XRP has surged past the $1.62 level, placing it less than 5% away from the crucial $2 mark. This impressive rally has seen the price gain over 50% since last Tuesday, capturing the attention of both investors and analysts. The bullish momentum suggests the price could continue its upward trajectory, fueled by growing optimism and strong market sentiment. However, such rapid gains also bring potential risks, particularly in volatile conditions.

CryptoQuant analyst Maartunn has highlighted critical insights, suggesting that XRP’s recent surge might be driven by leveraged positions rather than organic demand. A Leverage-Driven Pump indicates heightened speculative activity, which could lead to sharp corrections if momentum weakens. As the price approaches multi-year highs, market participants must navigate this scenario cautiously, balancing enthusiasm with awareness of possible downside risks.

The coming days will be pivotal for XRP as it nears the psychological $2 level. A successful breach of this mark could reinforce the bullish case, setting the stage for new highs. Conversely, a failure to maintain current levels might result in increased volatility and retracement. For now, it remains one of the most closely watched assets in the crypto market, with all eyes on its next move.

Can XRP Bulls Sustain This Pace?

XRP’s meteoric rise, surging over 285% in less than 30 days, has sparked debate among investors. Many are questioning whether the current pace can be sustained by the high demand needed to push prices further. While the rally has reignited optimism in the market, skeptics suggest this could either lead to a parabolic bull run or serve as an exit liquidity strategy for whales.

In the crypto space, exit liquidity refers to retail investors who buy into a rapidly rising asset, often driven by hype, allowing early investors or whales to sell off their holdings at higher prices. This concept raises concerns about the sustainability of XRP’s rally, particularly if organic demand cannot keep pace with speculative momentum.

Maartunn has shared an intriguing perspective on XRP’s recent performance. Analyzing price action alongside Open Interest (OI) data, he labeled the rally as a Leverage-Driven Pump. OI has surged by 37% during this period, indicating a substantial rise in leveraged trading activity.

While leverage can amplify gains, it also introduces heightened volatility and risk. Maartunn noted that a similar event in the past triggered a 17% drawdown, warning investors to remain cautious.

As XRP approaches key psychological levels, the next steps will be crucial. Investors must weigh the potential for continued growth against the risks of increased leverage and possible whale-driven selloffs.

Price Action: Key Levels To Watch

XRP is trading at $1.92, breaking past the critical $1.60 resistance level and continuing its streak of new highs. The price is now closing in on the previous cycle’s top at $1.96, a level that holds significant psychological and technical importance. This momentum has fueled optimism among investors, who are eyeing the $2 mark as a confirmation of XRP’s long-term bullish structure.

A breakout above $2 would solidify bullish sentiment, marking a critical milestone in XRP’s ongoing rally. Such a move could pave the way for even higher price targets as confidence surges in the market. However, traders remain cautious about the potential for a retracement. If XRP fails to sustain gains above $2, a correction could send prices back to key support levels, particularly around $1.60, where significant demand has been observed.

The next few days will be critical in determining whether the price can maintain its upward trajectory or face a temporary pullback. As the asset nears its all-important $2 mark, investors should keep an eye on trading volumes and market sentiment, which will likely dictate XRP’s direction in the short term.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView