As 2025 wraps up, the current low-volume environment is naturally generating some volatility \u2013 although most major tokens are still rangebound for now. Bitcoin has mostly been stuck between $86,500 and $90,400 since December 20, while a widely-anticipated \u201cSanta Rally\u201d failed to materialize. Ethereum has been in more or less the same position, with its price ranging between $2,890 and $3,070 over the last 10 days.<\/p>\n
Even the total crypto market cap is dealing with a similar dynamic, hovering around the $3 trillion mark while traders wait for the new year to begin. Moving back to large-caps, XRP is currently at $1.86 \u2013 and Standard Chartered\u2019s got everyone talking after their analyst Geoffrey Kendrick predicted that XRP could hit $8 in 2026. Kendrick\u2019s latest analysis paints a bullish picture due to clearer regulations following Ripple\u2019s SEC lawsuit settlement, over $1.25 billion in XRP spot ETF inflows, and a tightening XRP supply on exchanges.<\/p>\n
The Layer 2 niche is also seeing some promising moves (Arbitrum up 5% on the week, Optimism up 2.7%), and crypto presales are excelling \u2013 as long as the projects in question provide real solutions regarding scalability and utility. Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER)<\/a> is a prime example, having raised nearly $30 million in its presale amid preparations for the launch of its Bitcoin Layer 2 chain. Some analysts have even speculated about 1000x returns for HYPER, which could be achievable if it establishes a strong foothold within the Bitcoin ecosystem.<\/p>\n This publication is sponsored. CryptoDnes does not endorse and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products or other materials on this page.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Bitcoin<\/a> and Ethereum have both taken a breather while liquidity drops over the holiday period \u2013 but analysts view this break as a setup for fresh gains with institutional bets still flowing in. Firms like BlackRock have kept ETF inflows strong, underscoring Bitcoin\u2019s staying power as a store of value. Ethereum\u2019s price has settled below $3,000 following its latest upgrades, which cut Layer 2 costs dramatically (some by as much as 60%), fueling better scalability across the board.<\/p>\n On the XRP front, Standard Chartered\u2019s research analysis has been making headlines this week after Geoffrey Kendrick, their Global Head of Digital Assets Research, forecasted a climb to $8 for XRP next year. This progress could be driven by regulatory wins, hefty ETF inflows already topping $1.25 billion in 2025, and a supply drop to 1.5 billion XRP tokens on exchanges, creating a potential supply squeeze.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8 JUST IN: Standard Chartered\u2019s digital-assets research head (Geoff Kendrick) reportedly projects $XRP<\/a> could reach $8 by end-2026. pic.twitter.com\/RkSmqN1a85<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 RippleXity (@RippleXity) December 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\nEnd-of-Year Volatility Leaves Short-Term Traders Confused<\/h2>\n
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