XRP is facing a critical test at the $2.20 price level as the initial excitement from a $164 million ETF debut fails to sustain bullish momentum. The digital asset is grappling with significant liquidation pressure, raising questions about whether recent institutional interest can provide enough support to prevent further downside.

XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple Labs, is currently testing a pivotal support level at $2.20 as market participants assess whether recent institutional developments can offset mounting selling pressure. Despite the debut of an XRP exchange-traded fund that attracted $164 million in initial capital, the digital asset has struggled to maintain upward momentum in the face of significant liquidations.

The launch of the XRP ETF marked a milestone for the cryptocurrency, signaling growing institutional acceptance and providing traditional investors with regulated exposure to the asset. However, the positive sentiment surrounding this development has been insufficient to counteract the wave of forced selling that has gripped the market. Liquidations, which occur when leveraged positions are automatically closed due to adverse price movements, have created substantial downward pressure on XRP's price.

Technical analysts are closely monitoring the $2.20 level, which has emerged as a crucial pivot point for XRP's short-term trajectory. A decisive break below this support could trigger additional selling and potentially lead to a test of lower price levels. Conversely, a strong bounce from this zone might suggest that buyers are willing to step in at current valuations, potentially setting the stage for a recovery.

The current price action highlights the complex dynamics facing XRP and the broader cryptocurrency market. While institutional products like ETFs represent important infrastructure developments that can drive long-term adoption, they do not guarantee immunity from short-term volatility and market corrections. The divergence between positive fundamental developments and bearish price action is not uncommon in crypto markets, where leverage and sentiment can amplify price swings in both directions.

Market observers note that XRP's performance in the coming sessions will likely set the tone for the asset's near-term outlook. If the $2.20 support level holds and buying interest emerges, it could signal that the worst of the liquidation cascade has passed. However, failure to defend this level may prompt traders to reassess their positions and could lead to an extended period of consolidation or further downside before the next sustained rally materializes.