XRP is expected to continue trading within a range until early 2026. While assets in U.S.-listed XRP-linked ETFs recently grew to $1.25 billion, analysts believe additional catalysts are needed to secure significant upward momentum.
According to CoinMarketCap, XRP is currently trading at $1.84, down 14.63% since January 1st, marking a more than 17% drop over the past month. Jake Kennis, senior analyst at Nansen, said, "The short-term outlook for altcoins remains bearish until Bitcoin stabilizes," adding, "Conditions may only improve in the second half of the year."
Kenneth cited additional ETF approvals, international payment system integration, and expanded use of cross-border liquidity bridge assets as catalysts for XRP's directional shift. Jesús Pérez, CEO of Posidonia21 Capital, also stated, "Even in a positive scenario, range-bound trading is expected," adding, "Price increases will depend more on market narratives than technical developments."
As of the end of December, assets in US-listed XRP-linked ETFs reached $1.25 billion. CF Benchmarks CEO Sui Cheng noted that "investor familiarity with the token is a key strength."
Market experts have differing price targets for 2026. Standard Chartered Bank suggests $8, while Motley Fool analysts suggest $3. The median AI simulation price is $1.88, not much different from the current price. Cryptocurrency analyst Benjamin Cowen analyzed that "Bitcoin's current situation is weighing on altcoins' ability to break through new highs."
