XRP January 2026 ATH? 21-Month EMA Signals Breakout

XRP Eyes Potential Repeat of 2018 Surge: Could Q1 2026 Bring a New ATH?

Market analyst JD highlights a striking pattern: in December 2017, XRP tested its 21-month EMA before soaring to a January 2018 ATH. Now, in December 2025, XRP is retesting the same EMA, raising the question: could history repeat with a January 2026 surge?

JD notes that if XRP holds its trendline over the next 20 days, a new ATH could emerge in Q1 2026. With Bitcoin and Ethereum showing mixed momentum, XRP is capturing investor attention through its real-world payment utility. 

Notably, the 21-month EMA remains a pivotal level, historically a launchpad for bullish surges, as seen in 2017, making it a key focus for analysts anticipating potential upside in the months ahead.

Nevertheless, JD cautions that even if XRP reaches a new ATH, a sharp post-rally correction, a potential “rug-pull crash,”could follow. This reinforces crypto’s core reality: explosive upside is often paired with abrupt downside. Investors should closely track the trendline, apply disciplined risk management, and stay alert to sudden reversals. 

While historical analogs are persuasive, XRP’s trajectory will hinge on technical strength, regulatory clarity, and broader market sentiment. A sustained hold above the 21-month EMA could set the stage for a 2018-style surge in early 2026, offering significant upside. 

Failure to defend that level, however, may invite rapid downside pressure, underscoring the market’s unforgiving volatility.

Therefore, XRP’s test of the 21-month EMA marks a critical inflection point. As JD notes, the next 20 days could determine whether Q1 2026 delivers a record-breaking rally or a sharp correction. With volatility likely to accelerate, investors should stay alert, track the trendline closely, and be prepared for swift market shifts.

XRP is at a decisive inflection point, with the 21-month EMA poised to define its next market cycle. JD’s analysis suggests that holding this level in the coming weeks could trigger a powerful rally into Q1 2026, potentially echoing the explosive breakout of early 2018. However, history also cautions that parabolic advances often precede sharp corrections. Whether XRP surges to a new all-time high or breaks down at this critical threshold, the next 20 days are likely to set market direction well into 2026. 

Well, close monitoring of the 21-month EMA and heightened vigilance are essential as XRP enters one of the most consequential phases in its market history.

Conclusion

XRP is at a critical inflection point as it tests the 21-month EMA. A successful hold could pave the way for a new all-time high in Q1 2026, while a breakdown risks a swift and severe reversal. The next 20 days may define XRP’s entire 2026 market trajectory.