2026 has arrived, and cryptocurrency traders are stepping into the new year with hopes that altcoins will fare better than they did in 2025. At present, XRP, Solana, and PEPE are emerging as some of the most intriguing options to monitor as potential top crypto investments.
Despite Bitcoin rebounding toward $89.5K, many altcoins remain down more than 50% from their peak prices.
Bitcoin appears to have disrupted the traditional four-year cycle narrative, leaving no one able to confidently predict what the future holds. Nonetheless, examining the fundamentals shows that SOL, XRP, and PEPE continue to be among the most captivating names as we enter the new year, and here’s why.
Ripple (XRP) Might Reach $8 In 2026: Bank Analyst Forecasts
XRP has just reached an eight-year low in exchange supply, typically indicating that accumulation is taking place while prices hover near their lows.
A significant contributor to this trend is the influx from ETFs, which have already attracted over $1.4B since their inception. This amounts to nearly 0.75% of the total XRP supply in just a few months.
Additionally, analysts at Standard Chartered believe XRP could surge over 300% and exceed $8 in 2026, driven by demand for spot ETFs and the regulatory clarity that XRP has finally attained.
Source: XRPUSD / TradingView
Currently, there are three critical levels to observe on the XRP chart. To maintain a bullish trend, XRP must stay above $1.80 as we transition into Q1.
It has just surpassed the initial level at $1.90. If this upward movement continues, a retest of the $2.00 psychological barrier should be anticipated. The RSI is around 64, leaving room for a short-term push towards $2.20.
Any sustained dip below $1.80 would undermine the bullish structure, with the $1.60 level becoming the crucial support to monitor on the downside.
Solana (SOL) Was The Leading Chain In 2025 And May Repeat In 2026
Solana is no longer an emerging chain. It concluded 2025 as the top blockchain by revenue, generating over $1.4B, even surpassing Hyperliquid, which ranked second.
It also led all chains in DEX volume and was second only to Binance Smart Chain in active addresses in November, even during one of the network’s weakest periods.
Source: Cryptorank
Another significant achievement that must be noted is the approval of Solana ETFs. These are anticipated to introduce fresh demand into the ecosystem, similar to the initial launch period when SOL experienced 21 consecutive days of inflows.
With all these developments occurring while the price remains above its 18-month support, Solana may be quietly preparing for a substantial move in 2026.
From a technical perspective, SOL has now surpassed the short-term resistance around $128. If it can maintain its position above the $127.50 to $130.50 range, momentum could accelerate quickly.
This would pave the way to an initial target of $133, followed by a retest of the channel top near $139 to $140. If it fails to hold this zone, $118 will come back into play, with $112 as the next significant support to watch.
PEPE May Spark Memecoin Season Again
PEPE has already risen nearly 50% since the beginning of 2026. During the previous bear market, PEPE emerged unexpectedly and was a key factor in igniting the bull run.
It essentially initiated the memecoin season that many still remember. Given its current momentum, many believe it could replicate that success and revitalize the memecoin market.
That candle just broke through a resistance that held for months around $0.000005, but a long journey lies ahead.
Following this surge, the RSI is around 89, indicating it is clearly overbought rather than oversold. This suggests that a pullback would be typical at this stage. If PEPE can convert that previous resistance into support during a dip, it may be poised for a highly successful year.
It could potentially recreate the same rally it achieved earlier in 2025. If that occurs, the coin mentioned below stands out as one of the strongest contenders to follow that trend.
Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Might Be The Next Coin To Follow This Trend
While major players like XRP and Solana navigate crucial levels, early-stage capital is already shifting towards higher-upside opportunities. One project currently garnering attention is Bitcoin Hyper.
Bitcoin Hyper is establishing itself as a Bitcoin-aligned Layer 2 focused on speed, scalability, and real utility—attributes many investors believe Bitcoin itself currently lacks. The project has already surpassed the $30M fundraising milestone. This is noteworthy given the prevailing market conditions and the risk-averse sentiment surrounding altcoins.
What stands out is the timing. Bitcoin Hyper is gaining momentum. While most speculative assets remain significantly discounted, a similar setup has historically led to exceptional returns once momentum resumes. If 2026 becomes a broader risk-on year, Bitcoin Hyper is well-positioned to capitalize on that rotation.
As always, high-upside ventures carry higher risks. However, for traders looking beyond large caps, Bitcoin Hyper is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched narratives as the year unfolds.
Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here
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