- XRP has now failed twice to break above the key $1.50 resistance level
- Traders are watching the CLARITY Act and possible Fed rate cuts as major catalysts
- Bitcoin’s recovery above $80,000 is helping sentiment, but XRP momentum remains weak
Ripple’s XRP continues struggling at the important $1.50 resistance zone after failing twice to break above the level in recent weeks. According to CoinGecko data, XRP slipped roughly 0.5% over the last 24 hours, though the token still remains up around 10% over the past month.
The latest rejection came after another rally attempt on May 10, following a similar failed breakout back on April 17. Both moves briefly pushed XRP toward the $1.50 range before sellers stepped in again.
Bitcoin’s Strength Is Helping, But Not Enough
Part of XRP’s recent recovery has likely been tied to Bitcoin stabilizing above the $80,000 level. As BTC regained momentum, broader market sentiment improved and several major altcoins started recovering alongside it.
Still, XRP appears to be lagging behind some competitors when it comes to sustained breakout momentum. Even if the token clears $1.50, traders expect another potential resistance zone near $1.60 based on previous price action from March earlier this year.
The broader crypto market also continues dealing with cautious investor sentiment after months of macroeconomic pressure and geopolitical uncertainty.
Regulation Could Become A Major Catalyst
One of the biggest developments XRP holders are watching right now is the potential passage of the CLARITY Act in the United States later this month.
The legislation aims to establish clearer crypto market structure rules and reduce ongoing uncertainty around digital asset regulation. Many investors believe a successful Senate vote could improve confidence across the entire crypto sector and potentially trigger stronger institutional inflows.
XRP could benefit significantly from a clearer regulatory environment given Ripple’s long-running legal and compliance battles in the US.
Markets Are Also Watching The Fed
Another possible catalyst involves upcoming leadership changes at the Federal Reserve. Kevin Warsh is expected to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair, and markets increasingly believe he may favor lower interest rates sooner than Powell likely would have.
President Trump has repeatedly pushed for rate cuts, and lower borrowing costs generally support risk assets like cryptocurrencies by improving liquidity conditions and investor appetite.
If markets begin pricing in faster monetary easing under Warsh, XRP and other large-cap altcoins could see renewed inflows during the second half of 2026.
XRP Still Needs Stronger Momentum
For now though, XRP remains stuck in a frustrating range where optimism exists, but conviction still looks limited. The token clearly has buyers supporting dips, yet not enough aggressive momentum to force a breakout through major resistance levels.
If Bitcoin stays strong and crypto regulation improves, XRP could eventually push through $1.50 and challenge higher resistance zones again. But until that happens, traders will likely remain cautious every time the token approaches breakout territory.
