XRP dips to $1.10 as Ripple secures preliminary MiCA approval

Key takeaways

  • Luxembourg’s financial regulator has granted Ripple preliminary approval for a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
  • XRP is down by nearly 4% in the last 24 hours and now trades at $1.10 per coin. 

Luxembourg regulator grants Ripple CASP green light

Luxembourg’s financial regulator has granted Ripple preliminary approval for a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), the company confirmed on Tuesday.

Once fully approved, the license will enable Ripple to provide regulated crypto services to banks, fintech firms, and other businesses across all 30 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) through a single regulatory passport system.

The CASP approval expands Ripple’s existing regulatory footprint in Europe. The company already holds an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Luxembourg, which allows it to offer cross-border payment and electronic money services throughout the EEA.

Together, the EMI and upcoming CASP authorization are expected to support a unified infrastructure for crypto asset and stablecoin-based payments across Europe.

The timing of the development is notable, coming just ahead of the July 1 transition deadline, when EU member states begin fully enforcing MiCA regulations.

According to Ripple, the combined regulatory approvals will enable the company to deliver a “full crypto asset and stablecoin payments infrastructure” through a single integration.

The firm also said the approval positions it to expand its broader crypto services across Europe, which it described as one of its most important growth regions.

Cassie Craddock, Managing Director for the UK and Europe at Ripple, said MiCA is already accelerating institutional adoption of digital assets across the region.

Ripple now holds more than 75 regulatory licenses worldwide, reinforcing its push toward regulated global expansion.

In addition to its EU progress, the company also secured a UK license from the Financial Conduct Authority in January 2026, further strengthening its position in key financial markets.

XRP could dip below $1.0 as the market sentiment remains bearish

The XRP/USD 4-hour chart remains bearish and efficient as Ripple has lost 4% of its value in the last 24 hours.

At press time, XRP is trading at $1.10 and could drop lower in the near term. The momentum indicators show that the bulls are in control of the market.

The MACD lines are below the neutral zone, while the RSI of 32 shows that XRP is heading into the oversold territory.

XRP/USD 4H Chart

If the bearish trend persists, XRP could retest the June low of $1.05, with lower demand zones at the $0.98 level. 

However, if the bulls regain control, XRP could rally towards the Monday high of $1.16. A daily candle close above this level could see XRP target the $1.23 resistance zone.

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Bitcoin remains under pressure below $63K as US-Iran negotiation uncertainty persists

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin remained under pressure after Iran announced that it would not permit inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to access its damaged nuclear facilities, 
  • The leading cryptocurrency has dropped to the $62,300 level, down 3.5% in the last 24 hours. 

Bitcoin (BTC) continued to trade below the $63,000 level on Tuesday as mixed signals from the United States and Iran regarding nuclear negotiations kept geopolitical tensions elevated. At the same time, ongoing institutional selling and continued outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) limited the cryptocurrency’s upside potential despite diplomatic efforts.

Conflicting US-Iran signals weigh on market sentiment

Bitcoin remained under pressure after Iran announced that it would not permit inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to access its damaged nuclear facilities, raising fresh concerns about the progress of ongoing negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that no meeting had taken place between Iranian officials and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Switzerland. The comments contradicted earlier remarks from US Vice President JD Vance, who suggested the talks included agreements related to IAEA inspections.

“There was no protocol for such inspections,” Baghaei said.

While US President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance have expressed optimism about the progress of nuclear discussions, Iranian officials maintain that no new commitments have been made. The conflicting narratives have renewed uncertainty surrounding negotiations between Washington and Tehran, encouraging investors to remain cautious and reducing appetite for risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Markets may also experience heightened volatility due to a major quarter-end portfolio rebalancing event.

Analysts at JPMorgan estimate that institutional investors could sell approximately $165 billion worth of equities while purchasing a similar amount of bonds before the end of the second quarter. Such a large-scale asset reallocation would represent the biggest shift in at least four years and could create significant volatility across multiple asset classes.

Institutional demand for Bitcoin continues to weaken as spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded additional outflows at the start of the week.

Data from CoinGlass shows that spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced net outflows of $68.30 million on Monday, following $226.84 million in withdrawals during the previous week. The latest figures mark the sixth consecutive week of net outflows.

Although Monday’s withdrawals were smaller than those recorded in recent weeks, the persistent trend continues to weigh on Bitcoin’s price outlook. Analysts warn that a further acceleration in outflows could trigger a deeper correction in the market.

Bitcoin price outlook: $64K remains key resistance

Bitcoin was trading near $62,350 at the time of writing, maintaining a bearish short-term outlook as the asset remains below several key Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs).

The cryptocurrency faced rejection at the important horizontal resistance level of $64,004 on Monday, highlighting the market’s inability to sustain upward momentum.

Technical indicators present a mixed picture. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains subdued near 34, signaling weak momentum. 

However, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram remains in positive territory, suggesting that selling pressure may be easing rather than accelerating.

On the upside, Bitcoin’s first major hurdle remains the $64,004 resistance level. A successful breakout could open the door for a move toward the 50-day EMA at $68,821 and the 100-day EMA at $71,922.

BTC/USD 4H Chart

Beyond these levels, the 200-day EMA at $77,528 and the horizontal resistance zone near $84,410 represent significant medium-term barriers.

On the downside, traders are closely monitoring the psychological $60,000 level. A decisive daily close below this support could trigger a deeper corrective phase and increase downside risks in the near term.

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Bitcoin holds above key support as momentum indicators hint at stabilization

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP are starting the week on a more stable footing after last week’s declines.
  • BTC is trading above $64,000 but remains below major moving averages, keeping the broader trend bearish.

Crypto market opens new weekly candle with signs of stability

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are showing resilience at the start of the week after experiencing notable declines during the previous trading period.

Bitcoin fell nearly 4% last week, while Ethereum and XRP dropped approximately 2% and 6%, respectively. 

Despite the weakness, all three assets have stabilized, with Bitcoin trading above $64,000, Ethereum holding the critical $1,700 support level, and XRP consolidating near $1.13.

For Bitcoin, traders are closely watching technical indicators for clues about whether the recent recovery can develop into a broader rebound.

Bitcoin remains below major resistance levels

Bitcoin is currently trading around $64,000, but the broader technical outlook remains cautious. BTC continues to trade below its key moving averages, 50-day EMA: approximately $69,106, 100-day EMA: approximately $72,123, and 200-day EMA: approximately $77,748.

The fact that Bitcoin remains below all three indicators suggests that sellers still maintain control of the broader trend.

Adding to the bearish outlook, BTC recently broke below a rising trendline that had previously supported the market. That trendline, now acting as resistance near $74,238, reinforces the view that Bitcoin remains in a corrective phase.

Although the overall trend remains weak, some technical indicators suggest that downside momentum may be slowing.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has rebounded from deeply oversold levels and is currently hovering in the high-40 range.

This improvement indicates that selling pressure has eased, but the indicator remains around the neutral 50 mark, meaning a clear bullish reversal has not yet been confirmed.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator remains in positive territory, which is generally supportive for prices.

For Bitcoin to regain bullish momentum, buyers must overcome several resistance zones, including $69,106 (50-day EMA), $72,123 (100-day EMA), and $77,748 (200-day EMA).

BTC/USD 4HChart

A move above these levels would significantly improve the technical outlook and potentially signal the end of the current correction.

On the downside, the first major support level remains at $64,005.A decisive break below this area could expose Bitcoin to further losses and extend the existing downtrend.

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Ethereum faces renewed downside risk as Fed concerns weigh on market sentiment

Key takeaways

  • Ethereum (ETH) has rebounded about 4% over the past week, but overall market sentiment remains weak.
  • Hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve have reduced expectations for interest rate cuts and increased pressure on risk assets.

Ethereum recovery faces macro headwinds

Ethereum has posted a modest 4% recovery over the past seven days as the broader cryptocurrency market staged a technical rebound. 

However, the bounce has done little to improve overall sentiment, which remains under pressure from worsening macroeconomic conditions.

Investor confidence took another hit after recent comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled a tougher stance on inflation. 

His remarks suggested that monetary policy could remain restrictive for longer, fueling concerns that interest rate hikes may still be on the table.

The shift has challenged earlier expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin cutting rates this year, creating a less favorable environment for risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Earlier in the year, many analysts expected one or two rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. Those expectations have weakened significantly as inflation continues to run above the central bank’s target.

Warsh’s comments reinforced concerns that policymakers remain focused on controlling inflation, even if tighter monetary conditions weigh on financial markets.

Historically, higher interest rates reduce liquidity and investor appetite for speculative assets, making cryptocurrencies particularly vulnerable during periods of monetary tightening.

Ethereum struggles at key resistance level

Ethereum’s recent recovery stalled near the $1,800 level, an area that previously served as support but has now become a significant resistance zone.

If selling pressure continues and ETH fails to reclaim $1,800, the next major support level sits near the April 2025 low of $1,400.

A move to that level would represent roughly an 18% decline from current prices and further deepen Ethereum’s yearly losses.

Among the largest cryptocurrencies, Ethereum has been one of the weakest performers, even lagging behind competitors such as Solana during the current market cycle.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has improved from oversold conditions but remains weak.

Currently hovering around 40, the indicator is approaching levels that could reinforce bearish momentum if selling pressure increases.

ETH/USD 4H Chart

From a broader technical perspective, Ethereum’s weekly chart continues to reflect a fragile market structure.

Unless buyers successfully push the price above $1,800, analysts expect the downtrend to remain intact, increasing the likelihood of a retest of lower support zones.

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Zcash dips 4% as broader crypto market remains bearish

Key takeaways

  • ZEC is still struggling under the $477-$500 zone. 
  • Although momentum indicators show signs of stabilization, Zcash remains vulnerable to further downside as investors react to persistent macroeconomic uncertainty and rising rate-hike expectations. 

Zcash (ZEC) remains under pressure on Thursday as bearish sentiment continued to dominate the cryptocurrency market. ZEC is facing mounting resistance beneath the $500 mark as investors reduce exposure to risk assets.

Fed’s policy stance causes a negative market reaction

The broader crypto market weakened following remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh during his first post-meeting press conference on Wednesday.

Although the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates unchanged, in line with expectations, investors reacted negatively to the central bank’s firm commitment to bringing inflation back to its long-term 2% target. The Fed’s emphasis on price stability signaled that policymakers are not yet prepared to pivot toward monetary easing.

Warsh’s comments reinforced expectations that higher interest rates could remain in place for longer. Market participants are even assigning a roughly 30% probability to a future rate hike, reviving concerns about tighter financial conditions and reduced liquidity for risk assets.

Investor confidence weakened further as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to 15 on Thursday from 22 a day earlier, remaining firmly within the “Extreme Fear” zone. The reading highlights growing caution among traders and suggests subdued market participation in the near term.

ZEC price forecast: Zcash faces growing downside risks

Zcash has also remained on the defensive, recording three straight days of losses while trading below its 50-day EMA near $477. 

The continued inability to reclaim this level has reinforced bearish sentiment and increased the likelihood of further downside.

A sustained move lower could encourage additional de-risking among traders, placing the spotlight on key support zones near $434 and $376.

While the MACD histogram remains marginally positive, suggesting some recovery attempts may be forming, the Money Flow Index remains in the mid-40s, indicating relatively weak buying momentum compared with Monero.

The immediate resistance level remains the 50-day EMA at approximately $477. If buyers manage to regain control, attention could shift toward the upper boundary of the descending channel near $549.

ZEC/USD 4H Chart

On the downside, support is located near the 100-day EMA around $434, followed by the 200-day EMA near $376. 

Should bearish pressure intensify, the lower boundary of the descending channel near $279 could emerge as a critical medium-term support zone.

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