Long-term Signal Shows 2026 Could Be a Telling Year for XRP

The current XRP price structure is sending an important long-term signal that 2026 could be a promising year for XRP.

After breaking above its previous 2021 highs in late 2024, XRP has spent more than a year consolidating above that level. Many analysts are now describing this development as a defining phase rather than a sign of weakness.

Key Points

• XRP broke above its 2021 highs in late 2024 and has held that level for over a year.
• Analysts see the long consolidation as accumulation, not weakness.
• 2025 tested trader patience, but the broader bullish structure remains intact.
• Market watchers say 2026 could confirm a major breakout toward new highs.
• Macro Breakout That Changed the Structure

Macro Breakout That Changed the Structure

Specifically, technical analyst ChartNerd shared this view in his latest commentary on XRP on X. He noted that in the fourth quarter of 2024, XRP completed a macro breakout by reclaiming its 2021 resistance zone. In particular, this referred to XRP’s price move from around $0.50 to above $2 between November and December 2024.

Notably, the $2 price level had capped price action for several years, making its recovery a remarkable shift in XRP’s long-term market structure.

Since then, XRP has mostly traded above its former range. The price has consistently respected the old resistance as new support, reinforcing the idea that the breakout was structurally meaningful.

2025 Tested Patience, Not the Trend

For most of 2025, XRP traded sideways in a relatively tight range, particularly after briefly touching $3.66 in July. This move frustrated short-term traders, especially considering that XRP’s price dipped by around 60% since then over the subsequent six-month period.

ChartNerd described the period as “boring,” noting that the lack of strong volatility masked what was actually a prolonged accumulation phase.

From a technical perspective, extended consolidation above a major breakout level signals strength. Since it is holding above previous cycle highs, attention is now focused on whether 2026 brings the next major breakout.

“2026 Will Be a Telling Year” for XRP

According to ChartNerd, 2026 will be the “telling year,” when XRP either confirms its breakout with fresh momentum or breaks below the structure it has defended for over a year. So far, price action shows resilience, suggesting the consolidation phase may be nearing its end.

XRP ‘Looks Good’ for a $4 Breakout

Other XRP market watchers are also expressing similar bullish sentiment, with price outlooks pointing toward new all-time highs. In a tweet, popular trader DonWedge said, “XRP looks good,” highlighting a repeating pattern on the 12-hour chart.

He argued that a breakout could send prices toward $4, requiring just over a 100% move. Some analysts see even higher upside.

For instance, one Elliott Wave analyst argued this week that XRP remains in an accumulation phase and could reach $6. While these breakout prices are not guaranteed, traders say XRP’s long consolidation may be nearing its end.