Bitrue Launches 200,000 XRP Trading Event to Mark Start of 2026

Bitrue has launched a 200,000 XRP trading event to celebrate the start of 2026. The event aims to attract investors and traders to the platform. It highlights the growing interest in XRP, despite recent market volatility according to analysis.

Spot XRP ETFs posted the lowest inflows last week, according to SoSoValue data. Institutional investors have shown reduced enthusiasm for these products. The inflows totaled $38.07 million, a sharp decline from the $243 million high in November.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has remained optimistic about 2026. He described the company as "firing on all cylinders." Garlinghouse emphasized the importance of building crypto infrastructure over chasing market cycles.

Why Did This Happen?

The drop in XRP ETF inflows follows a notable decline in the XRP price. Over the last seven days, the price fell 3.77% to $2.06 from a weekly high of $2.39. This decline contrasts with XRP's earlier surge in January, when it rose from $1.84 to $2.39 in under a week.

Whale activity has remained strong despite the drop in ETF inflows. XRP whale interest reached a three-month high, according to ZyCrypto. This suggests that significant holders still view XRP as a strategic asset.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, believes XRP is building strength beneath the surface. He highlighted that ETFs have absorbed more than $1 billion in XRP so far. Most of the demand is coming from financial advisors and institutional investors.

McClurg predicts that XRP ETF inflows could reach $5 to $6 billion by the end of 2026. This would be contingent on market stability and a return of liquidity. The first half of the year might see $1 billion to $1.5 billion in inflows, he estimates.

Prices could remain flat for now, as ETF investors tend to hold for longer periods. Reduced supply in the market might become more influential once the current de-risking phase ends. Selling pressure could ease, allowing XRP to reflect the underlying demand more accurately.

Garlinghouse also emphasized the importance of Ripple's acquisitions in 2025. These include Hidden Road and GTreasury. He said the company is building on these achievements to strengthen its licensing portfolio and market position.

The XRP price is currently at $2.06, a drop from its recent peak. However, the net assets in spot XRP ETFs have exceeded $1.47 billion. Canary's spot XRP ETF holds the largest share with $375 million in net assets.

Investors are watching how ETF flows and institutional demand evolve. Ripple's strategic focus on building infrastructure over chasing market trends could influence XRP's performance in the coming months.

Market participants are also keeping an eye on regulatory developments. Ripple recently received a UK EMI license, which could expand its global reach and adoption. This regulatory progress aligns with Garlinghouse's vision of a more consequential 2026.