As the digital asset market turns the page on a challenging 2025, discussion has intensified around where major cryptocurrencies, including XRP, could be headed in 2026. Commentary from industry figures highlighted by Digital Perspectives founder Brad Kimes has contributed to an optimistic narrative.
The video Kimes shared included insights from Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan and Inversion CEO Santiago Roel Santos, shaping expectations for 2026.
Crypto Market Closed 2025 Below Its Peak
Despite beginning 2025 with strong momentum, the cryptocurrency market struggled to sustain those gains. Market capitalization reached a record level of approximately $4.27 trillion in early October, only to reverse sharply in the final quarter.
By year-end, total market value had declined to about $2.93 trillion, representing a significant retreat from its peak and an overall annual loss of roughly $250 billion. This performance reflected a year-over-year decline of 7.85%.
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XRP mirrored the broader market’s downturn, finishing 2025 with a loss of almost 12%. However, early indicators in 2026 suggest a shift in sentiment, as analysts reassess the structural forces influencing digital assets and reconsider long-standing assumptions about market cycles.
Bitwise CIO Questions the Traditional Crypto Cycle
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan challenged the relevance of the traditional four-year crypto cycle, arguing it no longer drives market behavior. He said the industry may now be entering a longer-term growth phase shaped by new structural forces.
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Hougan pointed to the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs, regulatory developments, and the expanding use of stablecoins and tokenization as lasting demand drivers. While cycle thinking still affects sentiment, he expects 2026 to deliver steady gains, lower volatility, and more normalized price action.
Hougan also noted that institutional adoption remains slow. He stated that firms such as Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and more approved Bitcoin products well after ETF launches due to lengthy internal processes. This delay helps explain the uneven market action observed over the past year.
Inversion CEO Expresses Confidence in XRP’s Potential
Kimes also referenced comments from Inversion CEO Santiago Roel Santos. Santos shared a notably bullish view on XRP during a recent Empire podcast episode. He argued that the asset has a credible path back to its all-time high. He believes it is more likely to do so than the other top 10 cryptos, even with weak market conditions.
He contrasted this optimism with a more pessimistic outlook on Ethereum, questioning its valuation and product direction. According to Santos, Ethereum’s market capitalization lacks sufficient justification. However, XRP’s lower valuation gives Ripple greater flexibility to deploy its native asset. He emphasized Ripple’s ability to use XRP for expansion, acquisitions, and to strengthen its ecosystem over time.
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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