Overview

• XRP price remains stable around $1.46 despite wider crypto market volatility.

• Spot ETFs now hold nearly $1B in assets and about 793 million XRP tokens.

• Derivatives open interest above $4B signals rising institutional Crypto participation.

XRP price has remained steady in mid-February 2026, even as the wider crypto market shows mixed signals. Ripple’s altcoin is near $1.46 at press time, moving within a daily range between $1.45 and $1.50. 

Intraday highs touched around $1.49 before pulling back slightly. XRP trading volume stayed strong, with hundreds of millions of tokens changing hands during the day.

This type of price action shows complete balance between buyers and sellers. There is no sharp breakout, but also no heavy crash. The token has been trading within a controlled range since a recovery earlier this month. Market participants appear to be watching closely before taking bigger positions.

Strong XRP ETF Inflows Support Market

One of the key reasons behind XRP’s steady performance is the rise in spot ETF inflows. Since late 2025 and early 2026, several spot exchange-traded funds were launched in the United States. 

At present, seven active XRP ETFs are operating. Combined assets under management are near $1.0 billion.

As of February 17, 2026, around 793 million XRP coins are currently held in these ETF structures. This is important as tokens locked in funds are not actively traded on exchanges. When supply on exchanges reduces, price pressure to the downside often becomes weaker.

This growing institutional participation shows confidence from larger investors. ETFs allow traditional investors to gain exposure without directly holding crypto. Owing to this, steady capital is entering the ecosystem. It does not mean price will only go up, but it creates a stronger base.

XRP Derivatives Market Expands Rapidly

Another major factor is the expansion in derivatives trading. Futures open interest across major platforms crossed $4 billion at peak activity during January. That is a significant number and signals rising leverage in the system.

When open interest grows, it means more traders are using futures contracts to bet on price movement. This increases liquidity but also increases volatility. If price moves sharply, liquidations can accelerate momentum in either direction.

Options trading has also picked up. Institutional desks are using regulated futures and options products to manage exposure. This makes XRP part of a broader macro trading strategy rather than only a retail-driven asset. Still, higher leverage always carries risk, and sudden swings can happen very fast.

Also Read - Is XRP Undervalued in 2026 or Still Exposed to Legal and Macro Risks?

Regulatory Clarity Improves Sentiment

Legal clarity has helped XRP regain institutional attention. The long legal battle between Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission finally ended in 2025. 

Court decisions clarified that retail XRP sales were largely outside securities classification, while certain institutional sales faced restrictions and settlements.

This outcome reduced a large amount of uncertainty that had hung over XRP for years. Exchanges and ETF issuers felt more comfortable launching new products. The regulatory picture is not fully risk-free, but it is clearer than before.

With less legal doubt, more structured capital entered the market. That shift is visible in ETF inflows and rising derivatives volume. Confidence slowly returned, even if some investors remain cautious.

On-Chain Data Shows Accumulation

Blockchain data suggests accumulation is happening quietly. Exchange balances have declined in recent weeks, indicating tokens are being moved into long-term storage or ETF custody. Lower exchange supply often supports price stability.

At the same time, macroeconomic concerns and broader crypto corrections created short periods of risk-off behavior. XRP saw brief pullbacks but quickly stabilized again. This pattern shows demand absorbing selling pressure.

However, it would be wrong to assume continued upward movement from here. If ETF inflows slow down or derivatives traders unwind positions quickly, volatility could spike. Funding rates and liquidation levels need close monitoring.

Also Read - XRP Eyes $15: Price May Surge After Breaking Major Resistance

XRP Price Prediction Remains Balanced

XRP is currently in a consolidation phase. Price stability around $1.46 reflects a balance between demand and supply. Strong ETF inflows near $1.0 billion in AUM and 793 million tokens locked provide structural support to the market. At the same time, futures open interest above $4 billion introduces leveraged exposure that can magnify price moves quickly.

Market structure appears stronger than in previous years. Institutional tools are now widely available, and regulatory clarity has improved overall confidence. The digital asset space remains sensitive to macro events and sudden liquidity shifts, which can quickly shift sentiment.

Overall, XRP shows resilience in the current environment. The base appears solid for now, though conditions can change quickly and sometimes without much warning. The coming weeks will likely depend on continued fund inflows and how derivatives traders position themselves in the market. Stability today does not guarantee stability tomorrow, but the foundation seems to be more mature than before.

FAQs

What is the current XRP price?

XRP is trading around $1.46, moving within a range of $1.45 to $1.50 as of mid-February 2026.

How much capital has flowed into XRP ETFs?

Seven active spot ETFs hold close to $1.0 billion in combined assets under management.

How many XRP tokens are locked in ETFs?

Approximately 793 million XRP tokens are currently held within ETF structures.

Why does the derivatives open interest matter for XRP?

Open interest above $4 billion shows strong futures activity, which increases liquidity but can also raise volatility.

Is XRP affected by the broader Crypto Market trend?

Yes, XRP often moves with overall Crypto Market sentiment, though ETF inflows and legal clarity are currently providing added support.