XRP climbs above the $2 level with an 8% jump as expectations grow for a softer SEC stance.

XRP climbed above the $2 level on Friday for the first time since mid-December, extending its early-2026 rally as traders pointed to sustained spot ETF inflows and improving sentiment around U.S. crypto regulation.

Figures from SoSoValue showed U.S. spot XRP ETFs attracted $13.59 million in net inflows on Jan. 2, lifting total inflows since launch to $1.18 billion. The steady demand has helped support near-term supply dynamics for XRP, even as broader crypto markets continue to trade largely sideways.

The advance also comes amid a reassessment of the regulatory landscape following the exit of SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw. Some market participants view her departure as removing a key obstacle to more accommodative crypto policies. Crenshaw had been among the most vocal critics of crypto spot ETFs and had opposed the SEC’s decision to drop its appeal in the Ripple case, according to market observers.

Policy-related speculation added to the momentum, with traders pointing to a potential Market Structure Bill markup scheduled for Jan. 15. Expectations around forthcoming legislation have remained elevated into the first quarter, contributing to XRP’s relative strength.

XRP’s performance stood out against mixed flows across other major crypto ETFs. The same data showed softer demand for bitcoin funds, underscoring the view that XRP’s rally is being driven by asset-specific catalysts rather than a broad-based risk-on move.

XRP was last trading just above $2, up around 8% on the day. Bitcoin hovered slightly above $90,000, while ether traded near $3,000, both posting more modest gains.