XRP has hit the $3 mark for the first time since 2018, fueled by strong spot investor momentum and wide excitement in the crypto community. The altcoin, which has gained 41% over the past 15 days, is now only 12.9% below its all-time high of $3.40, setting the stage for a potential price discovery phase.
One of the most striking features of the XRP rally has been its dominance on Google Trends. On January 15, XRP took the lead from Bitcoin in global search volume, the third time this year that the altcoin has surpassed the apex cryptocurrency in popularity. This increase in interest coincides with positive market sentiment and increased activity among XRP holders.
Analysts have also noted a major breakout on the XRP/BTC chart, where the asset broke an eight-year descending resistance line. This technical milestone marks the growing strength of XRP over Bitcoin. On top of that, the number of XRP holders has risen by 58,000 in 2025, which is a reflection of the strong conviction among its community.
Unlike the 2024 bull runs, where the action has been mainly market-driven in derivative markets, it is spot investors that have now been driving XRP’s current run. Order flow analyst Dom remarked that the drive to $3 was supported by solid demand on the part of spot traders who showed minimal moves in funding rates and spot buy premiums. “If I were seeing this on Bitcoin, I would just simply say we’re going much higher,” Dom observed.
Speculation surrounding XRP taking down Ethereum rages in the crypto community. According to Sovrun co-founder Jeth, XRP has better regulatory prospects and price action than Ethereum does. “There is no reason to hold ETH over XRP anymore,” Jeth said, mentioning the pro-crypto stance of the incoming U.S. administration.
This, of course, triggered aggressive price calls among analysts. According to Cheeky Crypto, keeping key support lines in place remains the secret sauce for upward momentum to continue. Price calls have run from as modest as $10 or $11 near term, but more optimists have projected a ten multiplier high all-time for XRP at $27. Obviously, these ambitious projections rely on the increased adoption of the financial community as well as good market sentiment.
Social media hype has been crucial in the growth of XRP. Positive technical signals and positive outlooks from key analysts have led to increased traders’ confidence and, therefore, pushed the rally even higher. The “XRP army” is an enthusiastic and active group of holders who stick to the “hodling” mentality, meaning that there is continued buying pressure.
Also Read: SEC Files Opening Brief in Ripple’s Ongoing XRP Appeal
