XRP Holds Near $1.85 as Community Debates 2026 Outlook

XRP is trading close to $1.85 as the year approaches its end. The price has stabilized after falling from late November highs near $2.20. Daily trading volumes remain in the billions. Even as broader crypto markets stay volatile. The steady price action has shifted attention away from short term moves. Instead, the XRP community is now focused on what the 2026 outlook could bring. Supporters see the current range as consolidation. Critics, however, say optimism has repeatedly arrived too early.

Price Stability Follows a Volatile Year

XRP is down sharply from its earlier peak. Five months ago the token traded near $3.66. Since then prices have slipped by roughly 50%. Despite that drop, XRP has avoided deeper losses in recent weeks. Holding near $1.85 has become a key talking point. 

Some traders view this level as a base forming ahead of the next cycle. Others argue that stability alone does not signal a breakout. Still liquidity remains strong. XRP continues to rank among the most traded digital assets. That depth has helped limit sharp swings. Even during broader market pullbacks.

Network Growth and Institutional Signals

Behind the scenes, activity on Ripple’s network has stayed strong. The network processed an estimated $95 billion in transactions this year. That figure has reinforced claims that XRP plays a real role in cross border payments. Ripple also secured a $500 million investment. That deal reportedly valued the company at around $40 billion. Supporters say this strengthens XRP’s long term fundamentals. Meanwhile, institutional interest has increased. The Canary Capital XRPC ETF has seen record inflows since launch. Total XRP ETF inflows have reached about $1.14 billion in just one month, according to market data. Firms like Canary Capital, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Franklin have all entered the space.

Community Voices Fuel 2026 Debate

Community sentiment remains divided. Ripple CTO David Schwartz has repeatedly highlighted XRP liquidity and scalability. He argues that few assets can handle global transaction volumes at scale. At the same time, outspoken community figures are pushing bold price targets. Digital Ascension Group CEO Jake Claver recently said he is “99.99999% confident” XRP will see a major move. His comments sparked heavy debate, especially with only days left in 2025. Some enthusiasts now point to $3 to $5 as realistic goals for 2026 outlook. Others go further, predicting much higher levels if ETFs expand and global liquidity shifts. Yet skepticism remains strong after several missed predictions this year.

Caution Tempering Optimism

Not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that XRP needs clearer catalysts. Regulatory clarity, sustained ETF demand, and broader market recovery all matter. Without them, price stability may simply reflect indecision. As 2025 closes it sits at a crossroads. The price is calm. The debate is not. For now, the market appears willing to wait, watching whether 2026 outlook delivers momentum or more patience tests.