XRP's Macro Setup Turns Bullish as Analyst Maps Road to $18
XRP's long-term outlook is back in focus after market analyst Dark Defender suggested that the cryptocurrency may be nearing the end of a major corrective phase, potentially paving the way for its next macro rally.
In an Elliott Wave analysis shared on X, Dark Defender argued that XRP is completing a macro Wave 4 correction, a phase that is traditionally followed by a strong Wave 5 impulse. If the pattern plays out, XRP could transition into a new bullish cycle with progressively higher price targets.
The analyst outlined four key upside milestones at $2.90, $5.86, $9.04, and $18.23. Rather than immediate price targets, these levels represent potential resistance zones that XRP could test as the broader uptrend develops.
At the time of writing, CoinCodex data shows XRP trading at $1.08, leaving substantial upside if the Elliott Wave structure unfolds as projected.
Why XRP's Fundamentals and Charts Are Aligning for a Potential Breakout
Elliott Wave Theory suggests that markets move in recurring cycles driven by investor psychology. After extended corrective periods, a new impulsive wave often emerges. According to Dark Defender, XRP's multi-month correction could now be approaching its final stage, setting the foundation for the next major advance.
Beyond the technical setup, XRP's fundamentals continue to strengthen. Ripple's expanding institutional partnerships, accelerating adoption of the XRP Ledger for tokenized real-world assets, and growing ecosystem liquidity have reinforced long-term confidence. These developments could provide fundamental support if a technical breakout materializes.
Adding to the bullish case, South Korea remains a key source of demand. Retail investors continue to favor XRP despite broader market weakness, with recent trading activity showing XRP generating nearly four times Bitcoin's volume on major South Korean exchanges while the country's stock market lost roughly $2 trillion in value.
As a result, this trend underscores XRP's resilience in one of the world's most influential crypto markets.
The near-term technical picture is also improving. Bulls have successfully defended key support levels, and analysts are watching for a decisive move above $1.10 as confirmation that bullish momentum is strengthening.
While Dark Defender's projections remain speculative and depend on XRP holding critical support, the analysis suggests the prolonged correction may be nearing completion.
If buyers maintain control and the Wave 5 scenario unfolds, XRP could enter a new macro uptrend, with $18.23 representing the ultimate target for the current Elliott Wave cycle rather than an immediate destination.
