XRP edged lower after a brief recovery attempt lost momentum, as broader crypto profit-taking and a delay in a leveraged ETF launch weighed on sentiment.

The token saw a short-lived rise on Wednesday before reversing course as bitcoin retreated from an approach toward $80,000 during Thursday’s Asian session. Sellers stepped in near resistance levels, reflecting a lack of conviction across the market as traders locked in gains.

Adding to the cautious tone, GraniteShares postponed the launch of its 3x leveraged crypto ETFs—including XRP-focused products—until May 7. The delay removes a potential short-term catalyst for speculative flows. The products are expected to provide both long and short exposure, which could significantly amplify volatility once trading begins.

On the charts, XRP ran into resistance around $1.44 before slipping back toward $1.42. The failed breakout attempt highlights ongoing range-bound trading and reinforces the absence of strong directional momentum.

Although volume increased during the upward push, it did not sustain long enough to confirm a breakout, indicating that buying pressure quickly faded at higher levels.

For now, XRP remains confined within its established range. A clean break above $1.44 would be needed to signal renewed upside strength, while $1.40 continues to act as immediate support. A move below that level could open the door to further downside toward the lower end of the current range.