XRP ETF Ignites 2026 Rally: $7M Volume & 365% USD Inflow Surge Signal Major Breakout

The first trading days of 2026 have unleashed a powerful wave of institutional and retail capital into XRP, marked by a staggering 365% year-to-date surge in direct USD-to-XRP volume on Coinbase. This dramatic influx is critically distinguished as fresh capital entering through Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) vehicles, rather than internal rotations between stablecoins, representing a profoundly bullish signal for organic, sustained demand. Leading the charge is Bitwise's XRP ETF, which recorded an impressive $7 million in early trading volume and traded at a 5% premium at the U.S. market open—a clear indicator of intense buying pressure and investor enthusiasm that outstripped the available supply of creation units. This ETF-driven momentum has cascaded directly into the spot market, where XRP's price responded with a robust gain of 5.89%. The convergence of these factors—explosive USD volume growth, premium ETF trading, and strong spot price appreciation—suggests the market is pricing in a significant re-rating for XRP. Analysts interpret the data as evidence that the long-awaited institutional gateway for XRP has been decisively opened, channeling traditional finance capital directly into the asset. This development potentially sets the stage for a sustained rally, as ETF flows are typically viewed as more 'sticky' and long-term oriented compared to speculative trading. The 365% surge in fiat on-ramp volume specifically points to new investors entering the ecosystem, reducing reliance on crypto-native capital and enhancing market stability. As of January 3, 2026, the landscape for XRP appears fundamentally transformed, with the ETF acting not just as a product but as a catalyst for broader market recognition and valuation reassessment.

XRP ETF Volume Surge Sparks Rally Speculation as Coinbase USD Inflows Jump 365%

XRP markets ignited on the first trading days of 2026 as direct USD-to-XRP volume on Coinbase exploded 365% year-to-date. The influx represents fresh capital entering through ETF vehicles rather than stablecoin rotations—a bullish signal for organic demand.

Bitwise's XRP ETF led the charge with $7 million in early volume and a 5% premium at U.S. market open. Spot trading followed suit, with XRP gaining 5.89% on $2.73 billion daily volume. The token now tests the psychologically significant $2 level while approaching a decisive break above its 21-month exponential moving average.

Historical patterns compound the optimism. December 2025's price action mirrored December 2017's setup, which preceded January 2018's parabolic rally. Market technicians suggest the current ETF-driven volume could propel XRP toward its $3 all-time high.

XRP Whales Accumulate $3.6B as Market Eyes Potential Bottom

Cryptocurrency whales have aggressively accumulated XRP to start the year, purchasing over 3 billion tokens within 24 hours as prices trend upward. The move, valued at $3.6 billion, signals growing confidence among large holders despite smaller investors continuing to sell.

Historical patterns suggest January often favors altcoins, with XRP closing the month positively in five of the past nine years. The current accumulation by deep-pocketed participants hints at anticipation of a repeat performance.

XRP's price has risen 2.5% in the past day, though trading volumes remain subdued. Analysts identify $1.90 as a critical resistance level—a breakout above this threshold could invalidate bearish structures and potentially propel the token toward $3.

XRP Breaks $1.95 Resistance as Bulls Target $2.20 Amid Surging Volume

XRP's price surged 6% to $2.01, fueled by $4.19 billion in daily trading volume. The token now ranks as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap at $121.9 billion, with 62 billion tokens in circulation out of a 100 billion hard cap.

Technical analysis shows a decisive breakout from a December downtrend, with XRP establishing higher lows between $1.81-$1.85 before piercing the $1.80 resistance level. The MOVE triggers bullish Fibonacci retracement patterns on 2-hour charts, though traders remain cautious about sustainability.

Market participants note the rally lacks the frenetic quality of past crypto bubbles, with order books showing measured accumulation. "This is institutional-grade volume without the leverage," remarked a Bitget trader who requested anonymity.

XRP Holders Face Reality Check as Market Sentiment Shifts

XRP's price trajectory has become a focal point for traders entering 2026, with 70% of participants in a Gemini poll now expecting the token to remain below $2. BullRunners founder Nick Anderson highlighted this sentiment shift, marking a departure from earlier Optimism to acceptance of prolonged consolidation. The token currently trades near $1.86, trapped in a narrow range amid muted holiday volumes and a lack of catalysts.

Market volatility and broader crypto risks have amplified uncertainty around XRP. The Gemini poll results, revealing widespread skepticism about a near-term breakout above $2, have served as a wake-up call for investors hoping for a late rally. Trading sentiment has noticeably cooled in recent weeks, with the market now dominated by caution rather than speculation.