XRP Faces Sideways Start to 2026 as Analysts Await Stronger Catalysts

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XRP is down 17.03% over the past 30 days. Source: CoinMarketCap

XRP may enter the new year without a clear upward trend, as analysts warn that broader market conditions remain uncertain.

Nansen senior research analyst Jake Kennis said altcoins could face short-term pressure until Bitcoin consolidates or forms a bottom. While he expects more constructive conditions for risk assets in the second half of 2026, his near-term outlook for altcoins, including XRP, remains cautious.

Potential upside catalysts for XRP include spot ETF approvals, deeper integration with global payment systems, and efforts to position XRP as a liquidity or bridge asset.