The new year is already proving eventful for cryptocurrency markets, as both Dogecoin and XRP have shown notable price movements and attracted the attention of analysts and investors alike. With Dogecoin surging 9% in the past 24 hours and XRP exhibiting a mild recovery, the digital asset landscape is once again alive with speculation, technical signals, and predictions for the future.
According to Benzinga, Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) kicked off 2026 with impressive momentum, rising 9% over the 24-hour period leading up to January 2. This uptick marks a strong start to the year for the meme-inspired token, which has often been a bellwether for retail enthusiasm in the broader crypto market.
Crypto analyst Kevin highlighted that Dogecoin printed a weekly reversal candle inside a key demand zone, a potentially bullish signal if confirmed at the weekly close. Kevin emphasized, "If the candle confirms at the weekly close and both DOGE and Bitcoin reclaim their 4-hour 200-day SMA/EMA, it could mark the bottom of the recent pullback and set up a countertrend bounce." This technical milestone, he suggests, could be the sign traders are waiting for to re-enter the market with confidence.
Further underlining the importance of broader market dynamics, Kevin added that Bitcoin reclaiming the $88,000–$91,000 range remains crucial for altcoin strength. In other words, Dogecoin’s rally may hinge not only on its own technicals, but also on the performance of the world’s largest cryptocurrency.
Ali Martinez, a respected crypto chart analyst, noted that Dogecoin is now targeting a move toward $0.08 after confirming a bullish breakout from its price channel. "Dogecoin is targeting a move toward $0.08 after confirming a bullish breakout from its price channel, signaling improving upside momentum," Martinez observed. Meanwhile, The Cryptomist pointed out that DOGE has broken its daily downtrend, which could signal a trend shift. "A successful retest of the breakout level would be critical, with upside targets at $0.15 initially and $0.21 on continuation," The Cryptomist stated. For those watching the charts, these levels are likely to be closely monitored in the coming sessions.
The enthusiasm is backed by concrete data. Coinglass reported that Dogecoin open interest jumped to $1.71 billion on January 2, up from $1.55 billion the previous day, indicating increased market participation and speculative interest. Bitinfocharts data revealed that wallet addresses holding small amounts of Dogecoin (0–0.1 DOGE) rose to 3 million, up from 2.99 million, while those holding 0.1–1 DOGE increased to 799,305 from 797,783. These numbers suggest that retail investors are once again accumulating DOGE, perhaps in anticipation of further gains.
While Dogecoin’s rally has grabbed headlines, XRP, the token associated with Ripple Labs, has also seen a moderate uptick. As reported by Cryptopolitan, XRP gained 2.28% over the same 24-hour period, trading near $1.89 as of January 2, 2026. This recovery comes after a period of correction and reflects a cautiously optimistic sentiment among traders.
Technical analysis on XRP’s daily and 4-hour charts confirmed an upward trend, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) moving upward. On the daily chart, the RSI stood at 45, while on the 4-hour chart, it reached 59, both in the neutral zone but trending higher. The Bollinger Bands signaled low volatility, with support found around $1.80–$1.84 and resistance near $1.90–$1.96. Such technicals suggest that while the market is stabilizing, buyers are gradually regaining control.
XRP’s recent price moves come against a backdrop of significant events. On January 1, 2026, Ripple released 1 billion XRP tokens from escrow in three tranches (200 million, 300 million, and 500 million XRP), an action that quickly caught the market’s attention. Whale Alert, a popular crypto transaction tracker, confirmed multiple large transfers hitting the ledger at once, underscoring heightened activity among so-called "whale" investors.
Despite these positive signals, analysts urge caution. The broader sentiment for XRP remains mixed, with the daily simple moving averages (SMA) and exponential moving averages (EMA) mostly flashing "sell" signals. The fear and greed index sits at 28, indicating a market still dominated by fear. XRP’s price volatility over the past year has been high—trading was reportedly twice as volatile as Bitcoin in 2025, with realized volatility reaching 80%. Such swings highlight the need for deeper liquidity and prudent risk management.
Looking ahead, price predictions for XRP are optimistic but measured. Cryptopolitan forecasts that XRP could reach a maximum of $3.37 by the end of 2026, with an average price of $2.81 and a floor price of $1.57. Longer-term, the projections become even more ambitious: by 2032, XRP could trade between $13.47 and $14.59, assuming continued adoption by global financial institutions and resolution of regulatory challenges. However, analysts are quick to remind investors that "predictions are not investment advice" and recommend thorough research before making decisions.
XRP’s history is a rollercoaster of volatility, legal battles, and dramatic price swings. Its all-time high was $3.65, achieved on July 18, 2025, while its all-time low was just $0.002686 back in May 2014. The token’s journey has been shaped by both technological innovation and regulatory uncertainty. The partial legal victory against the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2023, for instance, triggered a sharp price jump, but the asset has since faced renewed pressure amid shifting market dynamics.
Market sentiment for both Dogecoin and XRP appears cautiously optimistic as 2026 begins. For Dogecoin, the combination of bullish technical signals, rising open interest, and increased wallet activity points to renewed retail enthusiasm. For XRP, the story is one of steady recovery, ongoing institutional interest, and a community that remains steadfast despite headwinds.
Yet, the crypto market is nothing if not unpredictable. Both tokens face their own sets of risks—be it technical resistance levels, regulatory hurdles, or broader market corrections. As always, investors are advised to keep a close eye on developments, conduct their own research, and remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results.
As the year unfolds, Dogecoin and XRP will likely remain at the center of the crypto conversation, offering both opportunities and lessons for seasoned traders and newcomers alike.