Ripple‘s XRP token has registered strong gains in recent trading sessions, with the price advancing 8.3% in the past 24 hours, 26.5% over the last week, and nearly 12% in the previous month, according to data from CoinGecko. The asset currently faces resistance at the $1.65 price level as investors assess whether the rally will continue through the end of the year.
Market performance and historical context
XRP experienced a significant surge in 2025, hitting an all-time high of $3.65 in July after Ripple reached a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The conclusion of this legal dispute delivered regulatory clarity for the token, leading to increased investor confidence and driving the price higher.
Despite last year’s bullish momentum, XRP has faced strong headwinds in 2026. The token’s price has declined approximately 56% from its 2025 peak. Developments throughout the year weighed heavily on investor sentiment, but recent upside movement signals renewed interest in the asset.
XRP reached an all-time high of $3.65 in July 2025 following the settlement with the SEC, but is currently trading about 56% below that level.
Potential catalysts for further gains
Analysts have identified several factors that could propel XRP toward the $2 mark before the end of 2026. One significant catalyst is the prospect of a final diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran. Iranian officials have indicated willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if a deal is concluded, which has already contributed to a drop in oil prices.
Lower oil prices could translate into reduced inflation rates, potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to ease its monetary policy in the coming months. A shift to lower interest rates is often seen as bullish for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies such as XRP. Consequently, easing monetary conditions could pave the way for the asset to rally toward the $2 threshold.
Mini dictionary: Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway in the Middle East that handles a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments; any closure or reopening of this strait can heavily influence global oil prices and, by extension, inflation rates.
| Event | XRP Price |
|---|---|
| 2025 All-Time High | $3.65 |
| Current Resistance | $1.65 |
| Potential Target | $2.00 |
Bitcoin’s market influence
Another important factor highlighted by market observers is the performance of Bitcoin (BTC). Research from Bernstein, a leading global investment management firm, forecasts that BTC could reach $100,000 by the end of 2026. Should Bitcoin regain strong upward momentum, analysts anticipate a broader bull run across the cryptocurrency market, providing a favorable backdrop for assets such as XRP.
Bernstein projects that Bitcoin could hit $100,000 by the end of 2026, which may also benefit XRP and drive it toward the $2 mark amid renewed market optimism.
As market conditions evolve, investors continue to monitor key macroeconomic developments and sector-wide trends that could influence XRP’s trajectory in the coming months.
