Self-proclaimed “world’s smartest man,” YoungHoon Kim, has again drawn attention in the crypto market with optimistic projections, this time focused on XRP, as the token continues to trade lower and investor sentiment deteriorates.
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XRP Price Surge?
Kim, who claims an IQ of 276, said XRP could see significant long-term appreciation under specific macroeconomic conditions, while also pointing to potential upside in the near term.
“In my view, XRP could potentially approach $1,000 over the next 10 years,” Kim wrote.
He said a surge in the XRP price would be driven by weakening fiat currencies.
“Under the assumption of a large-scale migration of capital into crypto, alongside a significant decline in the dollar’s value and elevated inflation, the scenario cannot be ruled out on a numerical basis,” he added.
In separate posts, Kim also suggested that XRP may be approaching a major cycle peak and could benefit from a seasonal rally.
“Many signals point toward a potential ATH for XRP in Jan 2026,” he wrote, adding, “In my view, a Christmas rally for XRP is possible.”
XRP Sentiment Turns Negative
Market data suggests optimism remains limited.
According to blockchain analytics firm Santiment, negative commentary around XRP has risen well above historical norms.
During previous bull runs, XRP-related discussions typically skewed neutral to positive, driven by a highly engaged community often referred to as the “XRP Army.”
That balance has shifted, with Santiment data showing bearish mentions of XRP running roughly 20% to 30% higher than November averages.
Posts questioning XRP’s decentralization, utility, and Ripple’s influence have gained traction and often generated more engagement than supportive commentary.
Santiment described the current environment as a “fear zone,” noting that pessimism surrounding XRP has reached its highest level since October.
Fear and Historical Parallels
Some traders view the deteriorating sentiment as a potential contrarian signal.
XRP has fallen about 45% from its November highs, a decline accompanied by negative funding rates and rising short interest.
In past crypto cycles, such conditions have sometimes preceded sharp price reversals as selling pressure eased.
XRP experienced a similar dynamic in late 2020 and early 2021, when uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple led to a price decline of more than 70%.
The token later staged a rally, lifting prices above $2.
Technical Analysis Looks Gloomy
From a technical perspective, XRP remains under pressure.
CCN analyst Victor Olanrewaju noted that XRP’s weekly chart has printed more red candlesticks than green ones since the token set its all-time high.
“As a result, price action has compressed into a descending triangle, with horizontal support forming near the $1.88 level,” Olanrewaju wrote.
Momentum indicators continue to lean bearish, according to the analyst.
Olanrewaju said that if these conditions persist, XRP could slide toward the next support near $1.43, particularly if broader market conditions remain weak.
“Adding to the bearish setup, the token has formed a death cross on the EMA structure,” he added.
However, he noted that a resurgence in buying pressure—particularly if spot market demand begins to recover—could invalidate the bearish setup.
“In that scenario, XRP’s price may attempt a rebound toward the $2.22 region,” he said.
