XRP is expected to remain in a sideways trading range through much of 2026, with a stronger directional move likely only if new positive catalysts materialize, according to multiple crypto market analysts.
Jake Kennis, Senior Analyst at Nansen, told Cointelegraph that while broader conditions for risk assets may improve later in the year, altcoins could face continued pressure in the near term.
“We believe the second half of 2026 could offer a more constructive environment for risk assets overall,” Kennis noted. “However, in the short term, we remain cautious on altcoins until Bitcoin either stabilizes or establishes a clearer bottom.”
Although Kennis did not provide a specific price target for XRP in 2026, he highlighted several potential factors that could eventually support upside momentum. These include the approval of a spot XRP ETF, deeper integration with global payment systems, and ongoing efforts to strengthen XRP’s role as a liquidity or bridge asset within the digital payments ecosystem.
XRP Struggles to Establish a Strong Uptrend
According to data from CoinMarketCap, XRP is currently trading near $1.84, reflecting a year-to-date decline of approximately 14.63%. Price action so far suggests that XRP has yet to initiate a sustained bullish trend as the market transitions into the new year.
Jesus Perez, CEO of Posidonia21 Capital Partners, shares a similar view. He expects XRP to maintain a sideways structure rather than forming a clear uptrend, even under relatively favorable market conditions.
“Our base case is that XRP holds around current levels in a positive market environment, rather than breaking into a new bullish trend,” Perez explained.
Perez also emphasized that XRP’s upside potential may depend more on narrative persistence and market sentiment than on immediate changes in underlying fundamentals. In his view, without a strong new storyline, price action is likely to remain range-bound.
Structural Constraints and the Role of ETFs
Despite renewed discussions around staking and yield-generating mechanisms, analysts note that XRP still lacks a native yield model, which may place it at a structural disadvantage compared to competing digital assets that offer staking or passive returns.
That said, institutional interest has shown measurable progress. Earlier this month, spot XRP ETFs in the United States surpassed $1 billion in assets under management, according to Sui Chung, CEO of CF Benchmarks, a major provider of crypto pricing indices. Chung attributed this milestone largely to XRP’s long-standing presence and familiarity within the crypto market.
“XRP has been around for a long time,” Chung said, pointing out that its established history continues to resonate with certain segments of investors, particularly those seeking exposure through regulated products.
Altcoins Face Broader Headwinds in 2026
The outlook for XRP is also closely tied to the broader altcoin market. Analysts remain divided on how 2026 will unfold, especially given Bitcoin’s current market structure. Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen recently argued that, under present conditions, altcoins may struggle to set new all-time highs unless Bitcoin regains stronger momentum.
As a result, XRP appears positioned at a crossroads: while institutional products and long-term use cases continue to develop, near-term price performance may remain constrained by macro conditions, Bitcoin dominance, and shifting market narratives.
For now, XRP’s trajectory into 2026 is expected to be defined less by explosive growth and more by patience, consolidation, and the emergence of decisive catalysts.
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