XRP in 2026: Legal Wins and Market Challenges
The world of cryptocurrency is full of ups and downs, and XRP stands as a prime example. Despite an eventful year in 2025 with major legal achievements and structural market changes, the token ended the year without significant price growth. Let’s dive deeper into what happened and explore the predictions for XRP in 2026.
SEC Settlement and ETF Introduction
In 2025, Ripple Labs made headlines after resolving its long-standing lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This resolution brought a brief period of optimism, with XRP experiencing a rally to a seven-year high of $3.66 in mid-2025. However, the bullish sentiment was short-lived, with prices sliding to $1.85 by the year’s end.
Another highlight was the introduction of Spot XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in November 2025. These ETFs recorded consistent investment inflows for 24 days, amassing over $1.4 billion in new capital. Despite this promising start, the market failed to maintain sustained growth, indicating a mix of investor optimism and lingering uncertainties.
Market Trends: Data Insights and Challenges
XRP’s on-chain data paints a picture of stagnation. According to Glassnode, daily active addresses on the XRP Ledger fell to as low as 38,500 in December, marking a sharp 94% decline from its March peak. Additionally, the supply of XRP on exchanges dropped to its lowest level since 2018. While low exchange supply often signals stronger holding sentiment, it also reflects reduced market activity.
Technical indicators also highlight challenges. XRP struggled to maintain its position above its 50-week moving average of $1.87. Analysts point to a support zone between $1.85 and $1.80, warning that further drops could push prices as low as $1.61.
Predictions for XRP in 2026
The predictions for XRP in 2026 present a mix of optimism and caution. Some analysts forecast a price surge, fueled by ongoing ETF purchases and improving regulatory clarity. For instance, Standard Chartered predicted that XRP could reach $8 by 2026, driven by increasing interest in the spot ETF market.
Others are less optimistic, highlighting potential bearish patterns like the double-top formation. Renowned trader Peter Brandt foresees a dip below $1 in the coming months if key support levels fail to hold.
Despite these opposing views, the general consensus is that XRP’s success hinges on two critical factors: maintaining its support level above $1.80 and encouraging higher network activity. With stronger fundamentals, XRP could test the $2 mark and possibly exceed it in the short term.
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Conclusion
XRP enters 2026 with both opportunities and hurdles. The lingering effects of legal victories and ETF introduction showcase the token’s potential, but market uncertainties require cautious optimism. Whether it’s maintaining key support levels or increasing on-chain activity, XRP will need significant momentum to achieve its bullish predictions. Crypto enthusiasts and investors should keep a close eye on developments as the year unfolds.
