CNBC calls XRP the new darling of cryptocurrency

CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos called Ripple’s payments token, XRP, the “new cryptocurrency darling” after the token rose 22% in the first week of the new year as traders look beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

XRP’s role as an alternative to BTC and ETH is driven by its cross-border payments pitch and steady flows of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that held up even after the fourth-quarter decline.

The Ripple token has gained 22% since January 1, outperforming BTC, up 5%, and Ether, up 10% since New Year’s Day.

XRP also surged to $2.42 on January 6, marking its highest price since mid-November 2025, before hovering around the current level of $2.26.

“The hottest cryptocurrency trade of the year isn’t Bitcoin, it’s not Ether, it’s XRP,” said Brian Sullivan, host of CNBC’s Power Lunch.

Meanwhile, major tailwinds could push the price of the token higher.

XRP ETF Momentum and Social Sentiment Remains Strong

Spot XRP ETF momentum and social sentiment could explain why XRP is outperforming its peers, CNBC hosts said.

According to Sigalos, “during the Q4 slump, many people flocked to XRP ETFs, which is the exact opposite of what is happening with spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, where people move in tandem with the price of the coin. »

The US Spot SoSoValue data.

Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at Kronos Research, noted that ETF inflows combined with XRP breaking key resistance levels on significant volume have increased traders’ risk appetite.

Place $XRP ETFs have exceeded $1 billion in cumulative volume.

This step indicates that institutions are increasingly looking beyond BTC and ETH for regulated crypto exposure. Vincent Liu, CIO at Kronos Research, said @TheBlock__ :

“XRP ETF inflows highlight growth… pic.twitter.com/6ZJudT9vqV

– Kronos Research 🟠 (@KronosResearch) December 18, 2025

Meanwhile, social sentiment towards XRP is also optimistic, as data from Glass knot shows that XRP exchange reserves are at their lowest levels in two years.

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