'The Breakout Trade Of 2026 Isn't Bitcoin Or ETH, It's XRP': CNBC

Core Viewpoint - XRP has gained approximately 8% over the past month, outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum amid market volatility, with analysts suggesting it may be the breakout trade of the 2026 crypto rally [1][3]. Group 1: Market Performance - XRP's recent weekly rally of nearly 20% has positioned it ahead of BNB by market capitalization [3]. - The payments-focused token has continued to see steady ETF inflows through Q4, despite a broader pullback in the crypto market [2][6]. Group 2: Investment Sentiment - Investors appear to be rotating into XRP as an alternative investment with perceived upside due to its lower valuation base [3]. - Some market participants view the current XRP movement as a hedge against near-term market risks and ongoing uncertainty in the broader crypto regulatory landscape [5]. Group 3: Factors Driving the Rally - Concerns about potential forced selling in Bitcoin and Ethereum, linked to digital asset treasury companies, may further fuel XRP's rally [4]. - XRP's use case for cross-border settlements positions it as a fast and efficient bridge asset between currencies, making it a less crowded trade compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum [6]. - The resolution of Ripple's SEC case has cleared regulatory overhang, contributing to continued inflows into XRP-focused investment products during Q4 [6].