XRP Surges Past $2, Reclaims Third‑Place Spot in Market Capitalisation

The native token of Ripple has broken back above the $2 threshold for the first time since mid‑December, posting an 8 % rally in the first trading day of 2026. This jump has lifted XRP’s market value to roughly $123 million, propelling the asset back into the third‑largest position among cryptocurrencies and overtaking BNB for the second time this year.

Catalyst: Spot ETF Inflows and Regulatory Optimism

On January 3, the United States spot‑exchange‑traded‑fund (ETF) for XRP captured $13.59 million in inflows, according to SoSoValue data referenced by Coindesk. The influx signals growing institutional appetite for the token and suggests that the regulatory environment is shifting favorably. While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has historically been a source of uncertainty for XRP, the recent inflow indicates a possible easing of the agency’s stance.

Technical Context

  • Close Price (2026‑01‑01): $2.00582
  • 52‑Week High (2025‑07‑17): $3.65021
  • 52‑Week Low (2025‑10‑09): $1.52845

The current level of $2.04 places XRP well above its 52‑week low and within 44 % of its recent peak, positioning the token for a potential breakout into the upper half of its historical range. The 8 % jump in a single day is indicative of a strong bullish momentum that has been sustained across multiple media outlets.

Market Positioning

The rally has pushed XRP’s market cap to approximately $124.3 billion, ranking it third after Bitcoin and Ethereum. The asset has surpassed BNB, which now trails at just over $120 million in market value. This re‑entry into the top‑four tier underscores the token’s resilience and the confidence of the trading community.

Earnings Opportunities for Holders

While XRP is not a mineable asset—its supply has been fully pre‑issued—users can still benefit from its price appreciation. Several platforms, including Fleet Mining, have introduced earning models that reward users with cash incentives upon registration. Although these schemes do not generate new tokens, they allow participants to monetize their holdings through structured reward programs.

Outlook

Regulatory clarity remains a pivotal factor for XRP’s sustained growth. The SEC shuffle and the positive sentiment surrounding the spot ETF inflows suggest a trajectory that could see the token approach its 52‑week high by mid‑2026. With a strong institutional foothold and an active community, XRP is positioned to continue its upward trend, potentially expanding its dominance beyond the current third‑place ranking.

In short, XRP’s return to the $2 mark is not merely a fleeting price correction; it is a strategic repositioning that reflects broader market confidence, regulatory evolution, and a robust ecosystem of ancillary revenue streams. The token’s performance in the first week of 2026 signals a compelling case for continued institutional and retail engagement in the coming months.