Crypto Expert Predicts XRP vs. New Altcoin Aptos 10x Potential in 2026

XRP and Stellar (XLM) have shown divergent price trends in recent months. XRP rose 8.50% in the past seven days, though it remained down 16.93% year over year according to CoinPaper. Stellar's XLM gained 2.54% weekly but fell nearly 51% over the same period. This contrast sets the stage for a key market debate as 2026 unfolds.

XRP ranks fourth in the cryptocurrency market, with a market capitalization of $121.84 billion, significantly ahead of Stellar's $7.1 billion as reported by CoinPaper. XRP's larger valuation is supported by broader adoption, deeper liquidity, and greater institutional interest. In contrast, Stellar's higher inflation rate and limited market reach weigh on its long-term price potential.

Supply dynamics highlight another key difference. XRP's annual inflation rate of 5.98% added 3.42 billion tokens over the past year, while Stellar's 6.96% rate added 2.11 billion according to CoinPaper. XRP's larger supply increase comes with stronger demand and liquidity, suggesting a different trajectory for price performance.

Why Did This Happen?

XRP's institutional adoption has gained momentum, particularly in cross-border payments and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. The XRP Ledger's growing use in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization has added infrastructure-led growth. In the last 30 days, XRP Ledger ranked second in RWA growth, outpacing Ethereum and Solana according to AmbCrypto.

Meanwhile, XRP's ETF inflows have quietly reduced exchange supply. As of late December 2025, XRP supply on exchanges had fallen to a seven-year low according to AmbCrypto. This tightening of liquidity suggests that institutional buyers are absorbing tokens, reducing sell-side pressure even as price action remains subdued.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Market participants are closely watching for signs that XRP's strong fundamentals will translate into price movement. Derivatives data shows concentrated unclaimed liquidity above $2.50–$3.20 according to AmbCrypto. A breakout above these levels could signal renewed momentum, especially if ETF inflows continue.

XRP's technical indicators remain neutral. The RSI hovers near 50, while MACD signals show indecision according to AmbCrypto. A sustained move above $2.32 resistance or below $1.73 support could determine the near-term trend. Analysts suggest volume expansion and broader market participation are key triggers for a breakout.

Aptos, an emerging altcoin, has also drawn attention for its 10x potential in 2026. While not discussed in this analysis, CertiK's recent partnership with YZi Labs to provide $1 million in audit grants to EASY Residency participants highlights growing institutional support for secure, scalable blockchain infrastructure. Aptos, one of CertiK's clients, continues to develop its Layer 1 platform with a focus on enterprise-grade performance.

XRP's projected price target for 2026 is $3.16, while Stellar is expected to reach $0.3258 according to CoinPaper. These forecasts, though similar in percentage terms, reflect the scale and liquidity gap between the two assets. XRP's ability to generate absolute value remains a key differentiator.

Investor sentiment remains mixed. XRP's Fear & Greed Index stands at 24, indicating extreme bearishness according to Yahoo Finance. Historical data suggests such sentiment often precedes sharp reversals, particularly when institutional catalysts emerge. A Trump-led pro-crypto regulatory shift or a BlackRock XRP ETF filing could trigger rapid price appreciation in Q1 2026 according to Yahoo Finance.

XRP's infrastructure adoption, ETF inflows, and supply dynamics continue to support a bullish case. However, overhead liquidity and technical consolidation present near-term risks. Analysts suggest patience as key, with a focus on price-volume confirmation and sentiment improvement.