XRP Will Skyrocket Beyond $18: Analyst Suggests 800% Growth Potential In 2026

Overview

Market expert Bird has made a significant forecast regarding XRP, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency. He suggests that XRP could potentially see an increase of 800% within the year, which could lead to a new all-time high of $18.40 per coin. This prediction is largely based on the anticipated changes in the XRP/BTC ratio.

XRP’s Potential Upside

Bird’s forecast centers on the XRP/BTC ratio, which he anticipates will reach 1:5,000 by the end of 2026. Currently, the XRP/BTC ratio is trading at approximately 0.00002235. For Bird’s target to be realized, the ratio would need to rise to 0.0002 BTC per XRP. This represents a substantial gain of around 794% from its current levels.

With a total supply of 100 billion XRP coins, achieving Bird’s price projection could result in an overall valuation of approximately $1.84 trillion for XRP. Such a market cap would position XRP in close competition with Ethereum and place it within striking distance of Bitcoin’s market capitalization.

Alternative Price Scenarios

In addition to Bird’s bold forecast, market expert Sam Daodu has outlined alternative scenarios for XRP’s future performance. In a base case scenario, where XRP benefits from continued institutional support but does not close the gap with Bitcoin’s market cap, the price could range between $3 and $4. This scenario assumes that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) attract a few billion in assets, while Bitcoin’s dominance decreases to the 40-50% range during a broader altcoin rotation.

Conversely, a bear case exists where macroeconomic challenges or obstacles within the crypto ecosystem could impede XRP’s price growth. Factors such as geopolitical instability could redirect investment back to Bitcoin and gold. Additionally, banks might choose private ledgers and established stablecoins over adopting XRP. The monthly escrow releases from Ripple of 1 billion coins could also cap any potential upside for XRP, keeping it trading around its current prices of $2.

From author

The forecasts surrounding XRP highlight the volatility and speculative nature of cryptocurrency markets. The significant potential for growth, as suggested by Bird, is juxtaposed with the risks outlined by Daodu. The contrasting scenarios present a clear picture of the uncertainty that investors face in the cryptocurrency space, particularly with a cryptocurrency like XRP that has experienced a tumultuous history.

Impact on the crypto market

• Bird’s forecast could attract speculative interest in XRP, potentially leading to increased trading volume.
• A rise in the XRP price could create a ripple effect, influencing other altcoins and the overall market sentiment.
• If XRP approaches the projected valuation, it may challenge the dominance of Ethereum and Bitcoin, altering the competitive landscape.
• Institutional interest, as outlined by Daodu, could boost market confidence in altcoins, particularly if ETFs gain traction.
• Conversely, macroeconomic challenges and geopolitical factors could lead to capital flight back to Bitcoin and gold, dampening XRP’s potential growth.