XRP milestones fail to lift price as 2026 outlook divides traders

XRP achieved major regulatory and institutional milestones in 2025 but failed to sustain price momentum.

The token peaked at $3.66 before falling by more than 50% to a low of $1.58 in October.

XRP underperformed the broader crypto market despite the resolution of its long-running SEC lawsuit.

In March, XRP was named as a candidate for the US Digital Asset Reserve, triggering a short-lived rally.

The executive order limited the reserve to seized assets, curbing expectations of sustained buying pressure.

Ripple Labs settled its case with the Securities and Exchange Commission in May, briefly pushing XRP to a seven-year high.

That rally faded quickly, with XRP dropping 25% less than two weeks later.

US-listed spot XRP exchange-traded funds launched in November and recorded strong early inflows.

Despite institutional interest, XRP network activity and trader demand remained weak.

Daily active addresses on the XRP Ledger have stayed below 45,000 in recent months.

Technical indicators suggest further downside risk heading into 2026.

A potential double top could see XRP drop below $1.

Peter Brandt said.

Other analysts remain bullish, pointing to ETF inflows and longer-term technical strength.

XRP could grow from $2 to $10 in 2026.

Chad Steingraber said.

At the time of reporting, XRP price was $1.88.