Why XRP is outperforming Bitcoin and Ether at the start of 2026

XRP is having an explosive start to the year, driven by strong ETF inflows, bullish sentiment, and declining exchange reserves.

Ripple’s payment token, XRP, has just been labelled by CNBC as the “new cryptocurrency darling” after gaining 25% in the first week of the new year.

“The hottest crypto trade of the year is not Bitcoin, it is not Ether, it is XRP,” said CNBC’s Power Lunch host Brian Sullivan on Tuesday.

XRP (XRP) has gained 25% since Jan. 1, outperforming Bitcoin (BTC), which is up 6%, and Ether (ETH), which has risen 10% since New Year’s Day.

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