XRP is once again making headlines — not just for its price movement, but for an explosive surge in futures trading activity. Despite a slight pullback in price, XRP futures volume spiked to $3.96 billion in just 24 hours, highlighting intense interest from traders and signaling a potential breakout on the horizon.

While the broader altcoin market remains relatively muted, XRP stands out, thanks to rising momentum at both technical and fundamental levels. The token is now approaching a key resistance zone at $2.14, and analysts are closely watching to see whether bulls can push it through.

Derivatives Traders Drive Record Activity

According to data shared by crypto researcher Ripple Van Winkle, XRP’s open interest surged by 5%, adding roughly $550 million in new futures positions. Open interest reflects the total value of active contracts and rising figures typically point to increased trader engagement and potential for volatility.

The derivatives frenzy has been led by major exchanges:

• Binance accounted for 30.58% of the futures activity, handling $1.21 billion in volume.

• Bybit followed with $793 million.

• OKX trailed with $520 million.

Perhaps most notable is the positive funding rate, which shows that more traders are opening long positions and are willing to pay a premium to bet on XRP’s price going up. This typically reflects bullish sentiment in the derivatives market.

XRP Nears Crucial Technical Resistance

The current excitement around XRP centers on a critical resistance level at $2.14. As the price approached this zone, technical indicators lit up, suggesting increased confidence among both retail and institutional traders.

If XRP can break above $2.14 with conviction, analysts expect the move could trigger a fresh leg up, potentially reigniting a broader altcoin rally.

XRP Price Prediction: Could $27 Be Next?

While XRP is currently trading below the $3 mark, some analysts believe a massive rally could still be in play. Popular crypto strategist Egrag Crypto recently pointed to a repeating fractal pattern resembling XRP’s 2017 bull run.

According to his projection, if the same setup plays out, XRP could surge to $27 by 2026 — representing a historic rally from current levels. Egrag believes XRP’s past cycles provide a clear roadmap for the future, noting that the current accumulation and price consolidation resemble the early stages of previous explosive moves.

Fundamental Drivers: Global Expansion & Regulatory Clarity

Beyond technicals, Ripple’s ongoing expansion is also playing a key role in boosting sentiment. The firm continues to secure partnerships around the globe, especially in the cross-border payments sector, where XRP is positioned as a liquidity bridge between fiat currencies.

Additionally, the crypto community is optimistic about potential regulatory clarity in the U.S., particularly as the long-running SEC lawsuit edges closer to a resolution. A favorable outcome could open the door for institutional investment and possibly an XRP ETF, further cementing its role in the digital asset space.

What It All Means

While short-term price dips may concern some traders, the surge in futures volume and rising open interest point to growing confidence in XRP’s long-term trajectory.

• Technical traders are watching for a breakout above $2.14.

• Derivatives markets show strong bullish bias.

• Fundamentals continue to improve, supported by Ripple’s global strategy and regulatory progress.

If momentum continues building, XRP could soon overcome resistance and enter a new bullish phase, with price targets well above current levels.