XRP Leads Crypto Rally as Bitcoin Approaches $95,000; Crypto Stocks Surge
Crypto markets surged on Monday, with XRP stealing the spotlight as Bitcoin climbed to its highest levels since mid-November. Bitcoin (BTC) rose more than 3% to $94,400, marking its largest one-day percentage gain in over a month and bringing the asset closer to the psychologically significant $95,000 level, which some analysts view as a key milestone for further momentum.
However, the day’s rally was led by XRP (XRP), which broke critical resistance overnight and added 9% during U.S. trading, reaching just under $2.32 — its strongest level since mid-November.
Crypto Stocks Join the Upswing
Crypto-related equities also posted strong gains after a challenging 2025. Coinbase (COIN), which received a “buy” upgrade from Goldman Sachs, climbed nearly 9%, while MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Robinhood (HOOD) rose 5% and 6%, respectively.
Smaller crypto names outperformed even more dramatically. Bakkt (BKKT) jumped 30%, Figure (FIGR) advanced 20%, and Bitcoin miner Hut 8 (HUT), which pivoted to AI infrastructure last year, rose 15% to nearly $60 per share. Longtime investors may now be eyeing the stock’s split-adjusted 2021 high of $76.
Broader Markets and Commodities
U.S. equities were higher across the board, led by a 1.4% advance in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 posted more modest gains of 0.7%. Precious metals remained volatile but showed upward momentum, with silver up 7% and gold 3%.
Bitcoin Outlook for 2026
Despite a 6% decline in 2025, Bitcoin could be poised for a comeback in 2026, according to Lukman Otunuga, senior market analyst at FXTM. Falling interest rates and a tightening supply of actively traded BTC — as long-term holders keep coins off exchanges — may support prices.
Yet headwinds remain. New U.S. tax reporting requirements could dampen retail participation, and regulatory actions targeting crypto-heavy firms continue to pose risks. Technically, Otunuga notes that a sustained move above $100,000 could rekindle record-high ambitions, while a drop below that threshold could expose Bitcoin to deeper declines, with support levels near $77,500 and $54,000.
