XRP’s Long Wait May Be Ending as Buying Pressure Builds

Published by

Anjali Belgaumkar

January 4, 2026

XRP is showing fresh signs of strength as new money flows into the market and prices move higher. After spending years trading within a narrow range, XRP is now breaking out, drawing attention across the crypto space as 2026 begins.

XRP is also turning heads for breaking out of a multi-year consolidation pattern. Analysts say this could align with a broader shift in 2026, where Bitcoin stabilizes and more capital flows into altcoins like XRP.

XRP Price Rises as Short Positions Get Cleared

Over the past 24 hours, XRP saw a sharp move higher as more than $250 million worth of short positions were cleared across the market. A large portion of this activity happened in just one hour, showing how quickly sentiment shifted.

This move followed the end of a major options expiry period, which often brings sudden price changes. Once that pressure passed, prices began moving higher, especially for XRP.

Coinbase Data Shows Fresh Money Entering XRP

One of the strongest signals came from Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the United States. Direct USD-to-XRP trading volume jumped more than 300%, showing that new money is entering the market rather than funds rotating from other cryptocurrencies.

This matters because USD inflows usually point to new participants entering the market. Similar activity was seen during earlier XRP rallies in past years.

Price Rises Even as Some Funds Exit

Interestingly, XRP’s price continued rising even while some funds were moving out. This happened because buy orders were strong enough to push prices higher despite those exits.

In simple terms, demand outweighed selling pressure. Even relatively small inflows were enough to lift prices, highlighting how sensitive XRP is to new demand at current levels.

XRP Moves Back Above $2 Level

XRP climbed from around $1.82 to above $2, reaching levels not seen since late last year. The move started early in the day and picked up speed as volume increased.

This rise happened with limited overall market activity, as many traditional financial players are expected to return fully next week.

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