XRP, the token, starts its life in 2026 by achieving its achievements from 2025, such as the resolution of SEC cases and introduction of US Spot Exchange-Traded Funds. However, it performed badly and fell to its lowest level since its peak.
In 2025, XRP’s value reached $3.66. However, its price fell by half to $1.58 at the end of October and finished the year with $1.85.
Market participants are still unsure of the factors that will influence future currency direction.
Stock prices failed to continue their upward trend in 2025 despite the market’s major achievements.
The United States Digital Asset Reserve selected XRP in March 2025 as a potential candidate, resulting in a price hike of 30% or more.
According to news reports, the executive order established a reserve to hold only seized property, and it also gave Bitcoin a special status by establishing its backing as an official currency, without introducing a method for buying XRP direct.
Ripple Labs settled its long-running lawsuit with US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 8. This led to an increase to the highest level in seven years on July 18, before dropping to $2.73 two weeks later.
According to SoSoValue, the Spot XRP exchange-traded funds entered the market on November 20, 2025. They received constant investment over 24 days. This brought them $1,06 billion in new capital, and increased their assets by $1,14 billion.
Since the ETF was launched, the total ETF flow has, according to various estimates, reached over $1.4 billion, or 2.3% of all the supply.
The ETFs had a strong start, but this did not translate into a sustained market growth. This is because the XRP index performed less than other digital assets during the whole year.
Market data on the chain and technical indicators are contradictory.
Glassnode’s data shows that the number of daily active addresses in the XRP Ledger has been below 45,000. On Dec. 18 there were 38.500, a drop of 94% from a peak reached by Glassnode on March, which was above 600,000.
Exchange supply for XRP has reached the lowest level since 2018. Velocity levels are also at their lowest historical point, which shows that market participants have not sold their assets.
Technical analysis shows that XRP has failed to hold its position at $2 or its 50-week average moving price, which is $1.87.
Analysts predict that the support zone is between $1.85-$1.80. This corresponds with the 100-week EMA (average moving average) and the low of Nov. 21, and they believe long liquidations are likely to drive the price to $1.61, before the 200 day EMA ($1.38) becomes a possible stabilization point.
Early 2026: Key Levels
Experts consider that XRP’s current price is higher than $1.80 and will likely continue to rise.
If the support level maintains its current position, a price of $2.00 could be tested, while the RSI shows 48. This allows for the price to rise as high as $2.20 on a short-term basis.
A bearish market trend would be experienced if prices stayed below $1.80. This would disrupt the bullish pattern and lead to an eventual price fall to $1.60.
Market expectations are both positive and negative.
XRP is predicted by many market analysts to have reached its highest value in the current cycle.
Peter Brandt, a veteran trader, shows in his chart analysis how the price of the token could fall below $1 over the next few weeks and months due to a double-top formation.
Other people remain positive.
Chad Steingraber, Analyst predicts the price of ETFs will increase to $10 by 2026 from $2 due to ongoing ETF purchase and market indicators that are strong over long periods.
Standard Chartered analysts predicted the price would exceed $8 in 2026 due to improved regulatory conditions and increased interest on spot ETF markets.
Ripple will benefit from the Trump administration’s industry-friendly policy in 2026. Their business alliances may also create favorable market conditions.
Even though XRP achieved significant market and legal advancements in 2025, the price of the crypto failed to increase significantly.
Two essential elements will determine the success of 2026. These are maintaining support at $1.80, improving network activity and ETF investments that quickly consume supply to change market attitudes.
The post XRP begins 2026 under pressure despite SEC Settlement, $1.4B Spot ETF Inflows could be updated as new developments unfold.
