Emre Yumlu 
As expectations for the 2026 crypto market begin to take shape, analysts are signaling a cautious outlook for XRP in the near term. Without the emergence of strong bullish catalysts, XRP is expected to start the year with largely sideways price action. A more decisive trend, according to market observers, may only develop in the second half of 2026.
XRP: Short-Term Pressure, Longer-Term Potential
Jake Kennis, a senior research analyst at Nansen, suggests that broader risk assets could find more favorable conditions later in 2026. However, he emphasizes that the current environment remains challenging for altcoins. Until Bitcoin establishes a clear bottom or enters a sustained consolidation phase, the upside for assets like XRP may remain limited.
Within this context, XRP is expected to trade within a relatively narrow range in the short term, fluctuating around existing levels rather than initiating a strong directional move.
What Could Drive a Stronger XRP Trend?
Despite near-term caution, analysts highlight several developments that could improve XRP’s outlook over the medium to long term. Potential spot ETF approvals are viewed as one of the most significant catalysts. In addition, deeper integration of XRP into global payment infrastructure and increased efforts to position the asset as a liquidity or bridge token could support future price appreciation.
That said, these factors have not yet translated into sustained upward momentum. Analysts note that for XRP to establish a durable trend, technical improvements alone may not be sufficient. Market narrative, sentiment, and sustained institutional interest will also play a critical role.
Sideways Movement Seen as the Base Case
Jesus Perez, CEO of Posidonia21 Capital Partners, echoes a similar perspective. According to Perez, XRP may hold close to its current valuation in a constructive market environment, but this should not be interpreted as the start of a new bullish cycle. Instead, XRP’s performance is likely to be driven more by narrative strength and market psychology than by immediate structural change.
ETF Growth Highlights Strength, but Questions Remain
One of the more positive developments has been the growth of U.S.-based spot XRP ETFs, which have recently surpassed $1 billion in assets under management. XRP’s long market history and brand recognition are seen as key advantages in this regard.
However, the absence of a clear yield or staking mechanism continues to be viewed as a structural limitation when compared with competing digital assets.
Overall, the prevailing view suggests that XRP may enter 2026 cautiously, with meaningful upside dependent on broader market stabilization and the emergence of compelling new catalysts.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
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