Ripple’s XRP had quite a bullish start to 2026, as it did in 2025 as well. The popular cryptocurrency saw a massive 25% price rally in the first week of this year, propelled by increased ETF inflows, bullish investor sentiment, and falling reserves on exchanges. XRP might just become one of the best-performing cryptocurrencies this year. Let’s discuss why.
2026 Could Be XRP’s Year
In a recent CNBC episode, MacKenzie Sigalos highlighted how XRP was outperforming other crypto assets. Sigalos stated, “Even on days when the crypto market was crashing, XRP held steady and showed resilience.” The asset was dubbed the “hottest crypto trade of 2026.“
XRP saw quite a price rally in 2025, following the settlement of the SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit. XRP hit a new all-time high of $3.65 in July 2025, registering a new peak after more than seven years. Although XRP’s price is down by more than 40% from its 2025 peak, there is a chance that the asset could hit a new all-time high this year.
ETFs have become a central part of the crypto market. BlackRock and other big names have opened their doors to crypto assets with ETF products. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) both hit new all-time highs in 2025 thanks to increased ETF inflows. We could see a similar pattern for XRP as well.
Moreover, the US is expected to roll out pro-crypto legislation over the coming weeks. Clearer regulations could lead to a spike in investor sentiment. A pro-crypto regulatory environment could lead to big price rally for XRP.
Also Read: XRP Price Prediction for 2026 Updated as XRP Beats BTC, ETH Returns
However, macroeconomic uncertainties could inject fresh volatility into the market. Such a scenario could spell trouble for XRP and the larger crypto market. Market participants are still skeptical of risky assets, and are opting for safe havens such as gold and silver. XRP may struggle to gain momentum until the larger economy improves.
