XRP Bullish Momentum Tests Multi-Year Resistance Near $3.5

XRP has been riding a wave of renewed optimism, sparking debate over whether the token can continue outperforming Bitcoin during this bull cycle. According to CoinMarketCap data, the token is up nearly 4% and trading around $3.

However, from a broader perspective, the payment-focused token is facing a long-term price resistance level. With chart patterns pointing toward a possible 100% rally and Ripple’s long-running legal battle finally resolved, investors are watching closely to see if XRP’s momentum has staying power—or if history will once again hand the lead back to Bitcoin.

Latest Developments Supporting XRP

In the latest development supporting XRP, Chainalysis expanded its blockchain analytics support for the XRP Ledger (XRPL), introducing automatic recognition for more than 260,000 tokens on the network, including fungible , non-fungible, and multi-purpose assets, according to a Monday announcement.

The integration allows XRPL tokens to be monitored through Chainalysis KYT (Know Your Transaction), with real-time alerts and continuous tracking. The company said users were able to leverage the enhanced capabilities through its entity screening products and Reactor investigations tool, enabling them to track fund flows, investigate transactions, and identify potential illicit activity.

XRP Face Price Resistance

Coinbase Institutional’s David Duong echoed the possibility of a broader altcoin rally, writing in August that conditions “now suggest a potential shift toward a full-scale altcoin season.”

Not all signals are immediately bullish. XRP has spent the past weeks in consolidation, trading mostly between $2.7 and $3.0 after slipping from highs near $3 in late August.

In shorter time frames, XRP moves within a descending wedge formation. A breakout above wedge resistance could drive prices back toward $3.4, while a failure to defend $2.7 risks a deeper retracement toward $2.4.

Beyond the Charts: Ripple’s Next Challenge

With its legal battle against the SEC now resolved, Ripple has regained bandwidth to pursue its long-stated ambition of competing with the SWIFT payment network, Cointelegraph reported.

Related: Gemini Deepens Ripple Ties With XRP Credit Card, RLUSD Expansion Ahead of IPO

SWIFT processes more than 53 million messages daily but remains criticized for delays and high fees. Ripple argues that its blockchain-based system offers faster and cheaper cross-border settlements.

Still, the company faces hurdles. Ripple executives stress that blockchain should augment, not replace, existing infrastructure. As Ripple’s Cassie Craddock noted, “Scaling to the level of traditional providers requires tackling two key hurdles: usability and regulation.”

The question for traders is whether XRP can sustain its momentum against Bitcoin, particularly as the cycle matures. Technical indicators and legal clarity provide a strong backdrop, but key resistance levels and broader market sentiment will determine whether XRP’s rally extends—or stalls.