XRP Price Forecast: Key Factors That Could Propel It To $3 In Early 2026

As markets brace for the release of November’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran is pushing back against the prevailing view that inflation remains stubbornly above target.

His remarks come only days before the CPI data release on Thursday. This US economic data is likely to influence investor sentiment for Bitcoin.

Stephen Miran: The Fed Is Fighting the Wrong Inflation Ahead of CPI

Data on the CME FedWatch Tool shows markets are rethinking their interest rate bets, with traders wagering a 75.6% probability of no change in the January 2026 Fed meeting.

It comes as Miran argues that underlying inflation is already running close to the Fed’s 2% goal. He says that much of the remaining overshoot is driven by statistical distortions rather than excess demand.

At the center of Miran’s argument is shelter inflation. This is one of the largest and most persistent contributors to core inflation measures.

He noted that the Fed’s preferred Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index captures housing costs for all tenants. This means it lags behind real-time market rents, which only reset when leases are renewed. According to Miran, that lag is now distorting the inflation picture.

Miran also addressed core non-housing services inflation, highlighting portfolio management fees as a key example. The policymaker argues that these artificially boost core PCE despite long-term fee compression in the asset management industry.

Because these fees are measured based on assets under management, rising equity markets can mechanically lift measured prices. This could happen even when actual costs to consumers are falling.

Rethinking Tariffs and Goods Inflation as Forward-Looking Data Backs Disinflation

On goods inflation, Miran challenged the widely held belief that US tariffs are a major driver of recent price increases.

Drawing on trade elasticity research, he argued that exporters bear the majority of the tariff burden. This results in a relatively small and likely temporary impact on consumer prices.

Even under conservative assumptions, he estimated the effect on consumer prices to be around two-tenths of a percent. Ideally, it is closer to noise than a lasting inflationary impulse.

Miran’s view is echoed by Anna Wong of Bloomberg Economics, who pointed to forward-looking indicators suggesting renewed disinflation over the next six months.

Wong said core CPI goods are trending lower again, potentially by mid-2026, adding that markets may be underpricing the scale of rate cuts further out.

Together, the comments sharpen an emerging debate inside the Fed on whether policymakers are still fighting inflation pressures rooted in 2022 rather than current conditions.

With CPI due Thursday, the data will be closely watched for confirmation or contradiction of Miran’s claim that inflation is being overstated and that policy may already be tighter than necessary heading into 2026.

The UK is preparing to regulate the cryptocurrency sector under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority. The government aims to introduce consumer protections that are currently missing in the industry, according to The Guardian. Officials said one goal of the legislation is to close this protection gap.

The FCA launched a public consultation to examine how existing handbook provisions would apply to crypto firms. The consultation covers governance, operational resilience, financial crime controls, and Consumer Duty obligations.

Companies would need FCA authorization before operating. Officials said this is intended to raise standards, strengthen consumer protection, and address risks, including volatility, as new legislation is drafted.

Rising Risks and Fraud

Crypto growth in the UK has coincided with rising fraud and investment losses. UK Finance data showed a 55% increase in funds lost to crypto-related scams over the past year. Last month, authorities carried out the country’s largest Bitcoin seizure.

Chinese national Zhimin Qian, who defrauded more than 128,000 people in China, had hidden the proceeds in the UK. Authorities recovered 61,000 BTC, worth over £5 billion.

Goals of the New Rules

Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor, Source: LinkedIn

The rules are expected to increase market transparency, improve detection of suspicious activity, allow sanctions, and hold companies accountable. Officials said the measures could help position the UK as a hub for digital asset innovation.

“By giving firms clear rules of the road, we are providing the certainty they need to invest, innovate and create high-skilled jobs here in the UK, while giving millions strong consumer protections, and locking dodgy actors out of the UK market,” UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves said.

Support for "Growth"

City Minister Lucy Rigby said the legislation would support growth. “Bringing forward this legislation is a milestone. Our intention is to lead the world in digital asset adoption.

The rules we are putting in place are going to be proportionate and fair. They are going to be good for growth, encourage firms to invest here and protect consumers as well,” she said.

Rigby is expected to table secondary legislation. Officials aim to have the final rulebook ready by mid-2026, with full implementation in 2027.

Faster Registration Process

The FCA has accelerated its registration process for crypto firms, reducing the average approval time from over a year to five months. Approval rates have increased to 45% in recent months, compared with less than 15% over the past five years.

Ripple Labs is expanding its US dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD to Ethereum layer-2 blockchains as part of a pilot while it awaits regulatory approval for a full rollout next year.

In partnership with Wormhole, a crosschain interoperability protocol that allows assets to move between different blockchains, the pilot will test RLUSD on Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain, according to a statement from Ripple on Monday.

Initially, RLUSD was issued on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum; however, Ripple said that the latest expansion is “essential for a scalable, efficient, and interoperable future.”

Dogecoin started a fresh decline below the $0.1320 zone against the US Dollar. DOGE is now consolidating losses and might face hurdles near $0.1350.

• DOGE price started a fresh decline below the $0.1320 level.
• The price is trading below the $0.1300 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average.
• There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.1340 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
• The price could extend losses if it stays below $0.1340 and $0.1350.

Dogecoin Price Dips Again

Dogecoin price started a fresh decline after it closed below $0.1380, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. DOGE declined below the $0.1350 and $0.1340 support levels.

The price even traded below $0.130. A low was formed near $0.1266, and the price is now showing bearish signs. It is consolidating below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1530 swing high to the $0.1266 low.

Dogecoin price is now trading below the $0.1300 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. If there is a recovery wave, immediate resistance on the upside is near the $0.1325 level. The first major resistance for the bulls could be near the $0.1340 level. There is also a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.1340 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair.

The next major resistance is near the $0.1400 level and the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1530 swing high to the $0.1266 low. A close above the $0.1400 resistance might send the price toward the $0.1450 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $0.1500 level. The next major stop for the bulls might be $0.1550.

More Losses In DOGE?

If DOGE’s price fails to climb above the $0.1350 level, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $0.1280 level. The next major support is near the $0.1250 level.

The main support sits at $0.120. If there is a downside break below the $0.120 support, the price could decline further. In the stated case, the price might slide toward the $0.1050 level or even $0.10 in the near term.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for DOGE/USD is now gaining momentum in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOGE/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $0.1280 and $0.1250.

Major Resistance Levels – $0.1340 and $0.1350.

December 16, 2025 06:22:50 UTC

Cathie Wood’s ARK Buys the Dip With $60M Bet on Crypto Stocks

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest stepped in during the latest crypto stock selloff, buying nearly $60 million worth of shares across the sector. Purchases included Coinbase, Bullish, Circle, Bitmine, and CoreWeave, as prices slid for multiple sessions. The move aligns with ARK’s long-standing strategy of adding exposure during drawdowns rather than chasing rallies. Despite recent declines, crypto equities remain a core part of ARK’s portfolio, signaling continued long-term conviction.

December 16, 2025 06:14:49 UTC

ETH Fund Signals Turn Positive as Institutional Demand Stabilizes

Ethereum fund positioning is showing early signs of improvement. The fund market premium has turned slightly positive, suggesting institutional demand for is stabilizing after recent volatility. Historically, this shift points to easing selling pressure and a reset in positioning, rather than aggressive downside. While it’s not a clear breakout signal yet, it often marks a phase where the market prepares for its next directional move.

December 16, 2025 06:07:23 UTC

Bitcoin Faces Heavy Selling as Whales Rotate Into Ethereum

Bitcoin is under renewed selling pressure as prominent investors, including Luke Gromen, reportedly cut exposure amid concerns over broader market stress and long-term risks like quantum computing. At the same time, on-chain data shows whales accumulating Ethereum, highlighted by a $120 million buy on Binance. Retail traders appear to be selling into weakness, adding to downside pressure. While a rebound is possible, markets remain cautious as macro uncertainty and shifting asset preferences shape near-term sentiment.

December 16, 2025 06:07:23 UTC

Solana Tokens Hit Fresh Highs as Ecosystem Momentum Grows

Several Solana-based crypto projects are reaching new all-time highs, pointing to rising investor interest and stronger community activity. Tokens such as Official Boxabl, STONKS, NAFO Fund, and SavingAngus have recently touched peak market caps, supported by active callers and large subscriber bases. The surge reflects growing optimism around Solana’s expanding ecosystem and improving liquidity. As momentum builds, traders are closely tracking these projects for potential upside opportunities.

December 16, 2025 06:05:09 UTC

Mining Yields Dip as XRP Momentum Builds Across Markets

Bitcoin mining yields have eased to about $0.038 per TH/s per day as the market adjusts after the halving. Meanwhile, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is expanding to multiple Ethereum Layer-2 networks through Wormhole, supporting XRP liquidity and real-world use. XRP spot ETFs have now logged 30 straight days of inflows nearing $1 billion, even as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs see outflows. Adding to the trend, CME Group has launched spot-quoted XRP and SOL futures, highlighting rising institutional demand.

December 16, 2025 05:47:44 UTC

Crypto Market Crash as Liquidations Spike—Is More Volatility Ahead?

Crypto markets saw a sharp sell-off on Monday, wiping out $136 billion in value as Bitcoin slipped below $88,000. The drop triggered $381 million in leveraged liquidations, underscoring the ongoing volatility driven by leverage. Total market cap fell 3.7% to $2.93 trillion, with Ethereum down 6.1% and altcoins following. By contrast, the S&P 500 dipped just 0.3%. Analysts say the market remains range-bound, with $3.2T as resistance and $2.85T as key support, echoing past correction phases.

December 16, 2025 05:45:43 UTC

Bitcoin vs Gold: Rare Signal Hints at a Possible Rotation

For only the fourth time in Bitcoin’s history, the BTC-to-Gold RSI has dropped below 30—a level that previously marked major bottoms in 2015, 2018, and 2022. While not a guarantee, it suggests a clear imbalance. This time, gold appears stretched relative to Bitcoin. The gap from the 20-week moving average is also unusually wide. History may not repeat, but when this signal appears, it often points to an upcoming rotation.

December 16, 2025 05:43:58 UTC

Ripple CEO Pushes Back on NYT Over SEC Crypto Claims

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has slammed The New York Times for what he calls a “hit piece” targeting the SEC’s new leadership. The report suggests crypto cases are being dropped due to political favoritism, but Garlinghouse says that misses the point. According to him, the real story is the rollback of Gary Gensler’s “illegal” enforcement-first approach—something Ripple and the broader crypto industry have long challenged.

December 16, 2025 05:42:14 UTC

Crypto Crash Ahead? Japan’s Rate Move Could Trigger a Final Crypto Flush

Crypto markets may face another sharp drop in December as Japan is expected to raise interest rates again. Higher rates unwind the yen carry trade, forcing investors to sell assets, including crypto. Past hikes in 2024 and 2025 saw Bitcoin fall nearly 25%. A similar move could spark fast sell-offs and volatility. However, with Japan’s economy weak and global liquidity slowly improving, this drop could mark a final bottom before a stronger 2026 rally.

December 16, 2025 05:38:00 UTC

Why Bitcoin Price is Crashing?

Bitcoin price is down today, and the reason is simple: China. Authorities tightened rules on domestic Bitcoin mining, forcing major shutdowns in regions like Xinjiang. Around 400,000 miners went offline in December, pushing the network hashrate down nearly 8%. When miners lose revenue, many are forced to sell BTC to cover costs or relocate, creating short-term sell pressure. This isn’t a demand problem or a long-term threat just a temporary supply shock.

Executive Reece Merrick claims that RLUSD is moving beyond being a "Ripple-only" asset and positions it as the universal infrastructure for the entire crypto market.

This comes after the company rolled out RLUSD to multiple Ethereum Layer-2 chains, including Optimism, Base, Ink/Inkchain, and Unichain, with the help of Wormhole’s Native Token Transfer (NTT) standard.

Being "chain-agnostic"

RLUSD aims to become the "definitive and trusted gateway," meaning that it will be a regulated banking tool for the blockchain.

Instead of fighting for users to come to them, Ripple is taking their product to where the users already are. They emphasize that the future is "multi-chain." Ripple cannot expect all users to migrate to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to use their products.

By expanding to Layer 2s (Optimism, Base, Ink, Unichain), Merrick is saying RLUSD must be "chain-agnostic." It needs to function just as well on Ethereum-based networks as it does on the XRPL.

Merrick has stressed that "RLUSD" needs to exist wherever there is demand.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) activity is currently surging on Layer 2 networks (like Base). If RLUSD were confined only to XRPL and Ethereum Mainnet, it would miss out on this massive volume.