XRP Surges 25% Past BTC: CNBC’s Crypto Darling
XRP has rocketed 25% in the first week of 2026, outpacing Bitcoin’s 6% and Ether’s 10% gains. CNBC’s Power Lunch declared it the “hottest crypto trade of the year,” dubbing Ripple’s payment token the new cryptocurrency darling.
XRP’s Explosive Year-Start Rally
Trading at $2.21, XRP has captured investor attention with multiple bullish catalysts fueling its surge above major rivals.
Record ETF Inflows Drive Momentum
Four spot XRP ETFs have attracted nearly $100 million in fresh capital since January 1, pushing aggregate inflows to $1.15 billion without a single outflow day. CNBC noted investors piled into XRP during Q4 dips, seeking higher percentage gains in this “less crowded trade” versus Bitcoin and Ether ETFs.
Bullish Social Buzz and On-Chain Signals
- AI-driven social sentiment analysis shows both crowd and “smart money” optimism at peak levels
- Binance XRP reserves hit two-year lows, signaling reduced selling pressure
- Network transactions spiked over 50% in the past two weeks
Ripple’s Strategic Japan Expansion
Ripple announced partnerships with Japan’s Mizuho Bank, SMBC Nikko, and Securitize Japan to accelerate XRP Ledger adoption. The company also secured conditional U.S. banking charter approval and raised funds at a $40 billion valuation, though IPO plans remain off the table.
Analysts warn that while ETF flows and sentiment drive current gains, volatility, regulatory shifts, and market conditions could temper the rally’s sustainability.
