XRP price news: What next for Ripple-linked token as losses at highest since 2022
CoinDesk
by Shaurya MalwaFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
XRP has experienced a sharp decline, with its largest weekly realized loss spike since 2022 signaling potential panic selling extremes. On-chain data reveals $1.93 billion in realized losses over the past week, indicating holders are locking in losses rather than holding out for a rebound. This level of capitulation has historically been followed by significant price recoveries, but XRP continues to face technical resistance despite surging ledger activity.
Realized losses differ from paper losses as they reflect actual financial decisions made by sellers. For such large-scale selling to occur, there must be both aggressive selling pressure and buyers willing to step in at lower prices. This dynamic often shifts the market's composition, with short-term traders exiting and longer-term investors taking positions, potentially stabilizing price dynamics.
However, the current environment differs from 2022, with broader macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting regulatory landscapes, and elevated market volatility. While realized losses suggest exhausted selling pressure, these factors could temper any potential rebound. Sustained recovery typically requires not just one capitulation event but stabilization in demand and declining sell pressure in subsequent weeks.
The implications for crypto markets are significant, as XRP's trajectory often mirrors broader trends. Investors should monitor whether the current market dynamics signal a durable trend shift or if risks remain elevated. The interplay between technical indicators and macroeconomic factors will likely determine XRP's short-term outlook.
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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/22/2026