The cryptocurrency market presents a tale of two assets: XDC Network (XDC) is building fundamental strength through institutional adoption while its price remains subdued, and XRP (XRP) is grappling with persistent bearish technicals and selling pressure.
XDC Network's Institutional Evolution
Analyst David Hepburn outlines a significant transformation for the XDC Network. After a prolonged period of sideways trading through 2022-2024, XDC broke out into double-digit territory in early 2025 before retracing to levels reminiscent of years past. Despite this price action, the network's fundamentals have strengthened considerably.
A major shift is the opening of institutional access. Anchorage Digital now provides regulated custody for XDC, a critical infrastructure requirement for institutional capital. Furthermore, Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) listed in Switzerland under regulatory oversight offer additional exposure. Perhaps more tellingly, some Swiss institutions are exploring direct participation as validators on the XDC Network, signaling a move from passive exposure to active, committed network involvement.
The utility case has also expanded into live banking environments. An AI-powered bank in the UAE has integrated XDC at a production level, facilitating real transactions. The network is also seeing growth in trade finance, tokenized funds, real estate initiatives, and cross-border payment corridors. Hepburn frames the current moment as a widening gap between the network's growing usage and its valuation, which remains anchored near historical lows, potentially setting the stage for a future repricing.
XRP's Bearish Technical Outlook
In contrast, XRP price action shows increasing weakness. The token rejected from a key volume-based resistance level known as the Point of Control (POC), and selling pressure continues to build near the $1.90 region. Price is consolidating near the Value Area Low (VAL), but with weak bullish volume and bearish candle structures, suggesting a lack of aggressive dip buying.
The technical analysis indicates that if XRP breaks down below the VAL, it could trigger a capitulation move targeting the next major support at the $1.58 range low. The market structure remains bearish, defined by lower highs, weak recoveries, and repeated rejections at high-volume resistance. A reclaim of resistance above $1.90 is needed to shift the bearish narrative.
