XRP seen drifting sideways ahead of fresh catalysts

Crypto analysts suggest XRP may consolidate near current levels until new drivers push it higher. Nansen senior research analyst Jake Kennis commented, “We maintain a view that the latter half of 2026 will provide more constructive conditions for risk assets in general, but in the short term, we have a slightly bearish tilt on altcoins until BTC consolidates or forms a bottom.”

He declined to give specific 2026 price targets. Still, he identified possible drivers for XRP, including ETF approvals, expansion in global payments, and enhanced bridge asset functionality.

XRP may trade close to current levels as the year ends

Likewise, Jesus Perez, CEO of Posidonia21 Capital Partners, said XRP could trade sideways toward the end of the year. “We see XRP holding around current levels in a constructive market scenario, rather than initiating a strong new trend,” he said.

He added that the asset’s potential for growth will largely depend on its perception by the market and the narrative surrounding it. However, he noted that even with the discussion of staking starting, the lack of a clear yield system still represents a disadvantage compared to other assets.

According to X user and crypto trader Niels, XRP is setting a higher low, similar to what we saw in April 2025. Anything over $2 could indicate bullish dominance, he said. Since the beginning of this year, the token has lost 14.63% of its value, currently trading at $1.84, according to CoinMarketCap. Still, spot XRP ETFs in the US had reached $1 billion earlier this month, with Sui Chung of CF Benchmarks attributing the token’s success to its long history and market recognition.

Ripple processed $95 billion in payments, yet XRP’s performance lagged

Ripple has handled more than $95 billion in payments, but we know from XRP’s 2025 performance that price and adoption are not always complementary. Over the past year or so, XRP has built a case for adoption: more banks on RippleNet means more transactions and higher prices. However, simply building infrastructure doesn’t add value to the token. Clearly, the biggest gains this year went to Ripple Labs and not to holders of XRP.

The firm recently received approval for Ripple National Trust Bank, which raised nearly $500 million, valuing it at nearly $40 billion. This month, it also announced that the Monetary Authority of Singapore has allowed a wider range of payment activities under the Major Payment Institution license for its subsidiary, Ripple Markets APAC Pte. Ltd. As a result, it has opened new regulated payment solutions for customers in Singapore.

Besides RippleNet partners, such as SBI Holdings, aren’t betting on price appreciation by holding XRP. They use it because it accelerates settlement and reduces costs, which is more important to banks than the token’s market value. Earlier this year, a significant victory for Ripple over regulatory authorities in the United States led to XRP surging to a seven-year high. But the rally was short-lived.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission and Ripple have told the Second Circuit Court of Appeals that they have agreed to voluntarily dismiss their appeals related to the 2023 ruling, effectively ending the legal battle.

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