For a market that normally strikes in a single route, some voices are beginning to say this time would possibly look a bit completely different. Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg stated XRP may transfer on a special path from Bitcoin this yr, pointing to enterprise use instances as a key cause.
He made the remarks throughout a podcast with host Paul Barron, and outlined a cautious view of Bitcoin whereas singling out protocols tied to real-world tokenization.
Based on McClurg, the shift in focus towards sensible purposes could assist a small set of tokens behave otherwise than the broader market.
XRP And Hedera Seen As Sensible Picks
McClurg named the XRP Ledger and Hedera as examples of networks that might profit from enterprise adoption and tokenization efforts.
He argued that platforms with clear utility — like fee rails, tokenized belongings, or stablecoin infrastructure — have a greater likelihood of holding worth when speculative momentum fades.
Stories have disclosed that he doesn’t anticipate these belongings to race larger; as an alternative, modest positive aspects are the likeliest consequence, with development described as low double-digit moderately than explosive.
Bitcoin Faces Further Draw back
McClurg turned extra detrimental on Bitcoin. He stated he believes Bitcoin peaked on October 6, 2025, at $126,200. Since that date Bitcoin has slipped roughly 35% to about $95,800.
He warned that costs may fall one other 20–30% over the following six to 9 months, which might place BTC roughly between $65,000 and $77,000 earlier than the tip of the cycle.
Based mostly on his view, a brand new all-time excessive shouldn’t be anticipated in 2026 and the market could also be coming into a deeper correction.
Markets Might Nonetheless Transfer Collectively
Critics level out that altcoins typically endure higher losses when the market experiences a downturn, and historical past helps that warning.
Liquidity tends to dry up throughout massive Bitcoin sell-offs, and even belongings with actual use instances may be pushed decrease in a broad risk-off episode.
In layman’s phrasing, XRP would possibly fall lower than Bitcoin and due to this fact look stronger as compared, however outright independence from Bitcoin is uncommon and normally non permanent.
Relative Outperformance The Extra Possible End result
Based on McClurg’s perspective, what’s most lifelike is relative outperformance moderately than full separation. Which means XRP and related tokens may stay flat or present modest optimistic returns whereas Bitcoin weakens.
Such a sample would nonetheless be notable for holders and for enterprises planning tokenization initiatives, nevertheless it falls in need of a dramatic worth surge.
Featured picture from Bitpanda Weblog, chart from TradingView
