XRP price news: What next for Ripple-linked token as losses at highest since 2022

By Kevin GiorginFebruary 22, 2026 at 11:25 PM GMT+01:00Edited by Josh Sielstad

XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple, has recently experienced a significant spike in realized losses, marking its largest weekly decline of this nature since 2022. This trend suggests that panic selling among investors may have reached an alarming level. On-chain data reveals that approximately $1.93 billion in realized losses occurred within just one week. This figure indicates that many coins were sold at prices lower than what investors initially paid for them.

Past capitulation waves have often led to significant recoveries for XRP

Historically, such substantial losses have often preceded notable recoveries. For instance, the last time XRP experienced losses of this magnitude—around 39 months ago—the cryptocurrency saw a remarkable 114% rally over the following eight months. These capitulation events typically occur when investors decide to lock in losses, rather than holding onto their assets in hopes of a market rebound.

Recent realized losses indicate extreme panic selling among XRP holders

Realized losses differ from unrealized losses, which can be temporary if the market rebounds. When realized losses spike, they reflect final decisions made by investors to sell their holdings, often under pressure. For such a substantial amount of realized losses to occur, there must be both intense selling pressure and buyers ready to purchase at lower prices. This dynamic often signals a market bottom, as weaker hands are flushed out, leaving a more stable base for future price movements.

Current market context may affect the recovery potential for XRP

While the recent spike in realized losses could indicate that sellers are becoming exhausted, the broader market conditions present a complex scenario. The crypto landscape is currently characterized by macroeconomic uncertainties, evolving regulatory challenges, and persistent volatility across major cryptocurrencies. These factors could hinder a quick recovery for XRP, as the environment differs significantly from the conditions seen during previous capitulations.

The importance of follow-through for sustained recovery in XRP prices

Looking ahead, the follow-through following this spike in realized losses will be crucial for XRP's future price trajectory. In past cycles, recoveries were not solely reliant on a single capitulation event; they also required stabilization in demand and declining selling pressure in subsequent weeks. If realized losses continue to remain high or escalate again, it may indicate that the distribution phase is not yet complete. For now, the prevailing data suggests that emotional extremes are at play, which historically have set the stage for potential rebounds. However, the sustainability of any upward trend will depend on how the market reacts once the panic subsides.

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Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.