NewsTradingSentimentCalendarCommunityBriefing
Markets

XRP Golden Cross Imminent Amid Altcoin Rotation

By Markets Desk · 2026-09-18 · 2 min read
A digital wave pattern formed by two intersecting smooth lines on a dark background
Illustration: Tradingbird

XRP sits just 2% below a major bullish signal as market dominance shifts from Bitcoin to alternative coins.

XRP's 50-day moving average sits 2% below its 200-day average. This places the asset one small move away from a golden cross. A golden cross occurs when the shorter average moves above the longer average. Chart analysts view this pattern as a long-term bullish signal. Bitcoin recently confirmed its own golden cross. Traders are now watching XRP for a similar confirmation.

Bitcoin's share of total crypto market capitalization has fallen. Its dominance rate dropped to under 59%. This is a one-month low. The decline indicates a rotation into alternative coins. Several major altcoins have surged in the last 24 hours. UNI, NEAR, and ARB each gained nearly 30%. This shift in capital flows supports the broader altcoin market.

Historical Data Shows Mixed Results

History suggests caution for XRP specifically. The asset has recorded 16 previous golden crosses. None of these patterns lasted 12 months. Each was terminated by a death cross. A death cross is the bearish inverse of the golden cross. However, short-term gains were often significant. Five of the ten crosses that survived three months posted large increases.

Gains ranged from 85% to over 1,000%. The cross in April 2017 led to a 1,009.6% rise. The cross in February 2021 resulted in a 135% gain. These figures show potential for sharp short-term upside. They also highlight the lack of sustained long-term momentum. Traders must weigh these short-term spikes against the historical trend of quick reversals.

Market Sentiment Remains Cautious

Analysts note a sharp acceleration in altcoin activity. Major cryptocurrencies lagged during this period. Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at The FxPro, identified the shift. He noted that traders are moving focus toward altcoins. This move is described as cautious. The altcoin season index has not yet reached high levels. Market sentiment remains moderate rather than euphoric.

Expectations for regulatory adoption play a role. Markets hope for action from the SEC and CFTC. Passage of the Bitcoin Reserve Bill is also a factor. These drivers support the current rotation. CoinDesk reports that this shift is distinct from previous cycles. The current environment combines technical signals with regulatory anticipation. Investors are positioning for potential regulatory clarity.

ETF Flows Diverge Across Assets

Fund flows show a split in investor behavior. U.S. spot ether ETFs recorded net outflows. The amount was roughly $39 million. This marked the third consecutive day of withdrawals. XRP funds also saw outflows. They lost about $5 million. This reversed a small inflow from the previous day. Bitcoin ETFs moved in the opposite direction.

Bitcoin ETFs took in approximately $159 million. This inflow contrasted with the outflows in ether and XRP products. The divergence highlights specific asset preferences. Investors are favoring Bitcoin in regulated funds. They are favoring altcoins in spot trading. This split flow pattern complicates the broader market narrative. It suggests a selective approach to risk and liquidity.

Based on reporting by CoinDesk, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

More from the Markets desk

All desk stories
  • A modern city skyline with glass skyscrapers reflecting the sky
    Illustration: Tradingbird

    Treasury Yields Top 5% as US Stocks End Volatile Week

    The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to 4.99%, capping a week where bond market pressures offset equity gains in Asia.

    2026-09-18
  • A row of classical stone bank buildings with columns under a cloudy sky
    Illustration: Tradingbird

    Global Central Banks Signal Coordinated Rate Hikes

    Global central banks are coordinating rate hikes to combat war-driven energy costs, with the Bank of Japan joining the Fed and ECB in tightening policy. Despite falling oil prices due to improved Saudi export logistics, fresh data indicates persistent inflationary pressure in the German economy, weighing on European markets.

    2026-09-18
  • A wooden gavel resting on a polished desk surface
    Illustration: Tradingbird

    Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates to 3.75% to Curb Inflation

    The US Federal Reserve increased the benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. The new standing rate is 3.75%. This is the first hike in three years.

    2026-09-18