XRP is beginning September near the $1.37–$1.38 level, following a strong recovery during August that pushed the cryptocurrency significantly higher from its mid-month lows.

The latest market data places XRP around $1.37–$1.38, with a market capitalization of approximately $86.9 billion and circulating supply of about 62.74 billion XRP. Bybit's September 1 data shows XRP trading around $1.38, with a 24-hour high near $1.40 and a low around $1.34.

XRP's recent performance has been notable. Pintu reported that XRP gained approximately 28.5% during August, making it the token's strongest monthly performance since 2021 after XRP had briefly fallen below the psychologically important $1 level earlier in the month.

Other market analysis puts the August gain even higher, with PrimeXBT reporting that XRP gained roughly 37% during August, describing it as the token's strongest month of 2026.

The difference between reported monthly returns depends on the specific price source and measurement points, but both data sets highlight the same broader trend: XRP experienced a significant August recovery.

Now, traders are watching whether XRP can maintain that momentum during September.

XRP Price Today

The current market snapshot shows XRP around the following levels:

Bybit's live market data lists XRP at approximately $1.38, with a market capitalization of $86.88 billion and 24-hour trading volume of approximately $2.27 billion.

Investing.com's September 1 historical data shows XRP opening around $1.3795, reaching an intraday high near $1.3960 and a low around $1.3613.

Because cryptocurrency markets trade continuously, XRP's exact price can change significantly throughout the day.

XRP's Strong August Recovery

August was a major turning point for XRP.

Earlier in the month, XRP was trading near the $1 level and had experienced significant weakness during the first half of the year.

Pintu reported that XRP briefly fell below $1 in mid-August, before beginning a strong recovery that eventually produced an approximately 28.5% monthly gain.

PrimeXBT reported an even stronger August gain of approximately 37%, noting that XRP's rally was the token's strongest monthly performance of the year.

The recovery helped XRP reclaim the $1.30 area and eventually move toward $1.40 and above.

However, XRP has since pulled back from its late-August highs.

That means September begins with an important question:

Can XRP turn its August recovery into a sustained trend, or will traders take profits after the sharp rally?

XRP's $1.40 Level Is Important

The $1.40 level has become an important short-term psychological area.

XRP recently approached or moved through $1.40, but sellers have repeatedly appeared around that region.

Bybit's latest data shows XRP's 24-hour high around $1.40, while CoinLore identifies approximately $1.46 as a more significant resistance area based on recent price behavior.

A sustained move above $1.40 could therefore improve short-term sentiment.

However, XRP would likely need to clear the $1.42–$1.46 region to demonstrate stronger momentum.

Bullish XRP Scenario

A bullish scenario would involve XRP holding above approximately $1.35–$1.38 and reclaiming $1.42.

A move above $1.46 could provide a stronger technical confirmation.

CoinLore identifies $1.46 as a key resistance level, followed by approximately $1.66 and $1.83 as additional resistance areas.

If XRP can break through those levels while broader cryptocurrency markets remain strong, higher price targets could become possible.

Bearish XRP Scenario

The bearish scenario would develop if XRP loses the $1.34–$1.35 area.

DigitalToday identifies $1.42, $1.34 and $1.30 as important levels traders are watching.

A sustained move below $1.30 could weaken the recent recovery and increase the possibility of a deeper correction.

Consolidation Scenario

XRP could also remain range-bound.

The cryptocurrency may trade between approximately $1.30 and $1.45 while investors wait for new market catalysts.

Consolidation following a large monthly rally is not necessarily bearish.

It can allow buyers and sellers to establish a new equilibrium before the next major move.

Ripple Unlocks 1 Billion XRP

One of the biggest XRP stories on September 1 is Ripple's scheduled 1 billion XRP escrow release.

Ripple unlocked 1 billion XRP through three transactions involving 500 million, 400 million and 100 million XRP, according to blockchain-tracking reports.

This release is part of Ripple's established monthly escrow mechanism.

Ripple originally placed 55 billion XRP into escrow in 2017 through a series of contracts designed to make the release of XRP supply more predictable.

The important point for investors is that an escrow unlock does not automatically mean Ripple sold 1 billion XRP on the open market.

That distinction is extremely important.

Does the 1 Billion XRP Unlock Mean a Huge Sell-Off?

Not necessarily.

When XRP is released from escrow, the tokens become available to Ripple, but that does not mean all of them immediately enter exchanges or get sold.

Historically, Ripple has re-escrowed a significant portion of the monthly releases.

BeInCrypto reported that approximately 31.28 billion XRP remained locked in Ripple's on-ledger escrow following the September release.

The market therefore needs to distinguish between:

Gross XRP unlocked

and

Net XRP actually entering the market.

The second figure is much more important for determining potential selling pressure.

If most of the released XRP is returned to escrow, the immediate increase in market supply could be considerably smaller than the headline figure of 1 billion XRP.

However, investors will still monitor the release because it represents a recurring source of potential supply.

XRP ETF Demand Is Growing

Institutional demand is becoming increasingly important for XRP.

Recent data shows strong interest in spot XRP exchange-traded funds.

DigitalToday reported that XRP spot ETFs recorded approximately $110.49 million in weekly net inflows through August 28, representing the strongest weekly inflow of 2026 at that point.

Cumulative net inflows had reached approximately $1.66 billion.

This is an important development because ETF demand provides another potential source of buying pressure.

Rather than purchasing XRP directly through a cryptocurrency exchange, traditional investors can gain exposure through regulated investment products.

If ETF inflows continue increasing while XRP's available exchange supply remains relatively constrained, the combination could support the market.

However, ETF flows can also reverse.

If investors begin withdrawing capital from XRP ETFs, the demand picture could weaken.

XRP and Institutional Adoption

Institutional interest is not limited to ETFs.

The XRP Ledger is also being developed for institutional financial applications.

PrimeXBT reported that Ripple, Clearpool and Cicada Partners were collaborating on institutional credit infrastructure on the XRP Ledger.

Institutional lending and tokenized financial products could become important use cases for blockchain networks.

For XRP, increased activity on the XRP Ledger could potentially strengthen the long-term ecosystem narrative.

However, network adoption does not automatically translate into higher XRP prices.

Investors should distinguish between blockchain usage, token demand and speculative trading.

XRP Ledger Upgrade

Another development traders are watching is an upcoming XRP Ledger upgrade.

PrimeXBT reported that the fixCleanup3_3_0 amendment had reached approximately 82.86% validator consensus, with 29 of 35 trusted validators voting in favor at the time of reporting.

If sufficient validator support remains, the amendment could activate on the XRP Ledger around September 11.

The upgrade is designed to address issues involving Single Asset Vaults, the Lending Protocol and Automated Market Makers.

For XRP investors, network upgrades matter because they can improve functionality and potentially support broader ecosystem development.

RLUSD and the XRP Ledger

Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is another development connected to the XRP Ledger.

PrimeXBT reported that RLUSD's circulating supply had crossed $1 billion on August 28 and accounted for a large share of stablecoin activity on the XRP Ledger.

Stablecoins can play an important role in blockchain ecosystems because they provide a digital representation of fiat currencies for trading, payments and decentralized financial applications.

Growth in stablecoin activity could potentially increase activity across the XRP Ledger.

The long-term impact on XRP itself, however, will depend on how much network activity translates into demand for XRP.

XRP Market Momentum Is Cooling

Although August was strong, some short-term indicators suggest that XRP's momentum has cooled.

DigitalToday reported that XRP was trading around $1.37 and had declined approximately 6.60% over seven days, even as its risk-adjusted performance metrics improved.

Bybit's data also shows XRP down approximately 6.49% over seven days while remaining around 30.68% higher over 30 days.

This creates an interesting market structure.

XRP has strong monthly momentum but weaker short-term momentum.

That can happen when traders take profits after a large rally.

XRP Support Levels to Watch

Several support levels are important as September begins.

$1.35 Support

The $1.35 area is one of the most important short-term levels.

If buyers defend this zone, XRP could continue consolidating before another attempt higher.

$1.34 Support

DigitalToday identifies approximately $1.34 as another important support area.

A break below this region could increase short-term selling pressure.

$1.30 Support

The $1.30 level represents another important psychological and technical zone.

If XRP falls below $1.30, the August recovery could begin to look increasingly vulnerable.

$1.13 Support

CoinLore identifies approximately $1.13 as a deeper historical support area.

A move this low would represent a significant correction from current levels.

XRP Resistance Levels to Watch

On the upside, traders are watching several levels.

$1.40

The first major psychological hurdle.

$1.42

DigitalToday identifies $1.42 as an important level that XRP needs to reclaim for a stronger rebound.

$1.46

CoinLore identifies approximately $1.46 as a key resistance level.

$1.55

Some September projections place approximately $1.55 as a potential recovery target if XRP maintains its bullish structure.

CoinDCX's analysis identifies a September range of roughly $1.35–$1.55, with $1.35 acting as a key support level.

$1.66

A sustained move above $1.55 could eventually bring the $1.66 area into focus.

CoinLore identifies approximately $1.66 as another significant resistance area.

XRP and Bitcoin

XRP remains strongly influenced by Bitcoin.

When BTC rallies, investors often increase exposure to major altcoins.

When Bitcoin declines sharply, altcoins can experience even larger percentage losses.

This relationship is particularly important because XRP's recent rally occurred alongside broader cryptocurrency market strength.

Bitcoin remains near the upper-$70,000 area as September begins, while Ethereum is around $2,450.

If Bitcoin breaks above $80,000 and establishes a stronger uptrend, XRP could potentially benefit from renewed market-wide risk appetite.

If BTC instead falls sharply, XRP may struggle to maintain its recent gains.

XRP and Macroeconomic Conditions

XRP is also affected by broader financial-market conditions.

On September 1, global markets were under pressure from rising oil prices, higher Treasury yields and increased expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes.

Reuters reported that the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed to approximately 4.8%, while Brent crude rose to around $92.10 per barrel. Markets were assigning roughly a 65% probability of a September U.S. rate hike.

Higher interest rates can put pressure on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

If monetary policy becomes more restrictive, investors may become less willing to take exposure to highly volatile assets.

XRP's ability to maintain its recovery despite these pressures will therefore be important.

XRP's September 2026 Outlook

XRP enters September after a powerful August recovery but with several competing forces affecting the market.

Positive Factors

• Strong August price recovery

• Growing XRP ETF inflows

• Institutional interest

• XRP Ledger development

• RLUSD stablecoin growth

• Potential network upgrade

• Reduced exchange supply in some periods

Negative Factors

• Monthly XRP escrow releases

• Profit-taking after the August rally

• Weak seven-day performance

• Higher global bond yields

• Federal Reserve rate-hike expectations

• Continued Bitcoin dependence

• Regulatory uncertainty

The balance between these factors could determine XRP's next major move.

Could XRP Reach $1.55?

A move toward $1.55 is one of the more closely watched September scenarios.

CoinDCX's September analysis projects approximately $1.55 as a potential target if XRP maintains support around $1.35.

From approximately $1.37, reaching $1.55 would require a gain of around 13%.

That is within the range of normal cryptocurrency volatility.

However, XRP would first need to reclaim $1.42 and then overcome resistance near $1.46.

If those levels are broken with strong volume and continued ETF demand, $1.55 could become a more realistic technical target.

Could XRP Return Above $2?

XRP reaching $2 would require a substantial move from current levels.

At approximately $1.37, XRP would need to gain around 46% to reach $2.

Such a move is possible during a strong crypto bull market, but it would likely require several positive developments to occur together.

These could include:

• Strong Bitcoin performance

• Continued XRP ETF inflows

• Increased institutional adoption

• Positive regulatory developments

• Strong XRP Ledger activity

• Reduced selling pressure

• Broader altcoin market strength

There is no guarantee that XRP will reach $2 within a specific timeframe.

Risks XRP Investors Should Watch

XRP remains a highly volatile cryptocurrency.

Supply Risk

Ripple's monthly escrow releases represent a predictable source of potential supply.

Although much of the released XRP may be re-escrowed, investors should continue monitoring net supply entering the market.

Regulatory Risk

Changes in cryptocurrency regulation can influence XRP's adoption, institutional participation and market access.

Market Risk

XRP remains closely connected to Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.

Volatility

Large price swings can occur within hours.

Liquidity Risk

During market stress, liquidity can decline and price movements can become more extreme.

Speculative Trading

XRP's strong rallies can attract short-term traders, increasing volatility and the possibility of sharp corrections.

What to Watch for XRP in September

Several events could become important for XRP investors during the month.

XRP price above $1.40: A sustained move above this level would improve short-term sentiment.

$1.46 breakout: Breaking this resistance could strengthen the bullish structure.

$1.35 support: Holding this area could help preserve the August recovery.

XRP ETF flows: Continued inflows would provide evidence of institutional demand.

September escrow release: Investors will monitor how much unlocked XRP is returned to escrow and how much potentially reaches the market.

XRPL upgrade: The planned September 11 upgrade could increase attention on XRP Ledger development.

Bitcoin: BTC's direction will remain a major influence on XRP.

Federal Reserve policy: Changes in interest-rate expectations could affect the entire cryptocurrency market.

Final Thoughts

XRP begins September 2026 near $1.37–$1.38, following a powerful August recovery.

Current market data places XRP's market capitalization near $86.9 billion, with approximately 62.74 billion XRP circulating out of a maximum supply of 100 billion.

The cryptocurrency gained roughly 28.5% during August according to Pintu, while other market analysis estimates the monthly gain at approximately 37%.

The September market begins with XRP facing an important technical test.

The $1.35–$1.38 area is important support, while $1.40–$1.46 represents the first major resistance zone.

A sustained breakout above $1.46 could strengthen the bullish outlook and potentially put $1.55 and higher levels into focus.

At the same time, investors need to monitor Ripple's monthly escrow releases.

Ripple released 1 billion XRP from escrow on September 1, but the release should not automatically be interpreted as 1 billion XRP being sold. A substantial portion can be returned to escrow, meaning the actual increase in market supply may be much smaller than the headline figure.

Institutional demand is another important part of the story.

XRP spot ETFs recorded approximately $110.49 million in weekly inflows through August 28, taking cumulative inflows to roughly $1.66 billion, according to DigitalToday.

Meanwhile, developments involving the XRP Ledger, institutional lending and RLUSD could provide additional long-term ecosystem catalysts.

For September, XRP's next major move will likely depend on the interaction between these crypto-specific developments and broader financial-market conditions.

If XRP can defend $1.35 and reclaim $1.42–$1.46, the recovery could continue.

If it falls below $1.30, however, the August rally could face a much deeper correction.

For now, XRP remains one of the most closely watched large-cap altcoins entering September, with institutional demand, supply dynamics and XRP Ledger development likely to remain central themes for investors.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment or trading advice. XRP and other cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets, and investors can lose some or all of their capital. Always verify live prices and conduct independent research before making financial decisions.