XRP Slides to $1.02 as Leverage Unwinds, Active Addresses Surge

Price Weakness and Capitulation

XRP traded at $1.02 on Friday, marking its lowest price since February and testing a support level that has grown psychologically important after months of decline. According to CryptoSlate, the move represents capitulation at the fastest pace since the 2022 crypto crash, with traders rapidly reducing exposure amid the broader market selloff. The $1 level has become a focal point for investors monitoring whether the token can hold above a round number that many consider a floor.

On-Chain Activity and Derivatives

Despite the price weakness, on-chain signals suggest underlying demand is not entirely absent. Active addresses on the XRP network jumped 72% over the past two weeks, according to CoinDesk, an uptick that analysts often interpret as rising retail participation. At the same time, open interest in XRP derivatives fell to its lowest level since July 2025, indicating that leverage has substantially unwound from the market. CoinDesk characterized this dynamic as a "cleaner setup" for traders, meaning the liquidation cascade has cleared out weak hands and extreme bets, though price remains trapped below resistance levels.

Why It Matters

For Traders

XRP's hold or break of $1 over the next 24-72 hours will signal whether support is genuine or a capitulation flush before further downside.