Is Ripple a slow-burn success or a fading spark? Check out what's in store for this international-payments platform and its namesake crypto token.
The cryptocurrency commonly known as Ripple (XRP -0.20%) is trading just above $0.50 per token. It was briefly worth more than $1 in the summer of 2021, and its all-time peak value comes from an ever-quicker spike at $3.84 three years earlier.
But the functional token of the RippleNet international-payments network typically plods along far below the single-dollar mark. Should Ripple investors expect a slow pricing grind for years to come, or is it poised to reach $5 any time soon?
Ripple's rocket ride may be risky
Long story short: I see a strong future for Ripple and its token holders. But it would be a mistake to expect skyrocketing prices in 2024, and $5 is an unrealistic target for the next few years. The true wealth-building gains will come in the long haul, as RippleNet expands to more countries and becomes more widely used.
That's not an all-out guarantee, of course. Many factors could cripple Ripple on its way to the stars. For instance:
- The lawsuit by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is still going through the legal machinery and may not come up roses for the Ripple community. Regulators in other markets could also throw in roadblocks at any time.
- The lawsuit risk highlights Ripple's centralized architecture, with Ripple Labs starting the blockchain network and controlling many aspects of its operation. A community-driven, decentralized system holds many advantages over this approach, from more robust data security to quicker decision-making. Crypto giants Ethereum (ETH -2.38%) and Bitcoin (BTC -1.03%) enjoy these advantages, but Ripple does not.
- Other cryptocurrencies may take over RippleNet's transaction-focused operations with cheaper and faster transactions, higher security, or new features.
- At the moment, crypto-based systems look poised to disrupt traditional banking systems in many ways. But if that digital revolution never comes, Ripple won't be worth much in the long run.
Ripple's long-term potential: Beyond the legal battles
After showing you the potholes in the road ahead, let's take a look at potential catalysts for Ripple's long-term price gains.
Ripple's legal tango with the SEC is turning a corner after four long years, offering a glimmer of hope to XRP enthusiasts. This isn't just good news -- it's a potential game-changer, possibly easing the regulatory shadow looming over Ripple and sparking renewed interest among investors.
Meanwhile, RippleNet's expansion is nothing short of impressive, roping in banks and financial institutions at a pace that could make even the skeptics take a second look. The system has access to more than 70 geographical markets, adding up to roughly 90% of the global market for border-crossing transactions.
XRP's growing role as the go-to for liquidity in international transactions could see its demand and value shoot up. This system connects a company's crypto-based assets, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, to the RippleNet payment service, providing a middle layer of crypto-denominated loans to make the process smoother and faster. The liquidity service is only available in some U.S. states and a handful of countries so far, but Ripple plans to expand it worldwide.
On top of that, Ripple is exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on a global scale, already developing digital-currency systems for small countries like Palau and Bhutan. Larger CBDC partnerships are brewing in Hong Kong and Colombia. This little project is going places.
Slow and steady wins the cryptocurrency race
Ripple's innovative services and CBDC partnerships make it a champion of a financial revolution. Sure, the road ahead is sprinkled with regulatory hurdles and other potential threats, but Ripple's proactive stance might just pave the way for a brighter future.
So I can't promise that Ripple's token price will multiply tenfold in the near future. However, a $5 target looks quite plausible in the long run, as the global crypto market matures and RippleNet gains traction in more local markets.
Keep an eye on the risks listed earlier, and make your Ripple investment a reasonable size that wouldn't break the bank if something goes terribly wrong. Then, you'll be ready to enjoy Ripple's step-by-step evolution without losing too much sleep over a risky investment. The $5 target may be several years away, but you should get there eventually.
Anders Bylund has positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
FAQs
Long story short: I see a strong future for Ripple and its token holders. But it would be a mistake to expect skyrocketing prices in 2024, and $5 is an unrealistic target for the next few years.
What price can XRP realistically reach? ›
Therefore, our XRP price prediction forecasts a price of $1.80 by the end of 2024. Depending on the lawsuit's outcome and crypto market conditions, it could go much higher, potentially reaching $3.10. Nevertheless, there is also scope for lows of $0.30 if the case swings in the SEC's favor.
Will XRP skyrocket? ›
Coin Price Forecast
According to the XRP price prediction 2026, the value of XRP should rise from 0.82 USD (beginning of 2026) to 1.44 USD by the end of 2030. Coin's growth potential is limited. Of course, the price will rise and fall over six years.
Will Ripple reach $100 dollars? ›
Crypto analyst JackTheRippler has raised the possibility of the XRP price rising to $100 soon enough. As part of his prediction, he mentioned what needs to happen for the crypto token to attain such ambitious heights.
What is the honest prediction for XRP? ›
Our real-time XRP to USD price update shows the current Ripple price as $0.54 USD. Our most recent Ripple price forecast indicates that its value will increase by 26.99% and reach $0.690180 by May 23, 2024.
Could XRP reach $5? ›
However, a $5 target looks quite plausible in the long run, as the global crypto market matures and RippleNet gains traction in more local markets. Keep an eye on the risks listed earlier, and make your Ripple investment a reasonable size that wouldn't break the bank if something goes terribly wrong.
How much will 1 XRP be worth in 2030? ›
Trading Education, which is bullish on XRP's long-term future growth, likens the platform to a Visa competitor by the end of the decade. The site predicts that XRP could reach a high of $31.81 by the end of 2030.
Will XRP reach $20? ›
Here's an interesting prediction – XRP, a popular cryptocurrency, could rise to a staggering $20 by 2026, according to some analysts. Noteworthy is that this big surge is expected despite XRP's ongoing legal wranglings with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple, its creator.
Is XRP going to explode? ›
XRP's gains should come, but maybe not right away
I'm not saying that Ripple is poised to pop in January, or that the token most certainly will rise later in 2024. However, it does seem poised for long-term success.
Can Ripple make you a millionaire? ›
It's obvious to me that in order for Ripple to make millionaires out of its investors, adoption would need to rise substantially over the long term. As demand increases for the digital coin, its price should as well.
Interestingly, the crypto went on a consolidation for 12 months after the formation of three bullish candles before going on an 8000% to $0.40562. If this repeats itself, we could see XRP go through a similar consolidation period before skyrocketing to $50 starting on November 1st, 2024.
Could Ripple reach $10? ›
Could XRP reach $10? For XRP to reach $10, the market cap is around $520 billion, considering the current circulating supply, which would make the project almost double the value of the second largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum.
Can Ripple be next Bitcoin? ›
XRP's Potential as the Next Bitcoin
This assertion is grounded in the belief that XRP possesses distinct advantages over its peers. Garlinghouse emphasizes that Ripple's approach from the outset has been to collaborate closely with regulators and establish partnerships with regulated entities, notably banks.
Is XRP ever going to be worth anything? ›
XRP price forecast 2024
With most XRP future Ripple price predictions however, It's generally expected that Ripple should be worth more in 2024 than it is now, with some pundits suggesting that it could be worth as high as a maximum price of $4.
Should I buy XRP right now? ›
This is an innovative cryptocurrency. But investors should temper expectations. There's a lot of risk with owning XRP, so it's best to avoid buying it, even though it is below $1.
Can XRP hit $1000 usd? ›
It is possible for XRP to reach $1,000 USD, but it is highly unlikely in the near future. Will XRP reach $50? Will XRP reach $50? Will XRP explode in 2023?
Is it possible for XRP to reach $500? ›
The $500 mark for XRP remains almost unattainable, given the astronomical market cap it necessitates. However, factors like Ripple's IPO success and a decisive legal victory against the SEC could significantly impact its trajectory in the long term.
Will XRP ever reach $50? ›
XRP Would Need a $2.7T Market Cap to Hit $50
The media personality stressed that XRP would need to surge by around 100x or 10,000% from its current value to reach a $50 price.
