Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP have all moved lower over the past few weeks as the broader crypto market cooled after a strong start to the year. Bitcoin slipped back from highs near $98,000, Ethereum fell below $3,100, and XRP retreated from above $2.10 to around the $1.95 level.
The pullback shows a weaker risk appetite, profit-taking after January gains, and a broader slowdown across digital assets rather than problems specific to any one token.
XRP Still Holds Up Better Than Many Peers
Despite the recent decline, XRP has remained relatively resilient compared with other large cryptocurrencies. The token rose more than 20% earlier in January and briefly overtook BNB to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market value, excluding stablecoins.
While prices have since pulled back, analysts say that XRP has been a quieter outperformer over recent months, with steadier investor flows during periods when Bitcoin and Ethereum funds saw outflows.
Why XRP Is Being Watched Closely
XRP’s use case is focused on payments, particularly cross-border settlement. Ripple designed the token to act as a bridge between currencies, allowing funds to move between countries in seconds rather than days.
This sets XRP apart from Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative and from stablecoins, which are tied directly to fiat currencies. Supporters argue that XRP targets financial infrastructure rather than speculative trading.
Regulatory Pressure Has Eased
A change for XRP came in August 2025, when the long-running legal case between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission formally ended. The closure removed a major source of uncertainty that had weighed on the token for years.
Since then, Ripple has expanded licensing across dozens of jurisdictions, making it easier for banks and payment firms to work with its network.
Breaking Down the Current Market Analysis
Short-term trend: All major cryptocurrencies are under pressure as risk sentiment weakens. XRP’s drop below $2