Signals Broader Risk Repricing
The revised $2.80 target suggests the bank sees limited upside from current levels compared to its earlier, more aggressive outlook. Analysts point to weaker capital flows, heightened volatility, and reduced speculative appetite as key reasons behind the recalibration.
This is not an isolated adjustment. The bank also lowered its year-end 2026 Bitcoin forecast to $100,000, down from $150,000 and far below its earlier $300,000 estimate. The pattern indicates a broader reassessment of digital asset valuations rather than XRP-specific weakness alone.
Technical Picture: Momentum Cooling After $1.66 Rejection
From a technical standpoint, XRP’s recent rejection near $1.66 appears significant. The one-hour chart shows momentum fading after the spike, with price consolidating below the $1.50 psychological level.
MACD has flattened and recently crossed into mildly negative territory before attempting stabilization, signaling waning bullish momentum. Meanwhile, RSI has cooled toward the mid-range around 50, suggesting neither oversold nor overbought conditions – a sign the market is waiting for direction.
Spot CVD data shows notable sell pressure from certain exchanges following the $1.66 high. A wave of aggressive market sells contributed to the pullback, reinforcing the idea that the breakout lacked sustained follow-through.
Key short-term levels to watch include support around $1.40 and resistance near $1.60. A decisive break above the recent high would challenge the bearish narrative, while a move below $1.40 could invite deeper retracement.
SBI Holdings Clarifies XRP Exposure
Adding to the conversation, SBI Holdings recently rejected claims that it directly holds $10 billion worth of XRP. The Japanese financial group clarified that while it maintains a strategic relationship with Ripple Labs and owns a stake in the company, it does not hold that amount in XRP tokens.
The clarification matters because speculation about institutional balance sheet exposure can influence market sentiment. For now, direct corporate accumulation narratives around XRP remain limited.
Broader Crypto Outlook Turns Cautious
Standard Chartered’s downgrade of both XRP and Bitcoin suggests institutional analysts are preparing for a prolonged period of constrained upside across digital assets. The environment of tighter financial conditions and weaker risk appetite is reshaping expectations that were once aggressively bullish.
For XRP holders, the message is clear: optimism remains, but it is now tempered by macro reality. The $2.80 target still implies potential appreciation from current levels – just not the explosive rally that was once anticipated.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
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