Author: Maham Arslan

XRP-linked exchange-traded funds are really starting to make a name for themselves as top institutional crypto trades early this year. According to the market commentary picked up by crypto analyst Tony Edward, XRP-focused ETFs have seen some of the largest inflows and trading volumes among other altcoin products, and, to be honest, they have outperformed several diversified crypto funds over the past few weeks.

What’s really striking is just how fast this rotation is happening. Some XRP ETF products are delivering double digit percentage gains in no time at all – a clear sign that investors are getting in on the action before things really start to take off. In a market as volatile as we’ve seen in the last few months, diversification is less about chasing after potential gains and more about making sure you’ve got a properly risk-adjusted exposure.

XRP Price Breakout Signals Structural Change

From a technical standpoint, the XRP/USD price action suggests that institutional flows are finally making their mark on the market. On the 4-hour chart, XRP has broken through that descending trend line that had been holding price back since October. The breakout near $2.16 marked the first higher high in weeks and was accompanied by a strong-looking bullish candle with a virtually non-existent upper wick – a clear sign that people are actually buying this stuff.

Price has since pushed on through to the $2.37–$2.41 resistance zone – a key area of supply and the mid-range of a much bigger descending channel. This advance also represents a 50% Fibonacci retracement of the November–December decline – a level at which the market often pauses or goes on to extend further.

Support is now established at $2.16, with a deeper level of support near $1.98, where we’ve seen repeated signs of buyers stepping in. The RSI is still holding above 55, which is a clear signal that the trend is upwards and not getting worn out.

Ethereum Yield and Bitcoin Utility Add Context

Beyond just XRP, the broader crypto market is continuing to evolve and take shape. Ethereum’s ETF landscape is shifting now that staking rewards are being introduced into regulated products, allowing investors to access yield without worrying about on-chain risks.

At the same time, Bitcoin adoption in places where the local currency is really struggling – such as in Venezuela – is reinforcing its role as a safe haven and hedge rather than just a speculative play. Together, all of these developments suggest that we’re moving into a market driven more by real-world use and structure than by hype.

Key shifts shaping sentiment:

• XRP ETFs are seeing record inflows and trading volumes
• Ethereum staking yield is now entering regulated ETF products
• Bitcoin demand is rising in countries where their currency is under threat

2026 Outlook Keeps Positioning Active

Edward is tying this current momentum to longer-term expectations, echoing the idea that institutional ETF activity often signals broader trend shifts. While we’re still expecting some volatility, the alignment of ETF growth, an improving price structure, and real-world adoption suggests we’re entering a more disciplined and stable phase.

For investors, XRP’s ETF surge and technical breakout are making it clear that we’re in a market transitioning to one where regulated access and strategic capital are playing a much bigger role in shaping direction.

Trade Idea: If you’re looking to buy XRP, do so on a pullback towards $2.16, then target $2.41 and $2.60, with a stop loss below $1.98.

Thailand-based crypto exchange Bitkub issued a price alert on XRP following sharp intraday swings. Data from the platform shows XRP’s daily volatility reached +5.51%, with prices ranging from 63.90 to 68.20 baht in 24 hours. The surge reflects heightened trading activity as investors react to rapid movements in the XRP market. Bitkub’s warning underscores the sensitivity of traders to large fluctuations, particularly during periods of momentum-driven trading rather than fundamental shifts.

Key figures:

• Daily price range: 63.90 – 68.20 baht
• Average volatility: +5.51%
• Daily volume: 1.19 million XRP

Trading Volume Fuels Momentum

Bitkub reported a trading volume of 1.19 million XRP, suggesting strong market participation amid volatility. High-volume trading often amplifies price swings, especially when investors chase short-term gains. Bitkub’s candlestick charts show a positive trend from late December into early January, with buyers consistently entering at dips. Despite occasional profit-taking, XRP continues to gain momentum, driven by short-term market enthusiasm.

• Trend: Upward since late December
• Pullbacks: Occasional, due to profit-taking
• Buyer behavior: Accumulation on dips

Global Markets Pressure Local Prices

XRP’s international market performance also influences local trading. On January 5, 2026, XRP traded around $2.14, marking a 4.89% daily gain. Global price trends often impact Thai exchanges like Bitkub through arbitrage opportunities and cross-market sentiment.

The recent volatility alert reflects not only domestic trading activity but also XRP’s exposure to international speculation. Analysts caution that rapid gains may carry short-term risks, emphasizing careful monitoring for traders.

• Global price: $2.14
• Daily international gain: 4.89%
• Historical high: $3.66

Bitkub’s alert is a reminder that XRP remains highly reactive to both local and global market forces. While trading momentum indicates healthy interest, sudden fluctuations can pose risks, suggesting volatility may persist in the near term.

XRP climbed 10% in the past 24 hours, regaining the $2.00 level as optimism swept through digital assets. The move coincided with Bitcoin breaking above $90,000 and Ethereum trading beyond $3,000, reigniting broad-based risk appetite. XRP’s rally was strong enough to push it past BNB, making it the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.

Trading activity underscored the shift in sentiment. Spot volume surged 190% to $4.27 billion, a clear signal that sidelined capital returned to the market. Historically, such sharp increases in liquidity often accompany trend reversals rather than short-lived price spikes. As long as wider crypto conditions remain supportive, XRP appears positioned to extend gains into early 2026.

Chart Signals Point to Upside Expansion

Technical analysts are increasingly constructive. On a 12-hour chart, XRP has been consolidating within a long-term descending channel. Recent price action shows tightening ranges near the lower boundary, typically associated with fading selling pressure.

More notably, XRP has started printing higher lows around key support zones. This pattern often reflects renewed accumulation following extended downtrends. A decisive break above the descending resistance line could trigger a momentum-driven continuation, with chart projections implying a sharp upside move if volume confirms the breakout.

Key technical observations include:

• Price compression near long-term support
• Emergence of higher-low structures
• Potential breakout above descending resistance

Derivatives Surge as Bulls Target $2.30

Futures markets reinforce the bullish case. XRP derivatives volume jumped 167% to roughly $6.86 billion, while open interest rose nearly 6% to $3.61 billion. Rising volume alongside increasing open interest typically signals fresh capital entering positions, not just short covering.

At the time of writing, XRP hovered near $2.00, holding firmly above former resistance at $1.90, now acting as support. Technical indicators remain constructive but caution against near-term overheating.

Market metrics to watch:

• Resistance levels: $2.10, $2.20, $2.30
• MACD: Bullish crossover intact
• RSI: Near 68, approaching overbought

If buying pressure persists, XRP could test the $2.10–$2.30 zone. A failure to hold $1.90, however, may prompt a brief pullback toward $1.85 before the next directional move.

XRP begins the New Year trading near $1.85, with global markets easing into January after thin holiday liquidity. According to live data, XRP’s 24-hour trading volume stands at $2,042,557,058, while its market capitalization remains firm at $112.2 bn, ranking it fifth among all cryptocurrencies.

Price action reflects consolidation rather than panic. After a sharp December selloff, XRP has shifted into a wait-and-see phase as traders return from year-end positioning and assess whether early-2026 flows can reset momentum.

With 60.67 bn XRP in circulation out of a 100 bn maximum supply, XRP remains one of the most liquid large-cap crypto assets, making short-term technical signals especially relevant as the year opens.

Symmetrical Triangle Signals Compression

On the 2-hour chart, XRP is trading inside a symmetrical triangle, defined by a descending trendline from the $2.05 high and a rising support line from the $1.78 low. This pattern typically reflects tightening volatility rather than trend exhaustion.

Repeated candlestick rejections near $1.92–$1.95 show sellers defending that zone aggressively. This area aligns with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the December decline and the falling 200-period EMA, which continues to act as dynamic resistance.

Key technical observations include:

• Triangle resistance clustered near $1.92–$1.95
• Structural support holding at $1.80–$1.82
• Apex nearing, increasing breakout probability

Momentum Remains Soft but Stable

Short-term momentum remains muted. The 50-period EMA is flat near $1.86, signaling balance rather than trend strength. Meanwhile, the RSI near 45 suggests weak momentum without oversold conditions, leaving room for expansion in either direction once volume returns post-holiday.

This setup places XRP at a technical inflection point as liquidity normalizes in early January.

XRP/USD Outlook – What Traders Are Watching Next

As markets fully reopen after the New Year break, direction will likely be dictated by a decisive break from the triangle:

• A move above $1.92 would expose $2.00
• A breakdown below $1.80 risks a deeper pullback

Trade idea: Buy on a confirmed break above $1.92, target $2.00, stop below $1.84.

Ripple’s XRP coin maintained mild bullish momentum, trading around $1.86 on the day. This rise is due to growing interest from big investors, less supply as ETFs buy more XRP, and positive news from regulators. Although XRP has faced market pressure this year, the asset continues to show resilience, with exchange reserves declining sharply and inflows into spot ETFs signaling deeper engagement from long-term investors.

Regulatory Clarity and SEC Settlement Boost Investor Confidence

Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a defining struggle for XRP legitimacy, has largely concluded after years of uncertainty. The final appeals were dropped in 2025, firmly establishing that XRP traded on secondary markets is not a security and removing a major regulatory overhang.

🚨 𝗫𝗥𝗣 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Dec 25, 01:04 PM ET

Ripple just landed a monumental win that crushes the SEC’s long-standing assault: a federal appeals court sharply ruled in Ripple’s favor, narrowing the definition of XRP as a security and dealing a devastating blow to…

— XRP Intel Wire 📡 (@XRPIntelWire) December 25, 2025

Consequently, this resolution has strengthened confidence among institutional investors who had previously hesitated to enter the market due to legal risk. As a result, demand for XRP now has a clearer foundation, supporting price stability and sustained bullish sentiment.

OCC Approval and Institutional Adoption Strengthen Market Structure

In addition to legal clarity, Ripple received conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to operate the Ripple National Trust Bank, a move that enhances its regulatory framework and signals stronger federal oversight. Moreover, exchange balances of XRP continue to fall, as ETFs and long-term holders withdraw supply from open markets, creating structural support for the price.

⚠️BREAKING: RIPPLE GETS APPROVED FOR A TRUST BANK IN USA!!!! THAT INSANE!! #XRP ON THE VERGE OF REPLACING THE USD!!!

MAINSTREAM IS NOT GOING TO REPORT ON IT!!! THEY ARE TOO SCARED!! THE XRP LEDGER JUST PREPARING TO REPLAE EVEN THEM!!!

THE LARGEST DECENTRALIZED MEDIA BACKED BY… https://t.co/eHmSicTu2K pic.twitter.com/OyxQv0n6Pg

— FinanceBro (@FinanceBroYT) December 27, 2025

Apart from this institutional demand, Ripple’s expanding partnerships and payment utility further justify deeper adoption and confidence from traditional finance.

ETF Adoption and Institutional Inflows Drive Momentum

Similarly, the launch of spot XRP exchange-traded funds in the U.S. has marked a major milestone for institutional access. These ETFs have collectively surpassed $1.1 billion in net inflows since their debut, absorbing available supply and reducing market volatility. In fact, analysts now view ETF participation as a durable demand source rather than short-term speculation. As a result, XRP is increasingly seen as a regulated digital asset suitable for institutional portfolios, where mainstream funds are beginning to support crypto exposure.

Looking Ahead: Analyst Forecasts and Market Expectations

Analysts remain optimistic about XRP’s future trajectory. Standard Chartered Bank’s global digital assets team projected that XRP could potentially reach up to $8 by 2026, driven by sustained ETF inflows and clearer regulatory status. Similarly, broader forecasts suggest continued tightening of exchange liquidity and institutional accumulation could fuel long-term growth. Thus, with legal clarity, federal approvals, and growing ETF participation all aligning, XRP’s outlook shows a foundation for price stability and potential upside in the months ahead.

XRP Price Prediction – Technical Analysis

XRP is trading near $1.87 on the 4-hour chart, moving sideways after a prolonged decline from the $2.05 area. Price action is compressing inside a symmetrical triangle, formed by a descending trendline from mid-December highs and a rising support line from the $1.77 low. This structure reflects balance rather than trend continuation.

Recent candlesticks show small real bodies with overlapping wicks, including multiple spinning tops, which points to indecision instead of aggressive selling. There is no follow-through after bearish candles, suggesting sellers are losing momentum. XRP remains capped below the 50-EMA near $1.88, while the broader 200-EMA around $1.98 continues to act as higher resistance.

Support is holding near $1.82, which also aligns with the triangle base and a minor Fibonacci retracement of the prior rebound. RSI is hovering around 45–50, signaling neutral momentum with no overbought pressure and early signs of stabilization. A breakout is likely once price escapes the triangle.

Trade idea: Buy a confirmed break above $1.90, targeting $1.98, with a stop below $1.82.

XRP is trading near $1.86, down modestly on the day but stabilizing after a volatile mid-month selloff. Daily trading volume stands near $1.95bn, while the token maintains its position as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency with a market capitalization of roughly $113bn. With more than 60.5bn XRP in circulation, price action is increasingly shaped by institutional flows rather than retail speculation alone.

That shift is central to the bullish case laid out by Standard Chartered, which recently projected XRP could climb to $8 by 2026, implying a gain of more than 330% from current levels. The bank’s thesis reflects a broader change in how XRP is being positioned within regulated financial markets.

Why Standard Chartered Sees XRP at $8

A major catalyst behind the forecast is the rapid expansion of XRP-linked investment products in the US. In November, several asset managers, including Franklin Templeton and Grayscale, rolled out spot-linked XRP vehicles, offering institutions regulated exposure without direct custody.

According to SoSoValue, cumulative inflows into XRP-related ETFs have reached approximately $1.15bn as of late December. That early demand highlights how clear regulations and well-known investment options can get capital off the sidelines, which has just been sitting there.

For longer-term investors, ETFs make it easier to get involved in XRP without a lot of hassle and more closely align with traditional asset allocation methods.

Payments Utility Keeps The Story Telling

Beyond just financial products, XLRP’s underlying ability to do the actual payment work is still the real story driving investment in XRP. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) was built to handle fast cross-border payments, and they are completed in seconds at almost no cost.

Ripple has said that, in the end, XRPL could handle a chunk of the world’s payment traffic, which would really challenge established systems. And right now, they are updating the network to make it faster and add new features from the world of Decentralised Finance, making XRPL increasingly appealing to big enterprises and developers looking to build on it.

XRP Technical Outlook: Triangle Getting Close to Decision Time

From a technical standpoint, XRP is stuck in a symmetrical triangle on the 2-hour chart. The price is still holding above that rising trendline, which is near $1.82. And it keeps getting rejected between $1.90 and $1.92, which is stopping the price from going up.

Candlesticks indicate the price is making smaller movements and that sellers are losing control. The 50-day EMA is flat just below the current price, and the 200-day EMA at $1.98 is a significant resistance level. The RSI is in the mid-40s to low-50s, which suggests neither buyers nor sellers are in control.

A clean break above $1.92 could push the price to $2.00, while a fall below $1.82 could send it to $1.77.

Things to Keep an Eye On

A few factors will determine what happens to XRP in the short term. These are:

• $1.15 billion in ETF inflows, which is supporting the price from institutional demand
• CME-listed XRP futures are getting more professional investors involved
• XRPL upgrades are making real-world payment use cases stronger
• Technical resistance at $1.92 is currently limiting how high the price can go
• Some chart analysts have spotted a bearish pattern that we need to keep an eye on

Taking all that in, XRP is at a crossroads at the moment. On one hand, the infrastructure is improving, and more and more institutions are getting involved. On the other hand, the short-term price movement will depend on a clean breakout. Standard Chartered was upbeat about XRP long term, but it will depend on how decisively the price decides what to do next.

XRP is hovering just below $1.87, up 0.9 percent over the past 24 hours, with daily trading volume a hair shy of $1.55 billion. Sitting in fifth place by market capitalisation, it’s worth a cool $113.4 billion – a figure that reflects its rather substantial circulating supply of 60.6 billion XRP out of a maximum 100 billion.

Despite the recent rollercoaster ride that most of the crypto market has been on, XRP seems to have hit the brakes. In other words, it’s entering a consolidation phase where traders are taking a moment to reassess their risk rather than running for the exits. That, at least, is the theory. The last few sessions have shown us that price action is becoming more balanced between buyers and sellers – a marked change from the sharp sell-off we saw in December.

Descending Trend Pressures Begin to Ease Up a Bit

On the 2-hour chart, XRP is still being held back by a clear descending trendline that originated in early December, when prices were still recovering from a high of just over $2.15. That trendline has been largely driving the overall downturn over the past few weeks, but things are starting to change, and a more positive vibe is emerging. With smaller candles and fewer really long wicks on the downside, it’s clear that the selling pressure is beginning to fade in the vicinity of the $1.85 to $1.87 support zone.

Momentum indicators are also in line with that view. The RSI has gone from being in oversold territory, hovering around 30, up to the mid-40s – a clear sign of a shift in sentiment. What’s more, it’s created a fairly mild bullish divergence: while prices have been going down a bit, the RSI has been going up, which is a good omen.

XRP/USD Key Levels That Could Decide the Next Move

Now we have a descending triangle forming on the chart – that is, the price is being compressed between falling resistance and a bit of horizontal support. This sort of pattern often leads to a sharp directional move, either up or down. Break above $1.95, and the price could then easily hit $2.04, followed by $2.15-$2.20 – a zone where there’s a lot of prior supply.

Key downside levels to keep an eye on are:

• $1.85 as near-term support
• $1.82, followed by $1.77, if things do start to go south

As long as we keep getting higher lows on an intraday basis, the chances of a sharp fall appear to be on the wane.

XRP/USD Price Outlook: Structure Favors Recovery Over Capitulation

Now, if we do manage to break through that descending resistance with some decent volume behind it, the chart would then be telling us that we’re likely to see a bit of a recovery rather than a continuation of the downtrend. Sustain a move above $1.95, and we might see a bit of renewed upside momentum, which would certainly be in line with the improving sentiment we’re seeing across the major digital assets.

For now, though, XRP is in better shape than most of the headlines would have you believe – and is busy building a bit of a base from which its next big move will come.