XRP Surges 12%: A Strong Start to 2026
As 2026 gets underway, the cryptocurrency market is already making headlines with significant gains across major assets. Ripple’s XRP has surged by 12.3% in the past day, solidifying its position as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Its price reached $2.38, marking a total gain of 30% in January alone and surpassing Binance Coin (BNB) in market cap.
What’s Driving XRP’s Growth?
The broader crypto market has experienced an 8.2% rise in total market capitalization, signaling strong investor sentiment. Data from BeInCrypto reveals that XRP has climbed steadily this month, with its market capitalization now exceeding $140 billion. Moreover, the introduction of XRP ETFs and their continued institutional inflows have bolstered investor confidence.
Prominent analysts remain split on XRP’s future trajectory. John Bollinger, creator of the Bollinger Bands technical indicator, noted that XRP’s price movement is largely reactive to broader market trends. He commented, “BTC > ETH > XRP for now,” suggesting Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to dominate market momentum.
Expert Predictions: Is $3 or Higher on the Horizon?
Peter Brandt, a seasoned trading expert, has analyzed XRP’s price action. While he has not made explicit predictions, his observations suggest XRP is maintaining a range between $1.5 and $3.5. A breakout beyond these boundaries could point to a new trend.
On the more bullish side, some analysts expect XRP to reach price targets of $4.5 or higher. A positive development pointed out is that the XRP/BTC trading pair is nearing a breakthrough above the monthly Ichimoku Cloud—something not seen since 2018. If achieved, this could indicate that XRP is set to outperform Bitcoin in the coming months.
Continued Institutional Interest in XRP ETFs
Institutional demand for XRP remains strong, as evidenced by sustained inflows into XRP ETFs. Data reveals that XRP-focused investment products garnered $3.7 billion in inflows throughout 2025, representing a 500% year-over-year surge from $600 million in 2024.
This trend contrasts with Bitcoin-focused institutional products, which saw inflows decline by 35% to $26.9 billion in the same timeframe, showing a shift in institutional preferences. According to CoinShares, XRP ranked as the third most-purchased asset in global crypto ETFs.
What This Means for Investors
XRP’s recent surge reflects a combination of renewed investor interest and broader market strength. While opinions on its near-term trajectory differ, the continuous inflow of institutional capital indicates robust market confidence. Key levels to watch include whether XRP can break significant resistance points, which could set the stage for even greater gains in 2026.
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Stay tuned for more updates and predictions as the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve in 2026.
