Key Highlights
- XRP moved above $2 for the first time since mid-December and became the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market value.
- U.S. spot XRP ETFs saw $13.59 million in inflows on January 2, pushing total inflows to about $1.18 billion.
- Traders reacted positively to the improving U.S. regulatory outlook and upcoming crypto legislation expected on January 15, 2026.
XRP, the native token of Ripple, crossed the $2 mark on Saturday, regaining its position as the fourth largest cryptocurrency. The move marked XRP’s first break above that level since mid-December as the global market reacted to the steady spot ETF inflows and a strong technical breakout at the start of 2026.
According to data from SoSoValue, U.S. spot XRP exchange-traded funds recorded inflows of about $13.59 million as of January 2. This was enough to push the total inflow up since the product launched to about $1.18 billion. This steady flow indicates that more people are buying and holding the token through regulated products.
Regulatory changes in focus
Traders are focusing on the regulatory developments happening in the United States. Attention has turned to the departure of SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, who had been one of the agency’s strongest critics of crypto-related ETFs. She previously opposed the SEC’s decision to drop its appeal in the Ripple case.
Most traders see this exit as a positive sign for the space. They believe it could make it easier for the SEC to take a more open and friendly approach toward crypto in the future.
Additionally, speculation around upcoming legislation is adding to the momentum. Traders are pointing to a possible Market Structure Bill, which is scheduled for January 15, 2026, that has kept regulatory expectations elevated into the first quarter of the year and supported XRP’s recent outperformance.
Technical backup as XRP breaks key resistance
Looking at XRP price action on the TradingView Chart, XRP broke above $1.94 resistance with strong volume, reaching above $2.05 before dropping down to $2.01. Over the past 24 hours, the token’s trading activity has surged by 174% to $4.08 billion in volume.
The price move lifted XRP back into fourth place by market value, pushing its capitalization to roughly $122 billion and overtaking Binance Coin.
Also Read: XRP Exchange Supply Hits 8-Year Low as Market Awaits Breakout
