XRP News Today: XRP Could Overtake Bitcoin in Value by 2040, But at What Cost?

Ripple’s XRP token has been the focus of multiple speculative price projections tied to potential future growth scenarios, particularly under the assumption that Bitcoin could reach a predicted valuation of $2.97 million. While no official forecasts exist for XRP under this exact Bitcoin price, various analysts and crypto exchanges have outlined potential timelines and price ranges for XRP if such a scenario were to occur. Changelly, one of the most prominent sources of speculative price modeling, has projected a potential maximum XRP price of $2,406 by December 2040, based on an aggressive long-term adoption and valuation model. This would equate to an 84,321.1% return for investors from XRP’s current price of approximately $3. Notably, such projections align with broader bullish scenarios where XRP’s market capitalization could surpass $142.9 trillion, dwarfing Bitcoin’s estimated market cap of $119 trillion under similar assumptions. However, analysts remain divided on the feasibility of these figures, with some, such as Grok AI, dismissing XRP’s potential to reach $2,406 as unrealistic within the next two decades without unprecedented global adoption and structural market shifts. The volatility inherent in cryptocurrency markets adds a layer of unpredictability to these forecasts. XRP’s historical performance, including a surge of over 75,000% between 2017 and 2018 followed by a 95% drop, illustrates the extreme swings that could influence future outcomes. Analysts from Changelly, however, suggest that XRP could reach $501.59 by February 2040, with a minimum price of $414.86. This would mark a 17,499.7% return, significantly less ambitious than the $2,406 target but still representing a dramatic increase from current levels. In comparison, Bitcoin’s long-term price projections, such as those from Telegaon and Changelly, suggest a potential $2.5–$5.66 million price tag by 2040, though this would place XRP’s market cap above Bitcoin’s in some models. Such disparities raise questions about the scalability and practicality of XRP as a global payment solution, particularly given its current use in over 300 financial institutions and its integration into international payment systems like RippleNet. The feasibility of XRP reaching the projected price points is also contingent on macroeconomic and regulatory developments. The outcome of Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the SEC, for instance, could significantly influence investor sentiment and market access. In March 2025, XRP was included in the U.S. cryptocurrency reserve, which may signal growing institutional acceptance. However, regulatory uncertainty remains a key risk factor, as seen in the token’s price slump following the 2020 SEC lawsuit and its subsequent recovery after a favorable court ruling in March 2023. Technically, XRP’s price in 2025 has shown mixed signals, with a current trading range of $2.49–$2.82 and a market capitalization of $156.06 billion. Analysts at Changelly and CoinCodex have issued divergent forecasts for the short and medium term, with some anticipating a bearish correction to continue through year-end and others expecting a gradual increase in the second half of 2025. The RSI and MACD indicators suggest neutral to moderately bullish momentum, though the 50-day SMA remains below the current price. Looking ahead, the token’s price is expected to consolidate in the $2.40–$2.80 range through mid-2026 before potentially entering a more aggressive upward trend as regulatory clarity and institutional demand increase. Market sentiment for XRP is currently 60% bearish, with a Fear & Greed Index score of 49, indicating a cautious stance among traders. This contrasts with the broader optimism seen in Bitcoin and Ethereum, where adoption rates and regulatory developments have been more favorable. The debate over XRP’s future value is further complicated by its unique position in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Unlike Bitcoin, which relies on mining and has a capped supply, XRP is pre-mined and governed by a consensus algorithm. This centralized structure has drawn criticism from proponents of decentralized finance, though it has also contributed to XRP’s efficiency in cross-border payments. If XRP were to achieve the projected price of $2,406 by 2040, it would require a sustained period of adoption, regulatory support, and technological innovation. Given the current trajectory and market dynamics, such a scenario remains speculative and contingent on a range of variables, including macroeconomic conditions, institutional participation, and global adoption trends. Analysts emphasize that while the potential returns are substantial, investors should approach these forecasts with a high degree of caution and conduct thorough due diligence before making investment decisions. Source: [1] Here Are the Projected Timelines for XRP to Reach $501 and $2,406 (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/31/here-are-the-projected-timelines-for-xrp-to-reach-501-and-2406/) [2] Crypto Exchange Reveals When XRP Price Will Cross $2000 (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1093160-20250904) [3] XRP Price Forecast & Predictions for 2025, 2026, 2027– ... (https://www.litefinance.org/blog/analysts-opinions/ripple-price-prediction-forecast/) [4] Cryptocurrencies Price Prediction: Ripple, Cryptos & Tokens (https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/cryptocurrencies-price-prediction-ripple-cryptos-tokens-american-wrap-05-september-202509051847)