The cryptocurrency market is entering 2026 with strong upward momentum. Bitcoin continues to rise, major altcoins are performing well, and meme coins like Shiba Inu are breaking into fresh highs.
Market sentiment has shifted from fear to cautious optimism, as reflected by the altcoin season index at 27, signaling a balanced market where both Bitcoin and top altcoins are performing positively.
Overall, the market demonstrates a clear bullish trend, with gains across major cryptocurrencies and emerging presales, creating opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on early 2026 momentum.
Source – 99Bitcoins YouTube Channel
XRP Price Recovery: Key Drivers
XRP has made a notable recovery, rising above the $2 level after a week-over-week gain of 25%. The price first broke $2.15, and it has now climbed to $2.34, marking a four-day consecutive upward streak and signaling renewed bullish sentiment.
U.S. Regulatory Optimism
The U.S. market structure legislation has created renewed optimism for cryptocurrencies. In late December, the Senate Banking Committee announced plans to review amendments in mid-January.
Signals of supportive stances toward digital assets have fueled investor confidence, pushing XRP’s price upward by roughly 20% since the announcement.
XRP Spot ETF Inflows
Investor interest in XRP is further reinforced by ETF inflows. In the past week, approximately $43 million flowed into XRP spot ETFs, marking eight consecutive weeks of positive inflows.
Total ETF holdings have now surpassed $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs continue to experience outflows, highlighting a rotation of capital toward XRP.
On-Chain Demand Metrics
On-chain data also support the bullish narrative. The number of active XRP accounts is increasing, reflecting higher network usage and growing adoption.
This indicates that demand for XRP is rising not only as a speculative asset but also as a functioning digital currency on its blockchain.
XRP Transaction Highlights Blockchain Efficiency
A recent XRP transfer of 4.88 million tokens, valued at approximately $9 million, was executed at a cost of only 0.01 XRP ($0.02). This demonstrates the efficiency of blockchain technology, allowing large transfers to occur nearly instantaneously at minimal cost, in stark contrast to traditional financial systems.
This low-cost transfer also reduces selling pressure on exchanges, supporting price stability and providing further upside potential for XRP.
XRP (XRP) Price Analysis
On X, CryptoKaleo shared a chart showing that XRP has finally broken out of a massive symmetrical triangle that had been narrowing since 2018.
This seven-year consolidation is one of the longest in crypto, and the breakout above the upper trendline signals that sideways trading is finally over. CryptoKaleo views XRP as entering price discovery, moving toward levels above its previous highs with no major resistance left.
With the price free to climb, short-term milestones such as holding support above $2 and breaking through $2.30 will likely determine the next leg of XRP’s rally.
Best Crypto to Buy Now Under $1: Pepenode
While XRP continues to attract attention, some investors may prefer starting with smaller capital. Emerging crypto presales under $1 are becoming increasingly popular, and analysts highlight Pepenode as one of the most promising options.
Pepenode is widely regarded as a potential “next Pepe” in the GameFi space, combining cryptocurrency mining, strategic gameplay, and meme-inspired culture into a single ecosystem.
Unlike many earlier crypto games that failed due to poorly designed economies, Pepenode emphasizes sustainable gameplay and meaningful progress.
Players gradually build their mining infrastructure, make strategic decisions to optimize efficiency, and expand operations only when it makes sense. Progress is measured by smart management rather than repetitive grinding, giving the game a simulation-style feel rather than a simple clicker dynamic.
Currently, Pepenode is in presale with just two days remaining, offering tokens at $0.0012161, making it an attractive entry point for new crypto investors in 2026.
Tokens can be purchased using BNB, USDT, or credit/debit cards, and early participants secure them at a fixed presale price before the broader market sets the value.
For storage, Pepenode tokens are supported on Best Wallet, simplifying claiming and management during the presale. Investors are also encouraged to follow Pepenode on X and Telegram for updates on future launches and developments.
By considering Pepenode, investors looking for the best crypto to buy now under $1 have a unique opportunity to enter a project that blends gaming, strategy, and blockchain efficiency while the market continues its recovery.
Visit Pepenode
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Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2026/01/06/best-crypto-to-buy-now-xrp-price-prediction-2026/