As 2026 begins, XRP holders are being forced to temper their expectations. A recent poll on Gemini’s prediction platform — highlighted by BullRunners founder Nick Anderson — found roughly 70% of respondents expect XRP to remain below $2 in the near term. That sentiment shift comes as XRP trades around $1.86, stuck in a tight range amid light holiday volumes and an absence of fresh catalysts.
What changed? Optimism that had been building in recent weeks appears to have given way to a more cautious outlook. Investors who had been eyeing a late rally are now confronting a reality check: without new inflows or decisive positive news, many expect consolidation rather than a breakout.
Broader crypto developments are feeding that caution. Anderson pointed to turbulence in decentralized finance — including recent governance disputes such as those at Aave and concerns about founders buying tokens during critical votes — as factors undermining confidence. Add ongoing worries about stablecoin stability and other sector risks, and you get a market reluctant to price in a big XRP surge.
Liquidity dynamics matter, too. Anderson noted that thin order books can suppress momentum and keep prices flat, but they also leave the door open for sharp moves if buying pressure suddenly returns. In short, the poll is less a prediction than a snapshot of trader readiness: many participants are bracing for stability rather than expansion into early 2026.
What to watch next:
- Any fresh news or partnerships that could spark inflows
- DeFi governance developments and how they affect market confidence
- Changes in liquidity on major exchanges
- Broader crypto market shocks, including stablecoin strains
Bottom line: The Gemini poll signals that XRP’s community has dialed back expectations for an immediate breakout. Absent clear, positive catalysts, restrained sentiment and thin liquidity are likely to shape trading through the start of the year — though the same thinness could produce sudden volatility if sentiment shifts.
Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news
