Is XRP Set to Hit $8? Exploring the Impact of ETF Inflows
The cryptocurrency market is once again abuzz, with Ripple’s XRP at the center of attention. Recently, U.S. Spot Ripple (XRP) ETF products made headlines by attracting significant institutional inflows, further bolstering optimism for the asset’s future price potential. Since their debut in mid-November, these products have seen impressive traction without a single day of outflows in 2025. But will these developments be enough to drive XRP to the much-anticipated $8 mark?
Performance Snapshot: ETF Inflows Drive Optimism
The ETF products have recorded cumulative net inflows of $1.16 billion and net assets of $1.27 billion so far, showcasing their popularity among institutional investors. However, despite this bullish activity, XRP has struggled to breach the $2 mark for most of December 2025. Industry analysts, including Standard Chartered Bank, see potential for a dramatic upswing in 2026 if macroeconomic and market sentiment align favorably.
Why Analysts Are Bullish on XRP
Standard Chartered Bank has boldly set a price target of $8 for XRP, citing improved U.S. regulatory clarity and its growing utility in payment solutions. According to Geoff Kendricks, the bank’s head of digital assets research, clearer regulations have attracted institutional interest while providing Ripple and its ecosystem room to develop without constant legal battles. From its current price level of $1.87, the $8 target represents a 300% upside, requiring XRP’s market capitalization to increase from $113 billion to $485 billion.
The Numbers Behind the Prediction
Using on-chain metrics such as realized cap, which measures capital entering XRP markets, analysts have estimated that reaching the $8 target would require $18.6 billion in fresh capital inflow. This is a significant leap compared to the current ETF-driven inflows of $1.1 billion. For context, XRP’s surge from $0.5 to $3 in late 2024 required approximately $25 billion in realized cap growth.
Challenges Ahead: Whale Activity and Broader Sentiment
While the outlook for XRP appears promising, challenges remain. Whales, or large holders of XRP, have turned net sellers over the past two months, potentially capping the asset’s near-term recovery. Combined with a weak broader market sentiment, these sell-offs highlight the hurdles XRP faces in breaking past the $2 barrier.
Are You Ready for Ripple’s Next Milestone?
For investors keen on tracking XRP’s journey, staying updated on market trends and ETF inflow data is crucial. Additionally, platforms like eToro provide accessible tools for monitoring cryptocurrency markets and exploring potential investment opportunities.
Final Thoughts
As XRP continues to navigate complex market dynamics, its ability to leverage institutional inflows and improved regulatory clarity will play a critical role in its price trajectory. While the $8 target may seem ambitious, the cryptocurrency’s past performance and current developments suggest that a significant price movement is far from out of reach.
