Traders Bet on XRP’s Continued Rise as It Outperforms Ethereum and Solana
XRP, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency closely linked to Ripple, has demonstrated significant price momentum recently, gaining almost 5% in the past 24 hours to reach $1.42. This surge places XRP ahead of other major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in terms of short-term price performance.
Growing Optimism in March
Market sentiment appears bullish on XRP’s prospects as traders increasingly wager on further price appreciation in March. Prediction markets, which use event contracts provided through platforms like Robinhood Derivatives, reflect this confidence. The implied odds of XRP climbing above $1.50 rose to 67% on Tuesday, a notable uptick from 50% the previous day. These probabilities are sourced from KalshiEx LLC and ForecastEx LLC, signaling strengthened market conviction around XRP’s upward trajectory.
XRP Trading Below Peak but ETFs Show Strength
Despite this positive price action, XRP is still trading well below its previous peak near $2.26 observed following the launch of spot XRP ETFs in November 2025. According to Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, the demand for these ETFs remains resilient despite the broader price correction. Since their launch, they have amassed a cumulative $1.4 billion in investments, underscoring sustained institutional interest.
Key institutional holders of XRP spot ETFs include Goldman Sachs with exposure amounting to $153.8 million, Millennium Management holding $23.1 million, and Logan Strone Capital with $5.3 million invested. Seyffart notes that this represents only a fraction of the total investors, as many holders do not publicly file 13F reports, which disclose large holdings.
Over Half of XRP’s Supply Showing Unrealized Losses
Data from blockchain analytics firm Glassnode reveals a more cautious backdrop beneath the surface: over 56% of XRP’s total supply is currently underwater, meaning these coins are held at a loss relative to their purchase prices. This indicates a significant portion of investors are still waiting for prices to rebound to profitable levels.
Expert Views on ETFs and Market Dynamics
A senior analyst at Glassnode, known by the pseudonym CryptoVizArt, shared insights with Sherwood News suggesting that crypto ETFs primarily function as access points for traditional financial market participants seeking exposure to digital assets. The analyst explained that while ETFs can serve as short-term catalysts by amplifying speculative retail interest, they should not be viewed as triggers for sustained long-term demand growth.
Ripple’s Stablecoin RLUSD Approaches Market Capitalization Milestone
In parallel developments, Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, is nearing its all-time high market capitalization of approximately $1.59 billion, up from $1.28 billion at the start of 2026. This growth underscores Ripple’s expanding footprint not only in the token market but also in the stablecoin space.
Broader Crypto Market Context
Other cryptocurrencies are witnessing varied trends as the broader market digests fundamental and technical signals:
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Ethereum is experiencing record network activity; however, its price remains under pressure with analysts expecting fundamentals to take a larger role in guiding its price movements throughout 2026. – Bitcoin recently crossed back above $71,000 but is encountering resistance at this level. Amid geopolitical uncertainties, traders are adopting cautious stances with close attention to ETF flows and derivatives positioning as key indicators to watch.
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The growth of perpetual futures (“perps”) beyond crypto into traditional finance highlights evolving derivatives markets and associated risks, differing significantly from conventional futures contracts.
Sherwood Media, LLC continues to provide unique perspectives on financial markets and cryptocurrency trends. As always, readers are advised to consider multiple sources and consult financial advisors when making investment decisions.
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