XRP slips to $1.35 as FUD returns: can bulls recover?

$XRP crowd sentiment has turned sharply negative again, with Santiment data showing the ratio of positive to negative commentary falling to 1.1 bullish comments for every one bearish comment.

The analytics firm said this level shows rising fear across social platforms. Santiment said “$XRP’s crowd sentiment has swung sharply negative again.”

The firm added that past moves into the FUD zone have often appeared before short-term price stabilization or rebounds. That view treats extreme fear as a contrarian signal, not a confirmed price call.

Ripple’s native token traded near $1.35 on May 26, according to crypto.news price data. The token was down about 0.65% to 0.8% over 24 hours, while its market capitalization stood near $83.2 billion. The same data showed a 24-hour range between $1.33 and $1.36.

The price remains under pressure in the short term. $XRP has lost 2.71% over seven days and 5.17% over the past month, based on the updated market data shared for the token.

$XRP price holds near $1.30 support

Technical data shows $XRP moving sideways after a broader decline from its early 2026 highs. The current range places short-term support around $1.30 to $1.33, while resistance sits near $1.45 to $1.55.

Current indicators still show weak momentum. The MACD line remains below the signal line, with a slightly negative histogram. This means sellers still hold a small edge, although the gap remains narrow.

The RSI is near 41.71, below the neutral 50 level but above the oversold 30 zone. That reading shows $XRP remains weak, but it has not yet reached an extreme oversold level. A move above 50 would show stronger buying pressure.

Volume also remains modest compared with larger past spikes. That means the current range has not yet drawn the type of activity often seen during stronger breakouts or deeper selloffs.

Analysts split between deeper pullback and recovery

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez said $XRP could move toward the mid-range of a parallel channel if it continues respecting that structure. The analyst placed that mid-range near $0.73, far below current prices.

That view points to a deeper correction if $XRP loses higher support levels. It does not mean the token must fall to that zone. It shows where traders may look for a possible accumulation area if the channel remains active.

EGRAG CRYPTO offered a more constructive macro view. The analyst said $XRP still holds above a wider formation and remains well above its macro support line. In that setup, $2.00 and $3.00 remain possible upside areas if the formation holds.

EGRAG also warned that a decisive break of the formation could put $1.10 back in play. That level sits below the current $1.30 support zone and would mark a deeper reset.

Separately, crypto.news posted on X that Korean analyst Ninedex set $XRP’s main target at $5 if price reaches the upper boundary of its middle channel. The same post cited a more aggressive $20 bull case if $XRP breaks above a decade-long channel, similar to its 2018 setup.

These targets remain analyst projections. They depend on $XRP holding key support, reclaiming resistance, and breaking higher channel levels.

$XRP rebound depends on key levels

The short-term setup now depends on whether $XRP can hold the $1.30 to $1.33 area. If buyers defend that range, sentiment-driven fear could help build a rebound attempt.

A move above $1.45 would be the first recovery signal. A stronger close above $1.50 would give buyers more control and bring the $1.55 resistance zone into focus.

Meanwhile, as previously reported by crypto.news, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen-linked wallets recently resumed activity, while $XRP traded near $1.35. The report said Larsen-linked wallets remain among the largest known individual $XRP positions.

ETF data also remains part of the broader $XRP story. Sosovalue data showed $XRP ETF products recorded $116.74 million in monthly net inflows in May, up from $81.59 million in April. Cumulative net inflows reached $1.41 billion, while monthly traded value stood at $315.34 million and total net assets reached $1.13 billion.

For now, $XRP sits between weak price momentum and rising crowd fear. Santiment’s data gives traders a possible contrarian setup, but price still needs confirmation. The main levels remain clear: $1.30 on the downside and $1.50 on the upside.