XRP price drops to $1.35 due to Bitcoin selling, altcoin rotation
May 20, 2026
XRP’s value has dropped by 3% to $1.35, lagging behind a slightly declining Bitcoin, mainly due to a shift away from altcoins in response to overall market pressures. While XRP shows signs of accumulation beneath the surface, it continues to face resistance in terms of pricing, with institutional investments providing some balance against prevailing market apprehension.
According to CoinMarketCap.com, the Altcoin Season Index has decreased by 5.88% in just 24 hours to reach 32, indicating a movement of capital from riskier altcoins like XRP back to the more stable Bitcoin. Analysts in the crypto space suggest that this shift is a typical risk-averse reaction, exacerbated by the prevailing market sentiment of fear. The decline in XRP’s value is part of a broader downward trend in the altcoin market, rather than an isolated incident.
The recent net outflows of $648.64 million in Bitcoin ETFs due to concerns over inflation and geopolitical tensions have contributed to increased selling pressure on altcoins like XRP as the market leader weakens. The reduction of institutional support for Bitcoin has had a ripple effect on the entire crypto market, pulling down XRP as well. Technically, XRP is currently testing crucial support levels between $1.30 and $1.32, with the 3-day Bollinger Bands indicating an impending significant price movement.
XRP finds itself at a critical juncture, where the next decisive price close outside the $1.29–$1.50 range is likely to determine the short-term trajectory. A 3-day candlestick close above $1.50 could pave the way for a price target of $1.80, while a close below $1.29 might signal a decline towards $1.10. The downturn in XRP’s value is a result of a combination of weak performance in the altcoin market and the impact of Bitcoin’s institutional outflows.
In conclusion, the current market dynamics are pushing XRP’s value down as investors move towards safer investments like Bitcoin. The upcoming price movements will be critical in determining the immediate future for XRP, with factors like institutional support and broader market sentiment playing significant roles in shaping its trajectory.
