Market analyst Matt Hughes has called the public’s attention to a potential XRP move that could lead the altcoin to outperform Bitcoin.
Currently, the XRP/BTC pair trades at 0.00002501. At this level, the price sits directly beneath the Ichimoku Cloud, which has acted as strong resistance for nearly eight years. Hughes argues that crossing this barrier would open the door for XRP to outperform Bitcoin over a longer period.
Data from his chart confirms why analysts regard this level as extremely important. Notably, the XRP price traded without a clear trend against BTC from 2015 to 2016. During this time, it continued to move below the Ichimoku Cloud
Last Time XRP Broke Above the Ichimoku Cloud
However, this phase ended in early 2017 when XRP broke decisively above the cloud. The breakout triggered a sharp rally that pushed the pair from around 0.00002 BTC to a peak of 0.00023 BTC in January, as XRP claimed $3.31. During this run, XRP stayed well above the cloud, outperforming Bitcoin.
Nonetheless, the trend reversed after the 2018 peak. Specifically, XRP/BTC fell back into the cloud and then dropped below it, confirming a long-term change in momentum
From 2018 through 2020, the pair declined from above 0.0002 BTC to 0.0000065 BTC. The Ichimoku Cloud turned bearish, and each recovery attempt failed below major resistance levels, leaving Bitcoin in control.
Between 2021 and 2023, XRP/BTC moved sideways but remained below the cloud. The price mostly ranged between 0.000006 and 0.00003 BTC. Even during the 2021 bull market, XRP failed to reclaim the cloud, confirming its continued underperformance against Bitcoin, especially amid the SEC lawsuit.
Conditions began to improve in the second half of 2024 after a sustained crash from August 2023 to June 2024. Following the November 2024 spike, the XRP/BTC pair formed higher lows, while the Ichimoku Cloud began flattening. Specifically, price started pressing into the cloud instead of pulling away from it, indicating fading downside pressure.
XRP Now Eyeing Ichimoku Cloud Breakout Against Bitcoin
While the trend shift carried into late 2025, the bearish market conditions from Q4 2025 halted XRP’s campaign. Now, as XRP posts a 27% rise in 2026, outperforming the broader market, the XRP/BTC pair now trades at the lower edge of the monthly Ichimoku Cloud near 0.000025 BTC
Notably, the cloud structure looks weaker than it has in years, which Hughes says closely mirrors the setup seen before the 2017 breakout. Hughes believes a monthly close above the Ichimoku Cloud would confirm a major trend change and end a seven-year period of XRP underperformance.
For context, such a move would not necessarily require Bitcoin to fall, but it would suggest that XRP could begin rising faster than BTC. If XRP reclaimed the 2018 peak of 0.00023 BTC with Bitcoin trading for $93,000 today, XRP’s price could hit $21.39. However, John Bollinger believes XRP’s trend within the Bollinger Bands is weaker than Bitcoin’s.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Bitcoin Rally Sparks Debate Over Market Strength
Bitcoin Rally Sparks Debate Over Market Strength
March 05, 2026 @ 01:43 AM (UTC)
Current Price of Bitcoin$BTC / $USD: $72,695.95$BTC / $EUR: €62,593.26$BTC / $GBP: £54,452.83$BTC / $XAU: 14.044 oz$BTC / $XAG: 858.007 oz pic.twitter.com/69AMYA5oRD
— Bitcoin (@Bitcoin) March 5, 2026
Bitcoin re
CryptoBreaking3m ago
Sora Ventures Founder Jason Fang appointed as Chairman of Taiwan-listed company Chuan Fei Energy (TWSE: 1516)
Founder of Sora Ventures, Jason Fang, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Taiwan-listed company Chuanfei Energy, which specializes in trading electric vehicle battery components. Fang stated that he will bring his experience in the blockchain field into his new role to support the company in strengthening its business and creating shareholder value. Since its establishment in 2018, Sora Ventures has invested over $100 million in more than 150 Web3 companies.
動區BlockTempo8m ago
Sora Ventures Founder Jason Fang Appointed Chairman of Chuanfei Energy, Web3 Investor Cross-Over to Lead Taiwan Stock Listed Company
Chuanfei Energy appoints Jason Fang, founder of Web3 investment firm Sora Ventures, as the new Chairman, attracting market attention. Fang aims to apply his blockchain experience to the company, promote the development of electric vehicle electronic component business, and create more value for shareholders.
ChainNewsAbmedia9m ago
Matrixport: Low retail participation, lack of new narratives, and token unlock sell-offs putting pressure on altcoins
Matrixport report indicates that meme coins underperformed expectations over the past year, mainly due to low retail participation, lack of new narratives and real-world application projects, as well as ongoing token unlock pressures, which hindered market rebounds. Despite overall pressure, some localized opportunities can still be identified.
GateNews55m ago
In the past 24 hours, the total liquidation amount across the entire network was $231 million, with 72% of the liquidations being long positions.
Gate News Report, March 6th: In the past 24 hours, the entire network experienced liquidations totaling $231 million, including $166 million from long positions and $65.71 million from short positions. By cryptocurrency, Bitcoin liquidations amounted to approximately $105 million, and Ethereum liquidations were about $40.64 million.
GateNews1h ago
