Several high-profile investors are publicly warning retail buyers to stay away from XRP, arguing that its recent price drop is not a bargain. XRP now trades roughly 48% below last year’s peak after giving back much of its post-election rally. This comes as the wider crypto market shifts from legal optimism to tougher questions about real-world utility and long-term value. In XRP’s case, critics say the story is less about short-term fear and more about structural issues that do not disappear with time. ...

Group 1 - XRP has experienced a nearly 40% decline from its July peak, yet many investors remain optimistic due to Ripple securing conditional approval for a national bank charter and the resolution of its SEC case [1] - RippleNet's adoption does not necessarily increase XRP demand, as banks can utilize Ripple's technology without using XRP, focusing instead on faster payments and lower costs while retaining traditional currencies [2] - The On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service uses XRP as a bridge asset for cross-border transactions, but its adoption is limited to smaller institutions, with major banks not utilizing it [3] Group 2 - There is a disconnect in the investment thesis for XRP, as the expectation that increased banking adoption would lead to higher XRP demand is undermined when banks grow without using XRP [4] - Ripple's development of the RLUSD stablecoin could potentially replace XRP as the preferred bridge asset in ODL transactions, further complicating XRP's value proposition [5] - The current value of XRP is largely based on speculation and hype, which may diminish over time, leading to a potential price drop [6] Group 3 - Ripple's business momentum does not guarantee increased demand for XRP as an investment, and the introduction of a dollar-backed stablecoin could alter the long-term investment thesis for XRP [9]

Core Viewpoint - The potential for $10 billion in ETF inflows into XRP by late 2026 is becoming increasingly plausible due to supportive macro conditions and legal clarity, which could significantly impact XRP's market dynamics and price trajectory [1][2]. Group 1: Market Conditions and ETF Developments - The Federal Reserve's rate cuts beginning in late 2025 are expected to drive capital into risk assets, including cryptocurrencies like XRP [1]. - By late 2025, over a dozen asset managers have filed for spot XRP ETFs, indicating a competitive landscape for market share [2]. - U.S. spot XRP ETFs launched in November 2025, accumulating approximately $1 billion in assets within the first four weeks, demonstrating strong investor interest [3]. Group 2: Supply Dynamics and Price Predictions - XRP's exchange balances decreased from 3.95 billion to 2.6 billion, a 45% decline, indicating that ETF inflows and whale accumulation are reducing the liquid supply [3]. - To achieve $10 billion in ETF inflows, XRP must see monthly inflows of about $375 million over two years, which would absorb roughly 4.5 billion tokens at a price of $2 per XRP, removing about 8% of the circulating supply [6]. - ChatGPT predicts that if ETF inflows reach $10 billion, XRP could trade in the $6-8 range, reflecting a significant increase from current levels [10]. Group 3: AI Predictions and Analyst Insights - ChatGPT's conservative estimate suggests XRP could rise to approximately $4.40 by Q1 2026 without the $10 billion scenario, while Claude's more aggressive prediction sees XRP potentially reaching between $8 and $14 by 2026 [8][13]. - Analysts generally target a price range of $5 to $6 for XRP by the end of 2026, citing legal clarity and Ripple's partnerships as positive factors, but caution that broader adoption of ODL is necessary for significant price appreciation [19][20]. - The contrasting predictions from AI models highlight differing assumptions about market dynamics, with ChatGPT focusing on supply constraints and profit-taking, while Claude emphasizes a self-reinforcing adoption cycle [24][22].

Core Insights - Ripple (CRYPTO: XRP) has processed a total of $95 billion in payments, but the correlation between price and adoption has weakened in 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Adoption and Market Dynamics - The XRP investment thesis was primarily based on adoption, with expectations that increased bank participation in RippleNet would lead to higher XRP prices [2] - Despite over 4 billion XRP Ledger transactions and more than 300 banking partners, XRP's price did not see a meaningful increase [2][4] Group 2: Ripple's Strategic Positioning - Ripple Labs has shifted from being a software provider to a regulated financial institution, securing approval to operate Ripple National Trust Bank and raising approximately $500 million at a valuation near $40 billion [4] - The focus of banks on Ripple's licenses and compliance tools has not translated into increased XRP prices, indicating a disconnect between Ripple's growth and XRP's market performance [4][5] Group 3: Cost Efficiency and Market Adoption - RippleNet partners utilize XRP not for speculation but for its efficiency in reducing costs and speeding up settlement times, with cross-border payments settling in minutes and avoiding high SWIFT fees [5][6] - The importance of XRP's price is diminished for banks, as their primary concern is lowering operating costs and reducing counterparty risk [6] Group 4: Competitive Moat and Switching Costs - The integration of 300 banks into RippleNet creates significant switching costs, making it difficult for them to migrate to competitors like SWIFT or Stellar [7][9] - Ripple's structural advantage in 2025 was not merely an increase in XRP's price but the establishment of barriers that complicate banks' exit from the network [9]

Core Argument - The valuation debate surrounding XRP suggests it may be undervalued, with potential price targets of $5 or higher based on its growing transaction volumes and institutional adoption [1][4][24]. Group 1: Transaction Volumes and Market Dynamics - XRP processed approximately $1.3 billion in cross-border payments in Q2 2025, indicating a 41% year-over-year growth, which could lead to an annual processing volume of over $5 billion [1][2][24]. - The market capitalization of XRP is around $113 billion at a price of $2 per token, leading value investors to question if the current price reflects its real-world utility [2][4]. - The On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) network's growth and partnerships with over 300 banks support the bullish case for XRP's valuation [4][14]. Group 2: Institutional Demand and ETF Inflows - The launch of U.S. spot XRP ETFs in November 2025 attracted approximately $1 billion in net inflows within the first month, indicating strong institutional interest [7][8]. - Institutional demand is characterized by long-term allocations from pension funds and asset managers, which helps stabilize XRP's price [8][10]. Group 3: Supply Dynamics - XRP's supply on exchanges has decreased significantly, dropping from 3.95 billion tokens to 2.6 billion in just two months, a 45% decline, which creates a supply squeeze [9][10]. - Large holders, or "whales," accumulated about 340 million XRP tokens between September and November 2025, reinforcing the scarcity argument [11][12]. Group 4: Regulatory Clarity and Adoption - The SEC's settlement with Ripple in August 2025 clarified XRP's status, removing regulatory uncertainties and paving the way for broader adoption [13][24]. - More than 300 financial institutions are now utilizing Ripple's technology, processing approximately 2 million transactions per day, which enhances the case for XRP's undervaluation [14][24]. Group 5: Counterarguments - Critics argue that many banks use Ripple's technology without utilizing XRP, which limits the token's demand despite the network's success [17][19]. - The large circulating supply of XRP, approximately 57 billion tokens, poses challenges for extreme price targets, making significant appreciation mathematically difficult [20][21]. - Regulatory risks and competition from CBDCs and stablecoins could hinder XRP's adoption and demand in the future [22][23].

Core Insights - XRP experienced a significant price increase of 294% in November and December 2024, driven by speculative expectations following the resolution of a long-standing regulatory lawsuit [1][3] - As of December 16, 2025, XRP has declined by 8% year-to-date, contrasting with a 15% gain in the S&P 500, and has fallen 47% from its peak in July [2][7] - Despite the price volatility, the anticipated catalysts for XRP's growth, such as increased adoption and the establishment of XRP-based ETFs, have not translated into substantial business activity or transaction volume [4][8] Market Performance - XRP's price surge was not due to increased adoption of RippleNet but rather a speculative boom among investors [3] - The market cap of XRP stands at $116 billion, but it generates only about $1 million in annual transaction fees, indicating a disconnect between market valuation and actual business performance [8] Business Viability - There is a concern regarding the lack of tangible business growth and real-world use cases for XRP, raising questions about its long-term viability [6] - The approval of XRP-based ETFs and the settlement of the lawsuit were seen as positive developments, yet RippleNet's transaction volume remains low compared to two years ago [8] Investment Considerations - Analysts suggest caution regarding investments in XRP, highlighting that other stocks may present better opportunities for returns [9]

Core Insights - Over the last decade, cryptocurrencies have significantly outperformed traditional assets like the S&P 500, with Bitcoin leading the charge but altcoins like XRP showing even better performance recently [1][2]. Group 1: XRP Performance and Catalysts - XRP has rallied 34% over the past year, contrasting with Bitcoin's 14% decline during the same period [2]. - Key factors contributing to XRP's outperformance include the election of President Donald Trump, who is perceived as more favorable towards cryptocurrencies, leading to a market rally [5]. - The resolution of litigation between the U.S. government and Ripple has removed legal uncertainties, positively impacting XRP's market position [6]. - The approval of spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has provided investors with easier access to XRP, further driving its demand [7]. - The growing utility of RippleNet, with over 300 financial institutions using it and leveraging XRP for cross-border transactions, has also supported XRP's rise [8]. Group 2: Transaction Efficiency - The XRP Ledger can validate and settle transactions in approximately three to five seconds, with transaction costs being just fractions of a penny, enhancing its appeal for financial institutions [9].

Core Insights - XRP's adoption appears strong with Ripple collaborating with over 300 banks and expanding its payment network, while regulatory conditions have improved significantly [1][2][5] - Despite the growth of RippleNet, XRP's transaction volume is declining, raising questions about the token's usage in the expanding network [2][3][6] Group 1: XRP Adoption and Market Activity - XRP's transaction volume has been decreasing even as RippleNet expands to over 300 banking partners, indicating a disconnect between network growth and token usage [3][7] - Banks utilizing RippleNet's infrastructure do not necessarily require XRP for settlement, as the token remains optional, leading to reduced on-chain activity [7][8] - The launch of three XRP ETFs in November, including those from Canary Capital, Franklin Templeton, and Grayscale, did not result in an increase in on-chain activity despite strong initial inflows [2][5] Group 2: Market Trends and Price Movements - XRP experienced a significant price surge in July, reaching $3.57, driven by trader optimism ahead of ETF launches, but subsequently fell to the mid-$2 range due to whale selling [4][5] - The three major XRP ETF launches in November saw record first-day volumes, yet XRP's price remained stable between $2.00 and $2.40, indicating a lack of immediate demand despite positive headlines [5][6]

Key Points Stablecoins have exploded in popularity and could become a multitrillion-dollar market, according to Citi Group. Ripple's stablecoin push could actually undermine XRP's value. In contrast, Ethereum stands to gain from stablecoin adoption. 10 stocks we like better than XRP › XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) has a lot of momentum behind it, gaining more than 340% from the Nov. 2024 elections to Nov. 25, 2025. That's more than 15 times the growth Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) investors saw. But past performanc ...

Core Viewpoint - XRP has experienced significant price fluctuations, nearly quadrupling in late 2024 due to favorable political outcomes and the resolution of a lawsuit, but remains overvalued compared to traditional payment companies [1][6]. Group 1: Price Movement and Market Context - XRP surged from $0.50 to $2.70 in late 2024 and reached an all-time high of $3.56 in July 2025, before retreating to $2.20 as of November 6, 2025 [1][2]. - The cryptocurrency's recent price movements have led to speculation about whether it is a good buying opportunity while trading below $2.50 [2]. Group 2: Business Performance and Comparisons - RippleNet processed a total payment volume (TPV) of $57.7 billion in the quarter ending September 30, 2025, which is notable but still significantly lower than PayPal's TPV of $458.1 billion during the same period [3][4]. - Despite RippleNet's impressive TPV, it generates far less revenue than PayPal, which reported $8.4 billion in revenue, raising questions about XRP's valuation compared to traditional payment companies [4][6]. Group 3: Valuation Perspective - XRP's current price is considered speculative and does not reflect its fundamental business performance, as it trades at levels that ignore significant market risks [6]. - The argument that XRP's value is determined solely by market perception is seen as weak, especially when compared to tangible assets like gold and real estate [5][7].