The cryptocurrency market has been consolidating over the last few hours as the volatility in the market has reduced. XRP, the native coin of the Ripple ecosystem, is down by less than 1% in the last 24 hours, and is now trading at $1.38 per coin. The coin lost its spot in the market to BNB, and recent performance doesn’t spark confidence despite positive news from the Ripple ecosystem. Ripple Labs has reportedly launched a new share buyback program to repurchase up to $750 million in shares from employees and early investors. Ripple Labs initiates a buyback program XRP is down by less than 1% in the last 24 hours despite Ripple Labs launching a buyback program to repurchase $750 million worth of shares at a $50 billion valuation. Citing sources close to the matter, Bloomberg reported that the program is expected to run through April. This latest development comes amid increased volatility in the cryptocurrency market and growing regulatory scrutiny of the crypto sector. Ripple’s financial position, supported by holdings in XRP and other assets, has enabled the blockchain company to allocate substantial capital toward share repurchases. This program provides liquidity for employees and early investors while allowing Ripple to consolidate equity without pursuing a public listing. Ripple had previously conducted a share repurchase to provide liquidity to shareholders. In January 2024, the company repurchased $285 million from investors as part of a broader $500 million capital program. Back then, CEO Brad Garlinghouse said Ripple held more than $1 billion in cash reserves and roughly $25 billion in crypto assets, most of which were in XRP. Furthermore, Ripple also previously attempted a larger tender offer in September 2025, seeking to repurchase roughly $1 billion in shares at a $40 billion valuation. However, the offer drew limited participation, especially from employees reluctant to sell their holdings. Ripple also raised $500 million in a new funding round at the same $40 billion valuation in November. The funding round saw participation from several institutional investors, including Citadel Securities, Fortress Investment Group, Pantera Capital, Galaxy Digital, Brevan Howard, and Marshall Wace. XRP remains bearish, eyes lower support levels The XRP/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as the coin has underperformed in recent days. It is currently trading above the weekly open candle of $1.33 and has been consolidating around the $1.38 region in the last few hours. The momentum indicators remain mildly bullish but could switch bearish if the consolidation persists. The RSI of 53 on the 4-hour chart is above the neutral 50, indicating a fading bearish momentum. The MACD lines are also diverging around the signal level, suggesting that the bears are regaining control. If the bearish trend persists, XRP may drop below the weekly support of $1.33, with the major support level around $1.27. However, if the buying pressure resumes, XRP may surge past the $1.48 resistance level. An extended bullish scenario will bring the 100-day EMA at $1.58 into focus in the near term. The post XRP stays below $1.40 as Ripple Labs launches share buyback appeared first on Invezz
