Divided Markets: XRP ETFs Defy Bitcoin and Ethereum Outflows

XRP ETFs as an Exception

The first full trading week of 2026 reveals a clear divergence in the market for crypto exchange-traded funds: While Bitcoin and Ethereum products faced massive capital withdrawals, XRP ETFs were able to generate inflows against the general trend.

XRP ETFs recorded net inflows of $38.1 million during the week in question and reached their highest weekly trading volume to date at $219 million ^[1]. The products thus continued their positive streak since market launch. The increased trading volume indicates growing institutional interest ^[1].

Significant Outflows from Bitcoin ETFs

In contrast, spot Bitcoin ETFs closed the week with total net outflows of $681 million, according to data from analytics platform SoSoValue ^[2]. The products registered four consecutive trading days of capital withdrawals between Tuesday and Friday, which significantly overcompensated for the early inflows at the beginning of the year ^[2].

The highest daily outflow was recorded on Wednesday at $486 million, followed by $398.9 million on Thursday and $249.9 million on Friday ^[2]. At the beginning of the year, Bitcoin ETFs had still recorded inflows of $471.1 million on January 2 and $697.2 million on January 5 ^[2].

Ethereum ETFs Under Pressure

A similar development was seen in spot Ether ETFs, which recorded net outflows of approximately $68.6 million for the week ^[2]. Total assets under management stood at approximately $18.7 billion at the end of the week ^[2].

Notably, spot XRP ETFs also experienced their first outflows since trading began ^[2], although this did not significantly impact the positive weekly balance.

Current XRP Price Development

The XRP price moved between a high of $2.1106 and a low of $2.0825 in the last 24 hours ^[1]. Currently, the price is quoted at $2.0939, which is marginally above the closing price from 24 hours ago ^[1]. The market capitalization stands at approximately $126.852 billion ^[1].

The price is below the exponential moving average (EMA-20) of $2.1138 and has shown a sequence of lower highs and lower lows since the January peak ^[1]. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 34.62 signals weak momentum near the oversold zone ^[1].

Institutional Interest Remains Present

Despite the outflows in the ETF segment, major US banks reported further activities. Morgan Stanley filed applications with the SEC for two spot crypto ETFs that would track Bitcoin and Solana ^[2].

Current developments suggest a possible capital reallocation, with investors specifically investing in XRP despite general market weakness ^[1]. This could be interpreted as a vote of confidence in the medium-term relevance of the asset ^[1].