XRP News Today: Crypto's 2026 Turning Point: XRP Eyes ETF Potential as Solana Faces Security Issues and Ethereum Battles Challenges

Cryptocurrency Market Sees Renewed Volatility in Late November

As November drew to a close, the cryptocurrency landscape experienced a fresh wave of volatility. Major digital assets such as XRP, Solana, and Ethereum each charted distinct courses, influenced by factors like institutional interest, regulatory shifts, and broader economic trends.

XRP: Institutional Momentum and Lingering Doubts

XRP’s value reached $2.20, pushing its market cap to $132 billion after the Franklin Templeton XRP Spot ETF (XRPZ) debuted on NYSE Arca. This ETF, which charges a 0.19% fee and waives fees on the first $5 billion in assets until May 2026, joined other institutional products such as Grayscale’s XRP and DOGE ETFs. These launches reflected growing confidence from large investors, though some experts cautioned about possible challenges ahead.

Despite a 34% surge in 2025, fueled by the resolution of U.S. legal disputes and Trump’s return to office, skepticism persists. NASDAQ analysts recently forecasted a decline to $1 in 2026, pointing to fading catalysts and ongoing structural issues, such as XRP’s limited adoption as a bridge asset within RippleNet. While Ripple’s network includes over 300 financial institutions, SWIFT’s continued dominance in cross-border payments and the optional use of XRP within RippleNet have limited its practical utility. Additionally, XRP’s price movements have become increasingly linked to stock market trends, with analysts highlighting a connection between S&P 500 highs and crypto downturns.

Solana: Rapid Growth Meets New Challenges

Solana has emerged as a formidable competitor, generating $2.85 billion in annual revenue and attracting $380 million in ETF investments within three weeks of its ETF’s October 2025 launch. Upgrades like Alpenglow and the Firedancer validator client have helped Solana rival Ethereum, which has dropped 45% from its August peak. However, Solana’s momentum has slowed due to weakening on-chain activity. Total Value Locked (TVL) dropped by 20% in November, and ETF inflows turned negative for the first time, with $8.2 million withdrawn. A $36 million hack targeting Upbit’s Solana hot wallet further unsettled the market, causing liquidity disruptions and intensifying selling pressure.

Ethereum: Facing Headwinds Amid Shifting Activity

Ethereum’s recent struggles highlight the broader difficulties confronting established blockchain networks. Despite maintaining significant liquidity and influence, Ethereum’s economic model is under strain as more activity migrates to Layer 2 solutions. The network’s 45% retreat from $4,950 to $2,700 revealed the fragility of its institutionally driven rally, with some analysts questioning whether its infrastructure can retain developers and users in 2026.

Security Risks and Ecosystem Concerns

Security issues have also plagued Solana, as a malicious Chrome extension called Crypto Copilot siphoned 0.5% of user swaps to an attacker’s wallet. This incident, part of a growing trend of browser-based crypto scams, sparked debate about the ecosystem’s preparedness for widespread adoption.

Institutionalization and Market Outlook

The increasing involvement of institutions continues to shape short-term market dynamics. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF investors recently saw a $3.2 billion profit after Bitcoin reclaimed the $90,000 mark, signaling renewed optimism among major players. However, crypto ETFs—which fueled much of 2025’s growth—are now under scrutiny for their fee structures and the risks associated with asset custody.

Looking Forward: Key Assets to Watch

Both XRP and Solana remain in the spotlight for investors. XRP’s ETF-driven liquidity and regulatory clarity provide short-term support, but its future appeal depends on expanding its real-world applications. Solana’s technical advancements and revenue growth make it a strong alternative to Ethereum, though ongoing security issues and market swings remain concerns. As the industry shifts from speculation to utility, the interplay of macroeconomic trends, institutional participation, and technological innovation will ultimately determine which cryptocurrencies lead the way in 2026.