XRP is once again attracting investor attention as bullish sentiment builds around the token’s price action and broader adoption trends.

After dipping below the critical 50-day moving average earlier this week, XRP has bounced back strongly to reclaim the $3 mark. The earlier downturn, which saw whales selling off and pushing the token down to $2.72, appears to have been a temporary correction. Now, traders are eyeing a potential breakout above $3.10 as confirmation of renewed upward momentum, with some projecting a climb toward $4.

Institutional Support and ETF Optimism Fuel XRP’s Rise

Market analysts, including Ryan Lee, chief analyst at Bitget, remain confident in XRP’s trajectory. In a recent note, Lee pointed to increasing institutional interest, the ongoing use of Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) products, and the potential introduction of XRP-based ETFs as significant tailwinds.

Lee stated, “With institutional adoption, ODL usage, and ETF optimism, the potential for $3 to $5 price levels remain realistic by year-end.” This perspective aligns with a broader shift in sentiment surrounding Ripple’s regulatory stance and its role in cross-border payments, bolstered by months of favorable legal outcomes.

Even though some whales recently took profits, causing short-term downside pressure, market observers maintain that long-term flows — particularly those tied to ETF speculation and institutional allocation — could drive further gains if resistance levels are breached.

Solana Mirrors Strength with DeFi and Staking Momentum

While XRP leads the charge, Solana (SOL) also showed impressive movement. The token surged 10% in just 24 hours, trading near $206, spurred by buying activity in the $175 to $180 support range. Analysts note that DeFi expansion and anticipated staking activity from ETF investors have lifted both open interest and total value locked (TVL) across the Solana ecosystem.

Technical charts suggest that a sustained breakout above the $205–$210 resistance band could pave the way for further upside, with targets ranging from $250 to $260. More aggressive projections put the potential high near $300 — assuming momentum persists and ETF clarity emerges.

Chart showing recent XRP and Solana price performance amid growing buying volume and institutional interest.

The Road Ahead: XRP and Solana Leading the Altcoin Rally

As the market progresses into the latter half of 2025, both XRP and Solana are shaping up to define the altcoin narrative. Their technical setups, combined with fundamental catalysts such as ETF developments and institutional inflows, offer a compelling case for continued growth.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

Provided these tokens continue to show resilience above critical support levels, and gain traction from ETF-related inflows, analysts like Lee believe they could be the primary drivers of the next altcoin leg up. The outlook for XRP in particular remains optimistic if adoption and regulatory momentum persist.