Prediction: This Popular Cryptocurrency Will Plunge 50% (or More) by Year-End 2026

Core Viewpoint - XRP has experienced significant volatility, with a strong rally in early 2025 followed by a decline, leading to uncertainty about its future performance in 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: XRP's Performance - In the first half of 2025, XRP surged by approximately 70%, reaching a price of $3 for the first time since 2018, but ended 2025 down 10% [2]. - The rally was driven by speculative narratives rather than the underlying fundamentals of the token [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The SEC dropped its lawsuit against Ripple, which was seen as a major victory for the company and the broader crypto landscape, leading to a narrative that XRP had become legitimized [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The broader cryptocurrency market faced heavy selling pressure as capital shifted towards safe havens like gold and silver, and sectors like artificial intelligence [6]. - XRP's value proposition may be undermined by the presence of numerous altcoins with little utility, despite XRP serving a purpose in facilitating cost-effective overseas transactions [7]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Many banks are exploring stablecoins, which are less volatile, and the incumbent SWIFT network is also testing digital infrastructure, raising questions about Ripple's future and the adoption of XRP [8].