TLDR

  • XRP has risen 32% since January 1, hitting a daily peak of $2.41.
  • Bollinger indicates XRP’s technical formation looks less robust than Bitcoin’s.
  • Peter Brandt shared XRP’s chart “without comment,” igniting discussion.
  • XRP’s trading volume exploded 133.4% to $7.79 billion, signaling heightened market activity.

XRP’s value has climbed sharply since the start of 2026, drawing scrutiny from analysts and traders. Even with this advance, veteran trader John Bollinger has raised a cautionary flag, implying the uptrend is not as potent as those seen in Bitcoin and Ethereum. His wary perspective, alongside an enigmatic post from seasoned trader Peter Brandt, has triggered debate across the cryptocurrency community.

Legendary Trader Issues Bearish Warning on XRP Rally

John Bollinger, the creator of the Bollinger Bands technical indicator, has expressed reservations about XRP’s recent price surge. Although XRP has appreciated more than 32% since 2026 began, Bollinger remarked that the underlying pattern of the move is not as solid relative to other leading digital assets.

He detailed that XRP’s advance drove its price above the upper Bollinger Band. Nonetheless, he characterized the price formation as “weaker” and missing a firm foundation. In his view, the volatility compression, or “squeeze,” that typically comes before more substantial rallies is less evident on XRP’s chart.

Bollinger further noted that while Ripple saw a “strong lift,” its technical configuration continues to be less favorable than that of Bitcoin or Ethereum. He stated Bitcoin maintains its dominant position, with Ethereum next, and XRP lagging due to its more erratic price movements and inferior structural setup.

Peter Brandt’s Post Sparks Community Debate

Veteran market analyst Peter Brandt also commented on XRP, though more ambiguously. On the social media platform X, Brandt posted a chart of XRP accompanied solely by the phrase “Without comment.”

His post aligned with a 9.35% single-day increase in , which saw prices touch $2.41 briefly. Without providing further explanation, the chart he presented implied XRP has yet to surpass a significant resistance level.

Brandt’s view is that a genuine breakout for XRP would only be validated at the $3.50 price point. He suggested that until that level is exceeded, XRP might stay in a precarious position. His remarks provoked responses from the community, including one analyst who encouraged him to examine XRP’s longer-term price trajectory.

Price Action and Market Metrics Show Momentum

XRP started 2026 trading near $1.77 and has since built considerable upward momentum. On January 6, it achieved a high of $2.41 after rebounding from a low of $2.11.

Market metrics reveal that open interest for XRP increased 21%, while trading volume jumped 133.4% to $7.79 billion. These figures point to vigorous engagement and revived trader interest.

Despite analyst worries, the cryptocurrency has held support above the $2 threshold. Some market participants stay hopeful, citing a recent golden cross formation as a positive indicator for continued appreciation.

Analyst Concerns About Sustainability of the Rally

Although the recent price increases may buoy investor sentiment, both Bollinger and Brandt seem circumspect. Bollinger’s assessment stressed that the foundation supporting XRP’s ascent is deficient. He observed that Ethereum is also mirroring Bitcoin’s pattern, albeit with a lag, indicating continues to set the pace.

Brandt’s $3.50 breakout benchmark remains distant from present prices. He cautioned that numerous holders could start offloading their positions once XRP nears prior purchase prices, especially those who acquired the asset at $3 or higher.

This potential selling activity may create downward pressure and sap momentum unless XRP can decisively move beyond crucial resistance levels.