Legislative Uncertainty, Market Volatility

XRP Price Drops as Senate Shelves Clarity Act and Federal Reserve Decision Approaches

According to LBank News, citing Decrypt, the U.S. Senate has postponed consideration of the Clarity Act, which would have clarified XRP's legal status, and this, combined with anticipation of the Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decision, has led to a significant decline in XRP's price. Technical indicators for XRP are predominantly bearish, and the macroeconomic environment remains unfavorable for cryptocurrencies. These developments are not officially confirmed and are based on media reporting.

XRP price chart showing bearish technical indicators and legislative uncertainty
Image: decrypt.co via LBank

Senate Shelves Clarity Act: Legislative Context

LBank News, referencing Decrypt, reports that the U.S. Senate has formally postponed consideration of the Clarity Act, a bill designed to clarify the legal status of XRP. This legislative move comes as the Senate prioritizes other matters, such as a Russia sanctions bill and federal nominations, ahead of its August recess. The Clarity Act had been seen as a potential game-changer for XRP, with the possibility of codifying its commodity classification into law. Such a classification would provide a legal foundation for institutional custodians, banks, and ETF issuers to confidently build financial products around XRP. However, with the Senate shelving the bill, the window for passage this year has narrowed considerably, and the next opportunity may not arise until 2027 due to the legislative calendar and upcoming midterm elections.

The reported shelving of the Clarity Act has immediate implications for XRP stakeholders. Without legislative clarity, institutional engagement with XRP remains tentative, and the Standard Chartered conditional price target for XRP—contingent on full Senate passage and significant ETF inflows—remains theoretical. The lack of progress on the Clarity Act removes a key catalyst for XRP's adoption and integration into mainstream financial products. This situation, as described by LBank News and Decrypt, is not officially confirmed and should be interpreted with caution until verified by authoritative sources.

Federal Reserve Policy Uncertainty and Market Impact

The macroeconomic backdrop for cryptocurrencies, including XRP, is described as highly unfavorable by LBank News and Decrypt. The Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decision, scheduled for July 29, has traders on edge. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, in only his second FOMC meeting, is widely expected to hold rates steady at 3.50%–3.75%. However, CME FedWatch data reportedly placed the odds of a rate hike at nearly 38% as recently as the previous weekend, marking the highest probability in the current cycle. Even a hawkish hold—where rates remain unchanged but the Fed signals a tough stance—can unsettle risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, is trading well below its June highs, and altcoins such as XRP are experiencing even greater volatility. The anticipation of the Federal Reserve's decision has contributed to a risk-off sentiment across the crypto market, with traders reluctant to take aggressive positions. The uncertainty surrounding monetary policy, combined with the shelving of the Clarity Act, has intensified bearish sentiment for XRP. These developments, as reported by LBank News and Decrypt, are not officially confirmed and should be considered provisional until validated by official sources.

XRP Technical Analysis: Bearish Signals Dominate

Technical analysis of XRP, as reported by LBank News and Decrypt, reveals a predominantly bearish outlook. XRP is trading at $1.0641 with a market capitalization of approximately $65 billion on Binance. Over the past week, the token has declined nearly 8%, and its technical indicators are almost uniformly negative. The Average Directional Index (ADX) sits at 11.2, one of the weakest readings for XRP this summer, indicating a lack of clear market trend. Values below 25 suggest no confirmed trend, and sub-20 readings are associated with choppy, directionless markets where false breakouts are common.

Other technical signals reinforce the bearish narrative. The Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) confirm a 'death cross,' with the 50-day EMA below the 200-day EMA, signaling a downward medium-term trajectory. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) reads 40.9, placing XRP in bearish territory but not yet at oversold extremes. Negative Squeeze momentum and a composite score of -63% further highlight the weakness. The only mildly positive signal is that XRP is deeply oversold, which could attract short-term buyers, but without a macro or legislative catalyst, any bounce is likely to be temporary. These technical findings are based on media reporting and are not officially confirmed.

Institutional and Product Implications for XRP

The Clarity Act's postponement has direct consequences for institutional investors and product issuers considering XRP. As reported by LBank News and Decrypt, the Act would have codified XRP's commodity classification, providing legal certainty necessary for banks, custodians, and ETF issuers to develop and market XRP-based products. Without this legislative clarity, institutions remain hesitant to engage with XRP, and potential ETF inflows remain speculative. Standard Chartered's conditional price target for XRP, which depends on full Senate passage and substantial ETF inflows, remains unattainable in the current environment.

The absence of legislative progress also affects retail investors, who may be waiting for regulatory clarity before increasing their exposure to XRP. The shelving of the Clarity Act removes a key catalyst for mainstream adoption, and the timeline for future legislative action is uncertain. These implications, as described by LBank News and Decrypt, are not officially confirmed and should be considered provisional until further validated.

Short-Term and Long-Term Outlook for XRP

In the short term, XRP's price movement will likely be influenced by the Federal Reserve's rate decision and any signals regarding future monetary policy. As reported by LBank News and Decrypt, a dovish tone from Fed Chair Warsh could provide a temporary relief rally for cryptocurrencies, including XRP, potentially testing resistance levels between $1.10 and $1.12. Conversely, a hawkish statement or dissenting vote could extend the sell-off toward $1.01 and below. The technical setup suggests that patience is warranted, as trendless markets can persist longer than expected before resolving.

Long-term prospects for XRP are tied to legislative developments, particularly the fate of the Clarity Act. If the Senate does not hold a floor vote before its August recess, the primary institutional catalyst for XRP may evaporate until at least late 2026, and possibly well beyond. The legislative calendar and upcoming midterm elections further complicate the timeline. Without official confirmation, these outlooks remain speculative and should be interpreted cautiously.

User Guidance and Risk Management

Given the current uncertainty surrounding both legislative and monetary policy developments, users and investors are advised to exercise caution. LBank News and Decrypt emphasize that the reported shelving of the Clarity Act and the anticipated Federal Reserve decision are not officially confirmed. Decisions regarding XRP investment or trading should not be based solely on unconfirmed media reports. It is prudent to monitor official channels for updates and to avoid making significant moves until authoritative confirmation is available.

Risk management is particularly important in trendless and volatile markets. Technical indicators suggest that false breakouts and rapid reversals are common, increasing the risk of losses for traders who act prematurely. Institutional and retail participants should prioritize due diligence, seek official information, and remain patient as the situation evolves. These recommendations are based on media reporting and are not officially confirmed.

Cexvia conclusion

Concrete Finding and Next Steps for XRP Stakeholders

The shelving of the Clarity Act by the U.S. Senate and the uncertain Federal Reserve policy have contributed to a bearish outlook for XRP, with technical signals indicating continued weakness. This situation is not officially confirmed and remains based on media reporting.

Risk meaning
The postponement of the Clarity Act removes a potential legal catalyst for XRP, increasing uncertainty for institutional investors and product issuers. Combined with macroeconomic pressures and negative technical signals, the risk of further price declines and reduced institutional engagement is heightened.
User action
Users and investors should exercise caution, monitor official developments regarding the Clarity Act and Federal Reserve policy, and avoid making decisions based solely on unconfirmed media reports. It is advisable to wait for official confirmation before taking significant actions.
U.S. Senate