According to Cointelegraph, XRP is positioned for a potential 60% increase following its breakout from a symmetrical triangle pattern. This bullish outlook coincides with recent developments in Ripple's legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Symmetrical triangles are typically seen as bullish continuation patterns when prices break above their upper trendlines with increased trading volumes. XRP entered this breakout phase on January 11, suggesting a potential price target of $4, calculated by adding the pattern's maximum height to the breakout point. Independent market analyst World of Charts suggests that XRP could reach this level in the coming days. However, as of January 12, XRP showed signs of retreating towards the triangle's lower trendline at approximately $2.37. A decline below this support could invalidate the breakout scenario and increase the likelihood of a drop towards the lower trendline, aligning with the 50-12H exponential moving average at around $2.30. Maintaining a position above the upper trendline is crucial for keeping the probability of reaching the $4 target high.
XRP's breakout coincided with a minor legal victory for Ripple against the SEC. On January 11, a federal judge approved a motion to file certain documents under seal, protecting sensitive information in the ongoing legal proceedings. This ruling comes as the SEC faces a January 15 deadline to file its appeal-related opening brief, challenging key rulings in the Ripple case. The SEC's October Notice of Appeal indicated plans to contest the Summary Judgment, including Judge Analisa Torres' decision that XRP's regular sales did not meet the Howey Test's criteria. This appeal has contributed to XRP's price volatility since July 2023. Despite changes in SEC leadership, with Chair Gary Gensler departing on January 20 and former Commissioner Paul Atkins expected to take over, the agency remains committed to pursuing the appeal. In December 2024, Gensler promoted senior crypto-enforcement lawyers to ensure continuity in the case. However, legal experts anticipate that Atkins could reverse the SEC's aggressive stance on crypto, fostering cautious optimism among investors. John Reed Stark, former chief of the SEC Office of Internet Enforcement, noted that Atkins favors free markets and opposes over-regulation, which could benefit the crypto industry. Stark also mentioned that Atkins believes SEC Enforcement can be overly aggressive and inconsistent, suggesting that reforming SEC Enforcement might be a priority under his leadership. Optimism is growing that incoming SEC leadership under Atkins may adopt a more favorable stance toward Ripple and crypto regulation, potentially reducing legal uncertainties and supporting XRP's price increase. This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.