XRP Sees Exploding Institutional Demand: Will It Break Through $1.45 Resistance to Reach $2?

As of April 29, 2026, XRP is in a tug-of-war between record institutional inflows and strong selling resistance from retail investors. Although this month recorded the strongest demand for XRP ETFs so far this year, the price remains tethered to key technical levels, focusing investor attention on when it might break $2.

While institutional buying pressure is firmer than ever, the market is blocked by a massive resistance wall at $1.45. Experts analyze that for this 'pressure cooker' phase to resolve, an improvement in technical indicators must be combined with macroeconomic catalysts.

April 2026 is evaluated as the month with the strongest inflows since XRP ETFs began their full-scale recovery. According to SoSoValue data, the net inflow of approximately $81.63 million this month appeared as steady, small daily inflows throughout the month, unlike the volatile pattern concentrated in a specific week last January. This stable inflow suggests that institutional investors view the current price range as an attractive entry point from a long-term perspective.

XRP was recorded as the digital asset that reached the $1 billion cumulative inflow milestone the fastest following the launch of Ethereum ETFs.

According to data from Ripple, XRP ETFs, which surpassed $1 billion in cumulative inflows on December 16, 2025, already exceeded $1.5 billion by early March 2026. Currently, five different issuers are competing in the market, providing institutional investors with various options. This rapid growth is evidence that XRP has established itself as an essential asset in institutional portfolios, following Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The $1.45 Resistance Wall and Retail Selling Pressure

The main reason price gains are limited despite strong institutional demand is the psychological selling pressure from so-called 'trapped' holders. Analysis shows that about 60% of the circulating XRP supply is held at an average price near $1.44, leading to a flood of sell orders from retail investors looking to break even whenever the price enters the $1.40 to $1.45 range. This 'exit liquidity' phenomenon is offsetting institutional buying and causing price stagnation.

• Canary Capital: Maintains the top market share with cumulative net inflows of $421.86 million.
• Goldman Sachs: Identified as the largest institutional investor, holding a total of $153.8 million worth of XRP through four separate funds.
• Bitwise and Franklin Templeton: Expanding their market influence with more active inflow growth than Canary Capital during April.

From a technical perspective, maintaining the $1.40 support level is a key prerequisite for reaching the future target price of $2.15. Analysts believe that if the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) turns bullish alongside current ETF inflows, a surge rally of around 25%, similar to what was seen in January, is likely to recur. If the $1.45 resistance is broken with volume, the next major target is projected to be $2.15.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and Chairman Jerome Powell's remarks scheduled for today, April 29, 2026, are acting as significant variables for overall crypto market sentiment. The market is watching whether the Fed will reinforce its 'higher-for-longer' interest rate stance, which could dampen investor sentiment for risk assets. XRP is also not free from such macroeconomic uncertainties.

Bitcoin's recent movements are also directly and indirectly affecting XRP's price. Bitcoin caused market concern by falling to $76,500 the previous day but seems to be regaining stability, recovering to the $77,800 level early this morning. Bitcoin establishing a support base above $77,000 provides a positive backdrop for XRP to defend its $1.40 support and gather upward momentum.

In conclusion, institutional capital inflows through XRP ETFs have laid a solid foundation for an upward move. However, to conquer the $2 peak, additional catalysts beyond simple buying pressure are needed. Only when supported by upcoming regulatory clarity or positive changes in macroeconomic indicators can it break through the thick retail selling wall and enter a full-scale price appreciation phase.