Despite fading short-term optimism, long-term XRP investors focus on ETFs, liquidity growth, and institutional adoption shaping a 2026 cycle peak.
Prediction markets point to a cautious XRP price prediction for year end, with traders lowering hopes of a strong rise before the year ends. Current bets suggest XRP is more likely to move slowly rather than see a big jump in price.
According to analyst CryptoSenseii, Data from prediction platforms shows only a 4% probability of XRP trading above $3 by year-end. On Gemini’s prediction market, the most likely outcome, with a 63% probability, places XRP closing the year between $1.50 and $2. Higher price targets such as $10, $50, or $100 are not even listed as selectable options, highlighting the market’s tempered sentiment.
Earlier this year, many investors expected a strong rally. That optimism has now faded as prices remain flat. While some holders are disappointed, long-term XRP investors are still buying, seeing the current consolidation as a chance to accumulate rather than a problem.
Institutional players often stress that liquidity attracts more liquidity. The rise of crypto ETFs, including XRP-linked products, can add depth to the market. In the past, ETFs have not replaced direct ownership. Instead, they usually increase interest in holding assets directly, a trend seen in both crypto and traditional markets like precious metals.
Recent volatility in the crypto market have hurt sentiment. Major profit-taking moves, including multi-billion-dollar Bitcoin sell orders, have shaken confidence, even as traditional markets move toward new highs. The decline could be a healthy reset after earlier rallies, giving long-term investors a chance to accumulate while institutional adoption continues quietly in the background.
Hopes for a late-year XRP rally have faded, but progress in tokenization, settlement systems, and institutional involvement continues.
Canary Capital’s CEO has suggested XRP could reach a cycle peak in 2026, pointing to ETF adoption and expanding ledger functionality rather than short-term price speculation.
While whale activity remains a near-term headwind, continued ETF inflows and the development of institutional-grade lending infrastructure may shift XRP’s narrative toward real-world financial utility rather than purely speculative trading.
Many investors are now less focused on short-term price moves and more on long-term positioning, looking ahead to a potentially bigger shift for digital assets in 2026 and beyond.
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