XRP Price Drops 5% Despite CNBC Naming It Top 2026 Trade Over Bitcoin and Ethereum

The price of XRP experienced a 5% decline in the last 24 hours, contrasting with a recent bullish projection from financial media giant CNBC. In a notable segment, CNBC analysts labeled XRP as the potential "hottest trade" for the year 2026, suggesting it could outperform major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This long-term optimism from a mainstream financial network highlights growing institutional interest in Ripple's digital asset. However, the short-term market reaction has been negative, with XRP slipping amidst broader market volatility. The divergence between immediate price action and long-term analyst sentiment underscores the complex dynamics influencing cryptocurrency valuations. Market participants are now weighing CNBC's forward-looking endorsement against current trading pressures and regulatory developments surrounding Ripple.