The digital asset market is entering February 2026 with a notable shift in sentiment, particularly regarding XRP news. While the beginning of the year saw a spirited rally toward the $2.40 mark, the current landscape has turned decidedly neutral. A combination of macroeconomic uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s leadership and technical fatigue has left traders questioning whether the next move is a recovery or a deeper correction.
Kevin Warsh Fed Nomination: A Double-Sided Coin for Crypto
The nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed Chair is the primary driver of today’s crypto news. Warsh is a complex figure for the markets; he is respected as a “crisis fighter” with deep ties to Wall Street, but he also carries a reputation as an inflation hawk.
His nomination has historically strengthened the US dollar, which often acts as a headwind for risk assets. While Warsh has recently expressed more “market-friendly” views on rate cuts, his long-term stance on monetary discipline suggests the Fed might not be as dovish as some hope. According to reports from The Guardian, the nomination initially caused a slight dip in global indices and a cooling of the recent crypto rally.
XRP Price Prediction: Support at $1.80 and the $1.60 Risk
Technically, the XRP price is struggling to maintain its footing above the $1.80 psychological level. After failing to sustain a breakout above $2.00, the token has entered a consolidation phase characterized by lower highs.
* The Bearish Case: If the selling pressure from high-leverage liquidations continues, XRP could break its current support. Analysts point to a “liquidity gap” that could see the price drift toward the $1.60 to $1.65 zone. This level represents a major demand area where buyers previously stepped in during late 2025.
* The Neutral Case: A period of sideways trading between $1.70 and $1.90 is likely as the market digests the “Warsh effect” and awaits the formal transition at the Federal Reserve in May.
Investors are currently comparing fees and liquidity across platforms using the exchange comparison tool to manage their positions as volatility increases.
On-Chain Data: Whales vs. Retail Sentiment
Despite the cautious price action, on-chain metrics show a divergence. Data from Upbit indicates that large-scale withdrawals are still occurring, suggesting that institutional “whales” are moving XRP to hardware wallets for long-term holding. However, this accumulation is being offset by retail “panic-led exits” as the broader market, including $BTC, shows signs of exhaustion.
