Altcoins Under Fire: Can Ethereum, XRP, and SHIB Avoid a Deeper Crash?

Altcoins, including Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Shiba Inu (SHIB), are under significant pressure. This follows a strong start to Q1. Concerns regarding additional declines have been raised by the breach of Ethereum price support levels close to $1,600. SHIB seems to be headed for yet another significant decline, and XRP is finding it difficult to keep up with the momentum of Bitcoin. All three assets have bearish technical indications aligning, which has traders wondering if a surprise bounce is still possible or if a deeper fall is imminent.

Ethereum Price Support Levels at Risk: Can ETH Hold Above $1,500 After Recent Drop?

Ethereum is showing clear signs of weakness after losing the vital $1,570–$1,600 support range—a zone that has historically served as a rebound base. Now hovering near $1,574, ETH is down nearly 4% in the past 24 hours despite gaining 10% last week. This decline coincides with rising macroeconomic uncertainty and a notable increase in ETH futures market inflows, raising concerns—can ETH hold above $1,500 in the coming days?

Technical indicators are flashing red. ETH is now trading below the 26 EMA, 50 EMA, 100 EMA, and 200 EMA – all of which are sloping downward. This reinforces a multi-timeframe bearish trend. The failed attempt to hold above the ascending trendline support from March invalidates the short-term bullish setup and opens the door for a further dip toward $1,500 – or even $1,200 if momentum continues to fade.

XRP Falters, SHIB Nears Breakdown: Can the Bulls Step In?

XRP continues to underperform, despite a strong start to the year. Multiple attempts to break above the 26 EMA have failed, keeping the token locked in a descending channel. The RSI is stuck between 40–50, indicating indecision, while trading volume remains thin, a telltale sign of weakening market interest. Unless XRP manages to close above the 26 EMA with rising volume, the asset may face extended stagnation or further decline.

Chart 1: SHIB/USDT Chart, published on TradingView, April 16, 2025

Meanwhile, SHIB is skating on thin ice. Currently trading at $0.00001168, it has repeatedly failed to establish a solid support base. All major EMAs are heading downward, and the recent rejection at the $0.00001270 barrier supports the bearish tendency. There is little to prevent SHIB from retesting the psychologically critical $0.00001000 level if it falls below $0.00001050.

There is a ray of hope, though, as a quick rebound might be driven by positive news or a wider market recovery. Bullish momentum could be restored for SHIB if the $0.00001200 – $0.00001270 range is reclaimed with high volume. Rekindled interest in XRP would be indicated by a breach above its downtrend line. 

What Lies Ahead: A Rocky Road or Recovery?

The coming days are critical. If Ethereum can’t reclaim its lost support quickly, we could see it tumble toward Ethereum price support levels like $1,500 or even $1,200. XRP needs to break its short-term EMAs to signal any real recovery. And SHIB must find firm footing above $0.00001200 to shake off its bearish grip. With overall volume down and macro headwinds intensifying, the path forward looks uncertain – but not hopeless.

Bottom Line: Bear Market Blues or the Calm Before a Bounce?

While Bitcoin dominance remains firm, altcoins are clearly struggling. A cautious picture is created by the breakdown of thereum, the slow pace of XRP, and the vulnerability of SHIB. Experienced cryptocurrency investors are aware that sentiment can change quickly and that markets move quickly. Until then, the charts favor the bears, and patience may be the smartest play for traders waiting for Ethereum price support levels to stabilize or for clearer signals in the broader market.