Prediction: These 2 Popular Cryptocurrencies Will Plunge by 50% (or More) in 2026

Core Viewpoint - XRP faces significant structural issues that may hinder its long-term value despite recent positive developments, such as the resolution of a lawsuit with the SEC that previously pressured its price [1][2][3][8]. Group 1: XRP Overview - XRP has a total supply of 100 billion tokens, with approximately 60.5 billion in circulation and 39.5 billion held by Ripple, which releases them gradually to meet demand [3]. - Ripple Payments allows banks to conduct instant cross-border transactions, and XRP was introduced as a bridge currency to facilitate these transactions, potentially reducing foreign-exchange fees [4]. - The SEC's lawsuit against Ripple, initiated in 2020, argued that XRP should be classified as a financial security, which has implications for its regulatory status and market perception [3]. Group 2: Market Performance - XRP experienced a significant price increase following the SEC's decision to drop its case, reaching a seven-year high [2]. - However, XRP has seen a decline of 49% from its recent peak and a 20% drop in 2025, indicating ongoing volatility and market challenges [5][6]. - The overall cryptocurrency market value fell from approximately $3.5 trillion to under $3 trillion in 2025, with XRP being one of the tokens affected by this downturn [6][7]. Group 3: Future Predictions - Without a reliable source of organic demand, XRP is vulnerable to speculative trading, which could lead to further declines of at least 50% in 2026 [8]. - The introduction of Ripple's stablecoin, RippleUSD, at the end of 2024 may offer a more stable alternative for transactions compared to XRP, which is subject to significant price fluctuations [7].