XRP's performance since the beginning of the new year has been somewhat awkward. From January 1st to now, it has fallen by 14.63%, with the current price hovering around $1.84. Many industry insiders believe that XRP may remain sideways in the short term, and it's hard to see any major market movement.

But don't be too pessimistic. There are actually quite a few factors supporting XRP's rise—such as the potential approval of spot ETFs, deep cooperation with global payment systems, and its role as a liquidity bridging asset. These are all potential catalysts. The question is, when will these positive developments actually materialize? That’s the key.

Interestingly, the US spot XRP ETF has already accumulated over $1 billion in assets, indicating that the market still has confidence in XRP's long-term prospects. Some analysts believe this reflects investors' recognition of XRP's fundamentals. But whether this can translate into a price increase depends on market sentiment and the durability of the narrative.

The risk asset environment in the second half of 2026 might be more favorable, but at this stage, altcoins are still under some pressure. XRP's trajectory largely depends on the progress of payment applications and shifts in market sentiment. Don't expect too much in the short term, but the long-term logic remains intact.