In 2025, XRP emerged as the best-performing token among the top ten largest cryptocurrencies, outpacing gains from Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). As the first week of 2026 unfolds, XRP has continued this upward trend, recording a 17% surge over the past week that has propelled its price back above the key $2.20 threshold.<\/p>\n
One of the prominent factors contributing to this surge is the strong performance of XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which became a standout in the market by attracting <\/a>$483 million over the past weeks. In contrast, Bitcoin ETFs experienced a significant outflow of $1.09 billion, while Ethereum products faced a loss of $564 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n XRP funds not only achieved $483 million in inflows during December but also maintained a steady influx for 30 consecutive trading days. This streak finally ended on December 26 with the first day of zero inflows.\u00a0<\/p>\n Overall, since their launch in November, total inflows into XRP exchange-traded funds have amassed to $1.3 billion, marking the fastest adoption rate for any altcoin ETF to date.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, reports suggest<\/a> that the ETF landscape could be pivotal in shaping bullish scenarios for XRP. A potential filing by BlackRock for an XRP ETF could serve as a significant credibility boost, attracting conservative institutional investors to the space.\u00a0<\/p>\n BlackRock\u2019s own $40 billion Bitcoin ETF exemplifies the capacity to mobilize capital effectively through its Aladdin platform connections. Additionally, the scaling of Ripple\u2019s RLUSD stablecoin<\/a> into banking and remittance services could generate ongoing demand for XRP as a critical bridge asset.<\/p>\n There are also signs that the Federal Reserve could implement several rate cuts in 2026, which would lower the opportunity cost of investing in risk assets.\u00a0<\/p>\n Under such conditions, it is alleged that the XRP price might break through its all-time high<\/a> of $3.84, potentially escalating toward the $4.00 to $5.00 range by year-end.<\/p>\n When it comes to price action, market analyst Dark Defender, active on the social media platform X (previously Twitter), recently highlighted XRP\u2019s price action by providing a three-month time frame update<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The analyst noted that a newly initiated green candle in January exhibits a bullish Relative Strength Index (RSI). According to Dark Defender, surpassing the $2.22 level is crucial for XRP.<\/p>\nOn The Cusp Of Major Gains?<\/h2>\n