Highlights:
Crypto Fear & Greed Index drops to 48 as traders await Fed’s interest rate decision
XRP shows low exchange outflow activity and a pause in large wallet accumulation
SEC delays decision on Franklin Templeton’s proposed spot XRP ETF application
The global crypto market faced pressure ahead of the June 18 Fed rate decision, with sentiment cooling. The Fear & Greed Index dropped to 48, shifting into neutral territory. XRP mirrored this cautious tone as price action flattened and whale activity stalled.
Crypto Market Faces Caution Before Fed Policy Update
The overall crypto market capitalization fell by 1.73% in the past 24 hours, now valued at $3.26 trillion. Bitcoin dipped below $106,000 while most major altcoins followed with minor losses. Global uncertainty and expectations around the upcoming Fed rate decision have contributed to recent market hesitation.
Markets widely expect no rate change from today’s FOMC meeting. Projections show a 99.9% chance the Fed will hold the current 425–450 basis points range. However, investor focus remains fixed on Jerome Powell’s tone during the post-decision press conference.
Source : Polymarket
A dovish stance could revive risk-on sentiment, while hawkish signals may intensify selloffs. As anticipation builds, on-chain signals reflect low conviction across major assets. Most altcoins remain under pressure, with small caps showing brief overbought conditions before fading.
XRP Activity Slows as Sentiment Resets
XRP sentiment aligns with the broader market cooldown. The Fear & Greed Index global reading is at 48, signaling a cautious investor mood. This comes amid stagnant price movement and reduced exchange outflows from large wallets.
Source : CoinMarketCap
Recent CryptoQuant data shows a significant decline in XRP Ledger outflows, especially in the 1K–10K and 10K–100K token bands. Whale wallets appear to be sidelined, neither accumulating nor distributing in bulk. This behaviour indicates uncertainty about short-term direction.
XRP Ledger: Exchange Outflow Transactions Count | Source : CryptoQuant
Despite a symmetrical triangle forming on XRP’s long-term chart, markets await a clear breakout confirmation. The lack of strong buying interest suggests hesitation among large holders. Analysts view this lull as a “calm before the storm” moment for XRP price action.
Macroeconomic Drivers and Regulatory Delays Add Pressure
In addition to Fed uncertainty, the SEC has delayed its decision on the Franklin Templeton spot XRP ETF. The delay extends regulatory overhang at a time when clarity is increasingly critical for asset legitimacy.
The passage of the GENIUS Act in the U.S. Senate added another layer of policy impact. The bill sets strict requirements for stablecoin issuers, potentially enhancing transparency and legal certainty. However, it also raises concerns for non-compliant foreign projects and may reshape capital flows.
Meanwhile, XRP derivatives data show mixed sentiment. While volume and open interest declined, options trading surged 77.18% in 24 hours, with a 11.38% rise in options open interest. Long positions outpaced shorts across exchanges, suggesting underlying optimism among leveraged traders.
