XRP has reclaimed its position as one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies, reaching a market capitalization of $101 billion and surpassing BNB to become the fifth-largest crypto asset, according to CoinGecko. This marks XRP’s highest valuation since January 2018.
The token’s price surged 18% in the past 24 hours to $1.80, with weekly gains of 22%. Since the start of the year, XRP has skyrocketed by 193%, trailing only Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Solana. Solana’s market cap is approximately $114 billion compared to XRP’s $101 billion.
Key events have fueled this bullish rally. Donald Trump’s re-election, with his pro-crypto stance, has sparked market optimism, while SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s resignation has reignited investor confidence.
Following Gensler’s hint at stepping down, XRP broke the $1 barrier for the first time since November 2021 and spiked to $1.40 after his official announcement. Experts speculate this could lead to Ripple’s legal battles with the SEC being dismissed or settled.
XRP’s ecosystem also continues to grow. Ripple’s partnership with Archax to launch a tokenized money market fund and increasing adoption by institutional players like Bitwise are bolstering its outlook. Additionally, Ripple is expected to receive approval for its RLUSD stablecoin, further enhancing its utility.
However, analysis cautioned traders as XRP’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 89, indicating overbought conditions. CryptoQuant analysts warn the rally is heavily influenced by leveraged trading, increasing the likelihood of price swings or corrections. Immediate resistance lies at $1.80, with a potential for $2 if momentum sustains.
XRP’s on-chain activity has also spiked, with active accounts doubling in November, reflecting increased user adoption and network utility. The bullish sentiment surrounding XRP suggests strong potential for future growth, but short-term volatility remains a factor for traders to watch.