XRP at a Pivotal Moment: Developer Highlights End of Suppression

A developer in the XRP Ledger ecosystem, known for creating the meme coin DROP, predicts a significant change in XRP’s value compared to Bitcoin in the coming year. This prediction is described as the beginning of a new phase of "price discovery" for XRP.

Key Takeaways

Developer predictions suggest that 5,000 XRP could equal 1 Bitcoin by 2026.
XRP is viewed as entering a new "price discovery" phase, with a key resistance level at $2.70.
The developer emphasizes XRP's potential as a long-term savings vehicle amidst declining fiat currency value.
Upcoming market events could significantly influence XRP's price action.

XRP news

XRP Enters a New Phase of Price Discovery

An XRP Ledger ecosystem developer, who operates under the name @Bird_XRPL, is capturing attention by asserting that 2026 will mark a significant transformation in the relative value of XRP compared to Bitcoin. He believes this will signal the beginning of a new phase of "price discovery" for the token.

Bird recently shared on X that “5,000 XRP will be worth 1 Bitcoin in 2026.” He elaborated on his prediction with a target price in mind, stating, “For example, 5,000 * $27 (XRP) = $135K (BTC).” This prediction reflects a comparison where XRP would advance sufficiently to allow 5,000 XRP to buy one Bitcoin, pointing to potential changes in how the market views XRP's utility.

Technical Insights on XRP’s Value Movement

Bird's forecast comes amid a broader analysis connecting XRP's potential to general risk asset trends and forthcoming economic indicators in the U.S. He suggested that “above $2.70, $XRP opens the path to all-time highs and beyond,” indicating this level as a crucial point in its price development. He encouraged followers to “Take a breath. Stay present. Remember this moment,” signaling the end of a prolonged period of repression and the dawn of more transparent pricing.

His longer-term view, shared on January 11, leans less toward immediate trading advantages and instead proposes an investment strategy where XRP is regarded for its long-term value. He proposed that “XRP should be included in your life savings strategies,” especially when comparing standard bank interest rates against inflation, which often diminishes the actual value of savings.

“Many people allow their money to sit in banks, earning an interest rate of around 4–6% but seldom consider inflation.” According to Bird, fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar have consistently lost buying power over time, suggesting that while savings grow nominally, they may lose real value.

He positioned XRP as a viable alternative store of value that responds to increasing demand rather than to fiat currency fluctuations. "XRP has faced legal uncertainties for years, yet it has continued to develop," Bird explained, pointing to advancements in "cross-border payments, institutional adoption, stablecoins like RLUSD, and real-world assets being tokenized on the blockchain."

Bird framed the discussion as weighing the risks associated with custody and counterparty relationships against the potential for significant upside. “That’s why I view XRP as a long-term savings tool instead of a short-term trade,” he added. “You can manage it yourself, keep it in a cold wallet, and reduce dependence on banks."

Market Dynamics and Price Predictions

Bird linked his timing to a significant convergence of market dynamics and relevant regulatory news. "This week is pivotal for XRP,” he remarked, mentioning the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) as potential catalysts for volatility and noting that a crucial market structure bill is anticipated soon. "The technical charts are indicating alignment. If the market moves in our favor and we break through $2.70, new all-time highs for XRP can materialize rapidly!"

As of the last update, XRP was trading at $2.06.

XRP price chart
XRP rejected at the 0.382 Fibonacci level, 1-week chart | Source: XRPUSDT on TradingView.com