XRP Rises With ETF Inflows and Derivatives Demand Driving Gains

XRP has attracted $64 million in weekly ETF inflows as of December 26, 2025, while Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs faced outflows. This trend positions XRP as a standout in the cryptocurrency market. Franklin Templeton led these inflows, contributing $28.6 million to its XRP ETF, and total net assets for XRP ETFs now exceed $1.24 billion. Cumulative inflows into XRP ETFs have reached $1.14 billion since their launch in late 2025 according to data.

Despite the strong ETF inflows, XRP's price remains near $1.87, within a $1.85 to $1.90 band. On-chain data indicates that XRP balances on centralized exchanges have dropped to multi-year lows, signaling reduced immediate sell-side pressure. Exchange-held XRP balances have declined to approximately 1.6 billion tokens, down from 3.76 billion in October 2025 according to analysis.

Standard Chartered has forecasted that XRP could reach $8 by the end of 2026. The bank attributes this potential to regulatory clarity and consistent ETF inflows, with a more conservative projection placing XRP at $3 if current trends continue according to reports.

Why Did This Happen?

The legal settlement between Ripple and the U.S. SEC in August 2025 removed a major legal barrier for XRP, allowing regulated investors to hold the asset without ambiguity. This event marked a turning point for XRP adoption according to analysis. Spot XRP ETFs have attracted over $1.14 billion in inflows since their launch, with Franklin Templeton and Bitwise being the leading contributors according to reports.

Institutional confidence in XRP is evident through the steady ETF inflows. Franklin Templeton's XRP ETF alone has seen $28.6 million in inflows, while Bitwise added $19 million to its XRP fund according to data. These figures highlight the growing interest from asset managers in the asset class according to analysis.

How Did Markets React?

XRP's price action remains subdued despite the inflows, trading near $1.87. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and MACD indicators show mixed momentum, with the RSI stabilizing below neutral levels. XRP continues to trade within a bearish descending channel according to technical analysis.

Derivatives activity has also increased, with open interest in XRP derivatives jumping by over 80% in a four-hour window. This surge indicates growing leveraged activity, as traders open new positions on the asset according to market data. The increase in open interest suggests traders are positioning for potential price movement, although a clear breakout has yet to occur according to analysis.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely watching the $2.00 level as a key resistance area for XRP. A sustained close above this level could indicate stronger bullish momentum and potentially trigger a move toward $2.50 according to forecasts. If XRP breaks below the $1.80 support, it may test levels near $1.30 to $1.50 according to technical analysis.

The 100-day and 200-day moving averages currently act as dynamic resistance above $2.30. A breakout above these levels could open the door to a test of $2.50 or higher according to market analysis. Technical indicators like RSI and MACD suggest that while momentum is improving, confirmation through price movement is still needed.

Investors are also monitoring the impact of ETF inflows on XRP's supply dynamics. As institutional investors accumulate XRP off exchanges, the asset's available liquidity has tightened. This trend could amplify price movements if demand continues to rise according to market data.

With XRP ETF inflows exceeding $1.14 billion and derivatives open interest surging, the market is entering a phase of heightened activity. Analysts are watching for a clear breakout to confirm the asset's direction in the coming months according to market analysis.