Four Factors That Will Determine XRP’s New All-Time High: 2 Bullish, 2 Bearish

▲ XRP (XRP) / AI-generated image ©

Market expectations and caution are tightly balanced over whether XRP (XRP, Ripple) can set another all-time high in 2026.

According to cryptocurrency media outlet Watcher.Guru on February 18 (local time), XRP showed a strong upward trend as investor sentiment improved sharply after concluding its lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2025. As a result, XRP climbed to $3.65 last July, setting a new all-time high for the first time in seven years. However, as broader market weakness has recently intensified, debate continues over the possibility of another record high in 2026.

One bullish factor cited is the impact of spot XRP ETFs. Several spot XRP ETFs were launched in late 2025, and analysts suggest that if capital inflows accelerate, they could stimulate further price gains. In 2025, inflows into spot ETFs served as a key driver when Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) reached new all-time highs, leading to expectations that XRP could follow a similar trajectory.

Another variable is the large-scale tax refunds expected to flow into the U.S. stock market. Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo have indicated that tax refunds worth billions of dollars could enter equities. During this process, if some retail investors view the crypto market correction as a buying opportunity, XRP could stage a strong rebound and retest its all-time high.

On the other hand, negative factors are also significant. The cryptocurrency market is still considered fragile, with investors continuing to shy away from risk assets. If retail investors maintain a preference for safe-haven assets such as gold and silver, XRP may remain range-bound at current levels.

Additional headwinds include delays in global economic recovery, macroeconomic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions. If investor sentiment weakens amid the global economy’s failure to return fully to a recovery path, further volatility could spread across the crypto market. Ultimately, whether XRP achieves a new all-time high in 2026 will depend on ETF fund flows, retail demand, and the direction of the macro environment.

Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only and we are not responsible for any investment losses arising from it. The information should be interpreted for informational purposes only.