XRP Navigates Critical Price Zone Amid Divergent Holder Psychology
As of January 2026, XRP finds itself at a pivotal juncture, with on-chain data revealing a market structure reminiscent of the early 2022 downturn. Analysis from Glassnode indicates a stark divide in holder sentiment: short-term traders who entered positions within the last 1-4 weeks are currently sitting on paper profits, having accumulated at lower price points. In contrast, medium-term investors remain in a loss position, creating a complex psychological and technical battleground in the critical price range between $0.78 and $2.00. This cost-basis distribution suggests that recent buyers could become a source of selling pressure if prices approach their breakeven or profit-taking levels, while longer-term holders may be reluctant to sell until they recover their initial investment. The mounting sell-side pressure highlighted in the data points to a potential consolidation or correction phase as the market absorbs this supply. However, this dynamic also sets the stage for a significant MOVE once this overhead resistance is cleared. For bullish practitioners, this period represents a necessary shake-out of weak hands, potentially strengthening the asset's foundation for the next leg up. The key development to watch is whether XRP can sustain above the $0.78 support and build momentum to challenge the upper boundary of this range. A successful breach of the $2.00 level, supported by sustained volume and positive developments in Ripple's ongoing regulatory landscape and adoption initiatives, could invalidate the current bearish pressure and open the path toward higher valuations. The current market shift, while presenting short-term challenges, aligns with the volatile yet progressive nature of cryptocurrency maturation, where periods of pressure often precede major advancements.
XRP Faces Mounting Selling Pressure as Market Dynamics Shift
XRP holders confront escalating sell-side pressure as blockchain data mirrors patterns last seen during early 2022's downturn. Glassnode analysis reveals short-term traders currently hold paper profits, while medium-term investors remain underwater—creating a psychological battleground at the $0.78-$2.00 price range.
The cryptocurrency's cost-basis distribution shows recent buyers (1-4 week holders) accumulated at lower prices than those who entered 6-12 months ago. This divergence places persistent downward pressure on XRP as loss-heavy cohorts exhibit higher propensity to sell during stagnant price action.
Market structure now resembles January 2022 conditions, when similar holder profitability gaps preceded extended consolidation. Traders monitor whether $0.78 support can hold against growing distribution from frustrated medium-term holders.
XRP Extends Slide to Seven Days Amid Global Risk-Off Sentiment
Ripple's XRP extended its losing streak to seven consecutive days, breaching the $1.95 support level as bearish momentum gripped crypto markets. The token briefly spiked below $1.88 before finding tentative footing NEAR $1.8681, with technical indicators showing sustained pressure below the 100-hour moving average.
Market sentiment soured after $53.32 million fled XRP-focused ETFs on January 20—only the second outflow since November's launch. The retreat comes amid broader risk aversion triggered by geopolitical tensions, including proposed US tariffs on NATO members and Japan's snap election announcement rattling bond markets.
Despite the pullback, analysts maintain $2.50-$3.66 medium-term targets, citing potential legislative tailwinds and institutional inflow patterns. The $2.00 level now serves as critical resistance for any recovery attempt.
Ripple President Forecasts 50% of Fortune 500 Firms to Adopt Crypto by 2026
Monica Long, President of Ripple, projects that half of Fortune 500 companies will integrate cryptocurrency strategies by 2026. The shift marks a transition from speculative trading to operational finance, with stablecoins emerging as the backbone of global payments.
Stablecoins, pegged to traditional currencies like the US dollar, are expected to dominate cross-border settlements due to their reduced volatility. Institutional adoption is accelerating, fueled by the rise of crypto ETFs and improved market access.
Long's prediction underscores crypto's growing role in enhancing capital efficiency and liquidity for enterprises. This trend reflects broader acceptance of digital assets as critical infrastructure in modern finance.
Ripple President Foresees Real-World Adoption of Cryptocurrencies by 2026
Ripple President Monica Long predicts a seismic shift in the cryptocurrency landscape, forecasting that digital assets will transition from experimental projects to Core financial infrastructure by 2026. Financial institutions and corporations are moving beyond pilot programs, with blockchain solutions poised to become operational backbones for payment systems and corporate investments.
Stablecoins are emerging as the linchpin of global payments, offering unprecedented speed and cost efficiency in cross-border transactions. Dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies could reduce settlement times from days to seconds, with major payment processors already laying the groundwork for this transformation. The technology promises to revolutionize corporate treasury management through enhanced liquidity flexibility.
Binance to List Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin with Zero Trading Fees
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, will list Ripple's U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD for spot trading starting January 22. The trading pairs include RLUSD/USDT and XRP/RLUSD, providing flexibility for traders to move between stablecoins and Ripple's native token.
A zero-trading-fee promotion for RLUSD will accompany the launch, aimed at attracting early adopters. Withdrawals will commence on January 23. Initially available on the ethereum network, Ripple has confirmed future support for the XRP Ledger, which promises faster and cheaper transactions.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse views the Binance listing as a significant milestone for the stablecoin project, reinforcing its position in the competitive stablecoin market.
XRP ETFs See Record Outflows Amid Geopolitical Tensions
XRP-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded a staggering $53.32 million in outflows on Tuesday, marking their worst trading day since inception. The withdrawals came as escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and the European Union rattled cryptocurrency markets, with XRP bearing significant brunt.
The asset's price, which had surged past $2.40 in early January, tumbled below $2 following the outflows. Cumulative net inflows into XRP ETFs plummeted from $1.28 billion to $1.22 billion in a single session—a clear indicator of eroding investor confidence.
Ripple's native token faced intense selling pressure, briefly dipping to $1.84 on some exchanges. Market analysts attribute the sell-off to a broader risk-averse sentiment rather than XRP-specific fundamentals.