- XRP is printing a rare monthly golden cross against Bitcoin, last seen before its 2018 rally
- Analysts suggest XRP could rally toward $24 if relative demand rises and Bitcoin remains flat
- ETF momentum and upcoming regulatory clarity could support XRP’s longer-term upside
Crypto analysts are starting to circle XRP again, and not because of noise or short-term hype. On the latest charts, Ripple’s token is printing a bullish flag that some believe could set off a much larger move, one that echoes Bitcoin’s explosive 2024 run. What really stands out, though, is a rare signal on the XRP/BTC pair — a monthly golden cross that hasn’t appeared since 2018.
That signal alone has caught attention. The last time it showed up, XRP went on a historic rally that few expected at the time.
Bitcoin Weakness Could Open the Door for XRP Strength
Bitcoin has struggled through the second half of 2025, sliding more than 18% from its peak near $122,000 before stabilizing. It now trades around $87,976, far from panic territory, but no longer dominating market momentum either. That environment matters more than it seems.
With XRP trading near 0.00002116 BTC, its dollar price sits around $1.86. Analysts tracking the golden cross note that a move toward the 0.00027508 BTC level would imply an XRP price near $24, assuming Bitcoin stays flat. Importantly, XRP wouldn’t need BTC to collapse. It would only need sustained relative demand while Bitcoin stalls.
That’s a very different setup than previous cycles.
Golden Cross Math Favors Relative Demand, Not Market Chaos
If the golden cross confirms and the XRP/BTC ratio starts moving closer to its 2018 ceiling, the upside math becomes compelling fast. XRP would not be relying on speculative spikes or viral narratives. Instead, it would be riding steady rotation away from Bitcoin dominance.
This type of move often unfolds quietly at first. Once momentum builds, though, it tends to accelerate in waves rather than single candles. Analysts argue that next year could be pivotal if relative strength continues to build through early 2026.
XRP Price Forecasts For Early 2026 Lean Bullish
Short-term forecasts for January 2026 already show a wide range. Conservative models place XRP between $1.77 and $2.00, while more optimistic scenarios extend toward $3.40. Some extreme projections even float $8, though those would require unusually strong market alignment.
Traditional finance has also stepped into the conversation. Standard Chartered recently suggested XRP could rally as much as 330% from current levels, citing the growing ETF narrative. Analyst Geoffrey Kendrick noted that early ETF inflows could inject new energy into XRP’s price action, potentially pushing it toward the higher end of forecasts.
Regulation And ETFs Add A Longer-Term Tailwind
Beyond charts and price targets, regulatory developments could quietly support XRP’s longer-term outlook. The upcoming CLARITY Act is expected to provide clearer guidance on how financial institutions can engage with digital assets. While regulation rarely sparks immediate rallies, it does change capital behavior over time.
For XRP, which already sits close to institutional use cases, that shift could matter. Combined with ETF demand and relative strength against Bitcoin, the setup feels less speculative and more structural. The signals don’t guarantee a breakout, but they suggest XRP may be positioning itself before confidence fully returns.
