XRP records its worst Q1 performance since 2018

The first quarter of 2026 is coming to an end this week, and $XRP is expected to post its worst Q1 performance since 2018, recording double-digit losses.

Despite reaching a key regulatory milestone earlier this year, the asset has struggled to maintain upward momentum. After briefly rising above $2 in January, $XRP steadily declined throughout the quarter as institutional demand weakened and macroeconomic pressures weighed on the crypto market.

Key highlights

• $XRP is on track for its worst Q1 since 2018, already down 28.5% before quarter close
• Despite an early rally to $2.42, the asset has shown consistent decline
• ETF investments weakened, with millions of dollars in outflows
• Analysts are divided, with some expecting a drop below $1

Strong start fades quickly

Like many cryptocurrencies, $XRP started 2026 on a strong note after a difficult previous year. It opened around $1.84 and quickly rose to $2.42 on January 6, 2026.

This initial surge revived investor optimism about a potential bullish cycle. However, the rally was short-lived as macroeconomic pressure triggered a multi-month decline, pushing the asset back below $2.

According to CryptoRank, $XRP is expected to decline by approximately 28.5% by the end of Q1 2026.

Worst Q1 since 2018

These results mark the weakest first quarter for $XRP since 2018, when it reached its all-time high. For comparison, in Q1 2018, XRP fell 77% after investors took profits following its surge to $3.84.

Subsequent years showed mixed results:
2019: −12.8%
2020: −6.9%
2021: +161%
2022: −2.14%

Between 2023 and 2025, XRP posted moderate gains:
+58.8%, +2.37%, and +0.45%.

However, the ~26.5% drop in Q1 2026 represents the steepest quarterly decline since 2018.

XRP quarterly returns

Institutional sentiment weakens

By the end of the quarter, institutional activity declined. XRP-based ETFs launched in late 2025 initially attracted over $1.3 billion.

However, March saw outflows:

• ~$35 million (March 6–9)
• ~$6 million (March 12)

As a result, cumulative inflows stand at ~$1.21 billion, while total net assets have dropped to ~$933 million.

Positive developments despite price decline

Despite falling prices, $XRP achieved several milestones:

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed XRP is not a security and classified it as a digital commodity
• Ripple continued expanding its ecosystem and integrating blockchain solutions

Additionally, the XRP Ledger surpassed 7.7 million non-empty addresses.

Analysts remain divided

Despite the downturn, some analysts remain optimistic. Cameron Scrubbs (Tradeship University) believes XRP could reach a new all-time high between April and May 2026 if it breaks above $1.70.

Others remain cautious. Analyst Casi suggests a potential drop to $0.87–$1.09 before recovery.

At present, XRP’s short-term outlook remains uncertain, with analysts urging caution amid ongoing volatility.

See also: "Strategy skips weekly Bitcoin purchase for the first time in 13 weeks"

#XRP (XRP) #Analitycs

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