The XRP price is once again in the spotlight as market analysts point to a powerful accumulation phase that could propel it toward a key target of $3.29**. Despite a slight pullback across the broader cryptocurrency market on May 13, 2025, XRP defied the trend—rising nearly **4% in 24 hours** and extending its weekly gains to an impressive **19%**. Trading around **$2.55, XRP continues to outperform major digital assets, capturing the attention of both retail and institutional investors.
This momentum is backed by explosive volume growth. XRP’s daily trading volume surged by 145%, surpassing $10.5 billion, signaling renewed market confidence. According to CoinMarketCap, this surge reflects growing interest and active participation across global exchanges.
Surge in Derivatives Activity Signals Strong Bullish Sentiment
Beyond spot markets, derivatives data paints an even more compelling picture. Futures open interest has climbed 13.54% to $5.36 billion**, while options volume spiked nearly **89%**. Total derivatives volume skyrocketed by **213%**, reaching **$19.65 billion—a clear indication that traders are positioning for a major breakout.
👉 Discover how rising trading volume and investor sentiment could accelerate XRP’s path to $3.29.
Such a dramatic increase in leveraged positions suggests that market participants are not only buying XRP but doing so with conviction, anticipating a strong upward move. This aligns with historical patterns where surges in derivatives activity have preceded significant price rallies.
Analyst Insight: Dark Defender Maps XRP’s Path to $5+
One of the most influential voices in the crypto space, analyst Dark Defender, has reaffirmed his bullish outlook on XRP using Elliott Wave Theory. He notes that the recent climb to $2.58 matches his projected target for Wave 3, reinforcing the validity of his technical model.
“XRP was around $2.45, and we expected a jump to $2.58 and a Wave 4 towards the same level… We are ahead of the curve.”
This analysis suggests that XRP is now entering Wave 4—a consolidation phase expected to retest support near $2.58 or slightly below—before launching into Wave 5, the final leg of the impulse pattern.
Based on this framework, Dark Defender outlines a clear trajectory:
- Wave 3 Peak: $2.58 (achieved)
- Wave 4: Consolidation near $2.58
- Wave 5 Target: Extension toward $5–$10
- Key Resistance Levels: $3.29, $4.20, and $5.00
Crucially, the chart reveals XRP breaking above a long-standing descending resistance line dating back to February 2025—an event many analysts interpret as a long-term trend reversal.
Technical Indicators Confirm Accumulation Pressure
A Fibonacci retracement applied to XRP’s latest upward move shows it testing resistance at the 0.618 level ($2.54)—a zone that has now turned into dynamic support. A decisive break above this level could unlock further upside:
- 0.786 Fib Level: $2.66
- 1.0 Fib Level: $2.83
- 1.618 Extension: $3.29
The $3.29 level is particularly significant—it aligns with historical resistance and represents a psychological milestone for bulls.
Meanwhile, the Accumulation/Distribution (Acc/Dist) indicator is trending upward, currently at 74.21 billion. This rising volume-based metric confirms sustained buying pressure, suggesting that the rally is being driven by real demand rather than speculative noise.
However, the Balance of Power (BoP) indicator sits at -0.30, indicating that sellers still hold slight control—a common occurrence during consolidation phases. But this metric often lags during strong bullish moves, and a breakout above key resistance could quickly shift BoP into positive territory, validating renewed momentum.
What Could Trigger a Break Above $3.29?
For XRP to reach $3.29, several catalysts must align:
- Sustained Volume Support: Continued high trading volume will be essential to confirm genuine demand.
- **Break Above $2.66**: Clearance of the 0.786 Fibonacci level would signal strength and open the path to $2.83 and beyond.
- Positive Market Sentiment: Broader crypto market stability—especially Bitcoin holding above key levels—will support altcoin rallies.
- Regulatory Clarity: While not directly mentioned in current analysis, ongoing legal developments around XRP could serve as a long-term fundamental driver.
👉 See how technical patterns and investor behavior are converging to fuel XRP’s next price surge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is $3.29 a significant price target for XRP?
A: The $3.29 level represents a confluence of technical factors—it aligns with the 1.618 Fibonacci extension of the recent uptrend and coincides with historical resistance zones where strong price reactions have occurred in the past.
Q: Is the current XRP rally driven by speculation or real accumulation?
A: Data from the Accum/Dist indicator and rising trading volume suggest genuine accumulation is taking place. The surge in derivatives activity also indicates that traders are making strategic, leveraged bets on future price increases.
Q: What role does Elliott Wave Theory play in predicting XRP’s price movement?
A: Elliott Wave Theory helps identify market cycles and investor psychology. In this case, XRP appears to be completing Wave 3 and entering Wave 4 consolidation, setting up for a powerful Wave 5 advance toward $5–$10.
Q: Could macroeconomic factors affect XRP’s ability to reach $3.29?
A: Yes. Broader market conditions, including Bitcoin’s performance, global liquidity trends, and regulatory news—especially related to Ripple Labs—can influence investor sentiment and capital flows into XRP.
Q: How reliable are analyst predictions like those from Dark Defender?
A: While no prediction is guaranteed, analysts using structured methodologies like Elliott Wave Theory provide valuable frameworks for understanding potential price paths. Their insights should be combined with other technical and on-chain data for a balanced view.
Final Outlook: Is $3.29 Within Reach?
The technical setup for XRP is increasingly constructive. With strong accumulation visible across volume metrics, a confirmed break of long-term resistance, and alignment with Elliott Wave progression, the path toward $3.29 appears viable in the near term.
While short-term consolidation is expected during Wave 4, the broader trajectory remains bullish. A breakout above $2.66 could trigger a cascade of buying pressure, accelerating momentum toward $2.83 and ultimately testing the critical $3.29 resistance.
Investors should monitor volume trends, derivative positioning, and broader market sentiment closely. If current momentum holds and selling pressure diminishes, XRP may not only reach $3.29 but lay the foundation for an extended rally into higher targets between $4 and $5.
As always, traders are encouraged to conduct their own research and consider risk management strategies when navigating volatile markets.
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