XRP has recorded a notable price advance, standing out as the strongest-performing asset among the top ten cryptocurrencies over the past 24 hours.
The sudden move has drawn widespread attention across the market, with traders and analysts attempting to identify the factors behind the rapid appreciation. Amid this discussion, a former Ripple executive has weighed in with a brief but widely shared reaction.
XRP Leads Major Cryptocurrencies in Daily Performance
During the latest trading session, XRP advanced into the $2.37 price range after registering an intraday increase of roughly 20%. This level had not been seen since late 2025, making the move particularly significant for short-term market participants. The surge has also improved XRP’s broader performance metrics, lifting its weekly gains to approximately 28%.
In comparison, Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, recorded a far more modest increase of around 7% over the same period. XRP’s outperformance has therefore been one of the most pronounced developments in the market this week.
On a year-to-date basis, XRP has now gained more than 30%. The asset began the year trading near the mid-$1.80 range before rebounding sharply from December lows around $1.70. The latest rally pushed prices as high as $2.41, reinforcing the view that XRP has entered a period of renewed momentum.
It's because I retired. Next I'll try cutting my hair.
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) January 5, 2026
Market Participants Question the Catalyst
As the rally accelerated, questions quickly emerged regarding its underlying cause. Software developer and market commentator Vincent Van Code publicly asked whether the move was driven by a specific announcement or whether it reflected organic market demand. He suggested that a rally occurring without clear news could indicate the early stages of a broader breakout.
In response, David Schwartz, Ripple’s former Chief Technology Officer and current CTO Emeritus, joined the discussion. Schwartz offered a tongue-in-cheek explanation, joking that the price increase might be connected to his recent retirement from his operational role at Ripple. He continued in a light-hearted manner, adding that a haircut could potentially be his next “market signal.”
Van Code responded in a similarly playful tone before clarifying that the exchange was not intended to imply any serious causal relationship. The interaction was widely shared within the XRP community, adding a lighter moment to an otherwise technical market discussion.
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Context Around Schwartz’s Role at Ripple
Schwartz announced in October that he would step back from his day-to-day responsibilities at Ripple after more than a decade with the company. During his tenure, he played a central role in the development of the XRP Ledger and helped shape Ripple’s long-term technical strategy.
Although no longer involved in daily operations, Schwartz remains connected to the project. He now serves on Ripple’s board in the role of CTO Emeritus and has stated that he plans to stay active in the broader XRP ecosystem. His future focus includes independent experimentation, exploring new XRPL applications, and contributing to blockchain development beyond Ripple’s core business.
Outlook Following the Price Surge
Following XRP’s recent strength, several market observers have begun outlining higher price expectations. Some analysts believe the asset could revisit previous cycle highs if momentum continues. Community figure Zach Rector has suggested that current price action resembles conditions seen before XRP’s mid-2025 rally, which pushed prices above $3.60.
Others have proposed more conservative targets near the $4 level, while a handful of technical analysts continue to reference longer-term projections that extend significantly higher. Despite the optimism, many participants caution that volatility remains a defining feature of the crypto market.
Overall, while the precise trigger for XRP’s sudden advance remains debated, the move has clearly shifted short-term sentiment. Whether the rally extends further or consolidates in the coming sessions will likely depend on broader market conditions and sustained trading interest.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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