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XRP has lost approximately 7% of its value this week, continuing to trend under bearish pressure. Although the cryptocurrency has significantly declined over the past six weeks, analysts remain optimistic about a potential rebound. 
With a current value of $1.36, target-focused XRP users get $1,360 for 1,000 XRP tokens. Most of these users are curious about how much those tokens will be worth by the end of Q1 2026. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that AI models appear more optimistic than human analysts, with most predicting higher short-term targets.
Derivatives and Spot Flows Signal Caution

XRP derivatives data reflects a completed leverage cycle. Open interest expanded sharply in late Q4 as price surged. Subsequently, declining open interest followed rising volatility. Hence, forced liquidations and position closures reduced speculative exposure. Despite occasional price stability, leverage conviction continued to fade.
Recently, open interest stabilized at lower levels. This shift suggests leverage excess has cleared. Consequently, the market now favors consolidation rather than aggressive directional bets.

Spot flow data supports this cautious tone. Net outflows dominated recent months, indicating ongoing distribution pressure. Moreover, red flow sessions intensified during price declines. Brief inflow spikes appeared occasionally. However, they failed to alter the broader trend. Hence, spot demand remains limited, reinforcing the bearish structure.
Q1 2026 XRP Price Forecast Scenarios
Most cryptocurrency analysts, including AI algorithms, have identified bullish, base, and bearish scenarios for XRP in Q1 2026. The bullish outcome would see XRP return above $3.0, assuming spot XRP ETF inflows continue to increase and the U.S. lawmakers pass the CLARITY Act. 
CryptoRank AI predicts an optimistic $4.40 target for XRP by the end of March 2026, implying that 1,000 XRP tokens will be worth $4,400 by that time. In the meantime, most human-based crypto analysis platforms, such as CoinDCX and LiteFinance, remain within the $2.40 to $2.60 XRP price range for Q1 2026. The basis for their prediction is on moderate institutional interest and the steady growth of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin. For this category, holding 1,000 XRP tokens by the end of Q1 2026 will give between $2,400 and $2,600.
Meanwhile, less optimistic users remain cautious, noting that weakening ETF demand or persistent macroeconomic headwinds could increase pressure on XRP, causing it to trade within the $1.45-$1.52 price range, therefore equating 1,000 XRP to between $1,450 and $1,520.
Key Drivers for XRP Price in Q1 2026

Amid the varying predictions and the potential outcomes for XRP, it is worth noting that the critical drivers behind the cryptocurrency’s price development include ETF momentum, supply squeeze, banking option, and macroeconomic developments. 
XRP ETFs have absorbed an impressive $1.23 billion in total inflows since launching in late 2025. Analysts believe the cryptocurrency will rally higher if spot XRP ETF products sustain a steady monthly inflow of $300 million. Meanwhile, most users believe a continued tightening of supply, similar to the 2025 scenario, when exchange balances dropped by 57%, will trigger a spike in XRP’s price.
In the meantime, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse projects the XRP blockchain will capture roughly 14% of SWIFT’s transaction volume within five years. Garlinghouse’s comment has boosted bullish sentiment around XRP, representing a major demand driver for the digital asset.
$XRP #xrp #TrendingTopic

Ethereum (ETH) is entering a high-stakes phase of price discovery, having shed over 30% of its value year-to-date to trade near $1,971 as of February 11, 2026. This sharp decline has pushed the asset well below the estimated average cost basis for both accumulation whales and ETF holders, the latter of which sits near $3,500. While BitMine the world’s largest ETH treasury is currently weathering over $7 billion in unrealized losses, on-chain data suggests a remarkable display of "diamond hands." Exchange net position changes have turned negative, signaling massive withdrawals for self-custody, while institutional players like BitMine continue to stake thousands of ETH, signaling a long-term commitment to the network's architectural future.
Under Water: The $7 Billion Paper Loss at BitMine
The depth of the current drawdown has placed even the largest institutional participants in a significant unrealized loss position.
The BitMine Squeeze: As ETH dipped below $2,000, the unrealized losses for BitMine swelled from $6 billion to over $7 billion. Despite this, the firm remains aggressive, purchasing another 40,000 ETH yesterday and staking 140,400 ETH to reinforce its long-term network participation.Staking as a Shield: Approximately 68.7% of BitMine’s total ETH holdings (2.97 million ETH) are currently staked. This strategy suggests that institutional giants are prioritizing network yield and security over short-term price fluctuations.
ETF Resilience: Holding the Line at $3,500
Bloomberg Intelligence analysts have noted that Ethereum ETF holders are currently facing a more severe relative selloff than their Bitcoin counterparts.
The Cost Basis Gap: With ETH at $1,971, the gap between the current price and the estimated $3,500 ETF cost basis is substantial. Total net inflows into Ethereum ETFs have cooled from $15 billion to roughly $12 billion.Diamond Hands: Despite a peak-to-trough drawdown of over 60% comparable to the April 2025 crash most ETF investors have remained in place. This lack of broad exit activity suggests that institutional capital views the current sub-$2,000 level as a temporary dislocation rather than a fundamental failure.
Whale Behavior: Aggressive Accumulation Below the Realized Price
On-chain data confirms that the largest wallets in the ecosystem are treating the current dip as a generational buying opportunity.
Breaking the Realized Price: Ethereum has fallen below the average entry level of accumulation addresses that began building positions in June 2025.Negative Exchange Flow: More ETH is being withdrawn from exchanges than deposited. This "accumulation drain" reduces the immediate sell-side liquidity available, potentially setting the stage for a sharp supply-shock-driven recovery once broader market sentiment stabilizes.
Essential Financial Disclaimer
This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Reports of Ethereum trading below a $3,500 ETF cost basis and BitMine’s $7 billion unrealized loss are based on market data and third-party analysis as of February 11, 2026. "Unrealized" losses do not indicate realized capital depletion unless assets are sold. Staking digital assets involves significant risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities and potential "slashing" penalties. Ethereum remains a high-risk asset subject to extreme volatility; the 30% year-to-date decline highlights the potential for total capital loss. Always conduct your own exhaustive research (DYOR) and consult with a licensed financial professional before making significant investment decisions in Ethereum or digital asset ETFs.

Do you think the whales are right to "double down" below $2,000, or is the $7 billion BitMine loss a sign that a deeper capitulation is coming?

Ethereum (ETH) is entering a high-stakes phase of price discovery, having shed over 30% of its value year-to-date to trade near $1,971 as of February 11, 2026. This sharp decline has pushed the asset well below the estimated average cost basis for both accumulation whales and ETF holders, the latter of which sits near $3,500. While BitMine the world’s largest ETH treasury is currently weathering over $7 billion in unrealized losses, on-chain data suggests a remarkable display of "diamond hands." Exchange net position changes have turned negative, signaling massive withdrawals for self-custody, while institutional players like BitMine continue to stake thousands of ETH, signaling a long-term commitment to the network's architectural future.
Under Water: The $7 Billion Paper Loss at BitMine
The depth of the current drawdown has placed even the largest institutional participants in a significant unrealized loss position.
The BitMine Squeeze: As ETH dipped below $2,000, the unrealized losses for BitMine swelled from $6 billion to over $7 billion. Despite this, the firm remains aggressive, purchasing another 40,000 ETH yesterday and staking 140,400 ETH to reinforce its long-term network participation.Staking as a Shield: Approximately 68.7% of BitMine’s total ETH holdings (2.97 million ETH) are currently staked. This strategy suggests that institutional giants are prioritizing network yield and security over short-term price fluctuations.
ETF Resilience: Holding the Line at $3,500
Bloomberg Intelligence analysts have noted that Ethereum ETF holders are currently facing a more severe relative selloff than their Bitcoin counterparts.
The Cost Basis Gap: With ETH at $1,971, the gap between the current price and the estimated $3,500 ETF cost basis is substantial. Total net inflows into Ethereum ETFs have cooled from $15 billion to roughly $12 billion.Diamond Hands: Despite a peak-to-trough drawdown of over 60% comparable to the April 2025 crash most ETF investors have remained in place. This lack of broad exit activity suggests that institutional capital views the current sub-$2,000 level as a temporary dislocation rather than a fundamental failure.
Whale Behavior: Aggressive Accumulation Below the Realized Price
On-chain data confirms that the largest wallets in the ecosystem are treating the current dip as a generational buying opportunity.
Breaking the Realized Price: Ethereum has fallen below the average entry level of accumulation addresses that began building positions in June 2025.Negative Exchange Flow: More ETH is being withdrawn from exchanges than deposited. This "accumulation drain" reduces the immediate sell-side liquidity available, potentially setting the stage for a sharp supply-shock-driven recovery once broader market sentiment stabilizes.
Essential Financial Disclaimer
This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Reports of Ethereum trading below a $3,500 ETF cost basis and BitMine’s $7 billion unrealized loss are based on market data and third-party analysis as of February 11, 2026. "Unrealized" losses do not indicate realized capital depletion unless assets are sold. Staking digital assets involves significant risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities and potential "slashing" penalties. Ethereum remains a high-risk asset subject to extreme volatility; the 30% year-to-date decline highlights the potential for total capital loss. Always conduct your own exhaustive research (DYOR) and consult with a licensed financial professional before making significant investment decisions in Ethereum or digital asset ETFs.

Do you think the whales are right to "double down" below $2,000, or is the $7 billion BitMine loss a sign that a deeper capitulation is coming?