XRP Network Activity Crashes 26% as Price Stalls Below Key Resistance

TLDR

• XRP activity crashes 26% as price stalls and forecast gets slashed

• XRP network slump hits price as bank cuts 2026 target sharply

• XRP engagement drops fast while resistance caps price rebound

XRP recorded a sharp contraction in on-chain activity as engagement weakened and price momentum stalled. XRP active addresses fell 26% within a week, signaling reduced participation and softer network demand. The slowdown coincided with price resistance and a major downgrade in long-term forecasts.

Network Participation Drops Across the XRP Ledger

On-chain data shows XRP active addresses declined from 55,080 on February 9 to 40,778 by February 15. The contraction reflects a rapid pullback in network usage and transactional engagement. Activity peaked early in the week but then retreated and stabilized at lower levels.

Between February 11 and February 15, daily active counts hovered between 41,000 and 43,000. However, the network failed to reclaim the earlier surge in wallet activity. This stagnation suggests a pause in speculative and payment-driven flows.

Source: X

Lower address activity often aligns with weaker transaction throughput and reduced liquidity. Consequently, the network shows fewer signs of aggressive capital rotation. The pattern indicates slower circulation rather than a structural shutdown.

Price Momentum Weakens Under Technical Barriers

XRP traded near $1.46 while price action struggled below key technical averages. The 50-day moving average stood around $1.83 and capped upside attempts. Meanwhile, the 200-day average near $2.34 marked a broader resistance zone.

The asset had rebounded roughly 38% from its February lows but lost traction. However, follow-through buying failed to support a sustained breakout. Softer on-chain demand reinforced the ceiling on price expansion.

Reduced transaction flow can translate into thinner buying pressure and shorter rallies. Therefore, price advances faced quicker exhaustion and tighter ranges. The market structure remained reactive rather than trend-driven.

Forecast Revision Reshapes Long-Term Expectations

Standard Chartered adjusted its 2026 projection and cut the XRP price target to $2.80. The bank had previously outlined a far higher valuation framework. Analysts cited macro pressure and reduced institutional allocation as central drivers.

Despite the downgrade, exchange-traded funds tied to XRP attracted over $1.37 billion in inflows. These inflows accumulated steadily since late 2025 and signaled persistent structural interest. Capital entered regulated channels even as spot momentum cooled.

Ripple’s institutional roadmap introduced lending and decentralized finance scaling features. The strategy aimed to widen enterprise utility and payment infrastructure. Long-term positioning now depends on adoption speed and capital rotation.