Best Crypto to Buy Now 2 January – XRP, PEPE, Solana

By: crypto insight|2026/01/04 21:30:06
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Key Takeaways

  • XRP is experiencing low supply on exchanges and is anticipated by analysts to surpass $8 in 2026, buoyed by ETF demand and regulatory clarity.
  • Solana ended 2025 as the top revenue-generating blockchain and continues to show promise in 2026, supported by ETF approvals and strong technical support levels.
  • PEPE, gaining nearly 50% since the start of 2026, could ignite another memecoin season, similar to its previous rally.
  • Bitcoin Hyper is emerging as a promising project, capitalizing on the Bitcoin ecosystem with a focus on scalability and practical utility.

WEEX Crypto News, 2026-01-04 13:20:47

With the dawn of 2026, the cryptocurrency scene buzzes with renewed anticipation. Traders are hopeful this year will be kinder to altcoins, especially with Bitcoin’s volatile yet notable recovery hovering around $89.5K. However, despite this rebound, most altcoins remain at significantly lower values, largely more than half off from their historical highs. While Bitcoin has diverged from its expected four-year cycle, creating a sense of uncertainty in its footsteps, Ripples of potential are seen in select altcoins such as XRP, Solana, and PEPE, which stand tall as intriguing contenders for the new year.

Ripple (XRP) Could Surge to $8: An Analyst’s View

In the diverse world of crypto assets, Ripple’s XRP is drawing substantial attention. As it hits an eight-year trough in exchange supply, there’s speculation this signals accumulation at its current price levels. Such accumulation often forebodes positive market movements. The ripple effect of this interest is partly due to considerable investments from exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which collectively have amassed over $1.4 billion since their inception, managing nearly 0.75% of the entire XRP supply in a few short months.

Standard Chartered analysts foresee a scenario where XRP could capitalize significantly on these favorable conditions, potentially experiencing an over 300% increase, thereby crossing the $8 mark by 2026. This optimism is fueled by both the demand for spot ETFs and the newfound regulatory transparency surrounding XRP, which collectively bolster investor confidence.

For those tracking XRP’s pricing, specific chart metrics are pivotal. To sustain its upward trajectory, XRP must consolidate above the $1.80 mark as we enter the first quarter. It recently surpassed the initial resistance at $1.90, suggesting room for further growth. Should this momentum hold, surpassing the $2.00 psychological barrier isn’t far-fetched. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) lingering around 64 indicates a healthy scope for a short-term surge, possibly targeting $2.20. Conversely, any break beneath $1.80 could disrupt its bullish pattern, placing $1.60 as a critical level of support.

Solana’s Streak Continues into 2026

Solana has firmly established itself as a blockchain powerhouse, shedding its ’emerging chain’ label with aplomb. Closing 2025 as the highest revenue-generating blockchain with an impressive $1.4 billion—ahead of competitors like Hyperliquid—Solana’s performance remains formidable. Even during November’s challenging conditions, Solana secured a leading position in decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volumes and ranked closely behind Binance Smart Chain concerning active addresses.

A key catalyst for Solana’s continued success is the approval of Solana-based ETFs, anticipated to inject fresh capital into the ecosystem. Previous ETF launches witnessed Solana enjoying 21 consecutive days of financial inflows, and similar future events could trigger another robust engagement from investors. All these developments coalesce while Solana maintains its price above a crucial 18-month support level, setting the stage for a potent uptrend in 2026.

From a technical standpoint, Solana has managed to breach the $128 mark, a short-term resistance. Holding steady above the $127.50 to $130.50 corridor could accelerate momentum, with immediate subsequent targets set at $133, and potentially testing the upper channel near $139 to $140. Should the price falter in this region, investors might turn their focus toward a fallback position around $118, or even deeper support at $112.

PEPE: Reviving the Memecoin Season?

The memecoin PEPE has had an explosive start to 2026, already up nearly 50% since the year’s inception. During the last bearish cycle, PEPE was a frontrunner in sparking a broader bull market, ushering in a vibrant memecoin trend that resonated with investors. The current market dynamics suggest PEPE might once again play a similar role, rejuvenating interest and participation in memecoins.

PEPE’s recent breakthrough past a long-standing resistance at $0.000005 signifies developing momentum, though it faces a challenging path ahead. With its RSI reaching 89, it is firmly in the overbought territory, often a precursor to price corrections. If PEPE can turn its past resistance into a sustainable support level, it may well set the ground for another remarkable performance, potentially mirroring its rally from 2025.

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): The Upcoming Prospect

As the larger-cap cryptos like XRP and Solana navigate through their technical barriers, another player garners attention—Bitcoin Hyper. This project positions itself as a Layer 2 complement to Bitcoin, targeting advancements in speed, scalability, and genuine utility. Many investors perceive a gap in Bitcoin’s current offerings, and Bitcoin Hyper aims to fill it.

Bitcoin Hyper has successfully raised over $30 million, a milestone that gains particular significance given the prevailing risk-averse sentiment across the altcoin market. This achievement signals the project’s budding traction among early investors, setting the stage for substantial attention if 2026 emerges as a more favorable, risk-on period.

It is vital for investors to recognize that plays promising high returns naturally come with increased risks. However, for those venturing beyond the realm of established giants, Bitcoin Hyper presents itself as a narrative worth watching in this potentially transformative year.

FAQ

What makes XRP a strong contender for 2026?

XRP shows promise due to its low exchange supply, substantial ETF inflows, and favorable analyst predictions of a potential 300% price increase, crossing $8 by 2026. Additionally, its regulatory clarity enhances investor confidence.

Why is Solana considered a top blockchain for investment?

Solana distinguished itself as the top revenue-generating blockchain in 2025, with robust DEX volume and active addresses. The approval of Solana ETFs also boosts its future outlook with prospects for increased ecosystem demand.

How could PEPE influence the memecoin market in 2026?

PEPE’s significant price increase since early 2026 suggests it could revive interest in memecoins, similar to its past influence during the previous bull market. Should PEPE convert its resistance level into support, it could spur a new phase of memecoin enthusiasm.

What factors contribute to Bitcoin Hyper’s potential in the current market?

Bitcoin Hyper capitalizes on perceived gaps in Bitcoin’s capabilities by focusing on speed, scalability, and real-world applications. Having raised over $30 million amid a cautious market, it stands out as an enticing project if the risk-on environment prevails.

How should investors approach high-upside cryptos like Bitcoin Hyper?

Investors should weigh the potential of high returns against inherent risks. While Bitcoin Hyper offers attractive prospects due to its technical focus and market positioning, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and remain mindful of volatile market dynamics.

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China's Central Bank and Eight Other Departments' Latest Regulatory Focus: Key Attention to RWA Tokenized Asset Risk


Foreword: Today, the People's Bank of China's website published the "Notice of the People's Bank of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration for Market Regulation, China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Preventing and Dealing with Risks Related to Virtual Currency and Others (Yinfa [2026] No. 42)", the latest regulatory requirements from the eight departments including the central bank, which are basically consistent with the regulatory requirements of recent years. The main focus of the regulation is on speculative activities such as virtual currency trading, exchanges, ICOs, overseas platform services, and this time, regulatory oversight of RWA has been added, explicitly prohibiting RWA tokenization, stablecoins (especially those pegged to the RMB). The following is the full text:


To the people's governments of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:


  Recently, there have been speculative activities related to virtual currency and Real-World Assets (RWA) tokenization, disrupting the economic and financial order and jeopardizing the property security of the people. In order to further prevent and address the risks related to virtual currency and Real-World Assets tokenization, effectively safeguard national security and social stability, in accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the People's Bank of China," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Commercial Banks," "Securities Law of the People's Republic of China," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Securities Investment Funds," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Futures and Derivatives," "Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China," "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Renminbi," "Regulations on Prevention and Disposal of Illegal Fundraising," "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Foreign Exchange Administration," "Telecommunications Regulations of the People's Republic of China," and other provisions, after reaching consensus with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and with the approval of the State Council, the relevant matters are notified as follows:


  I. Clarify the essential attributes of virtual currency, Real-World Assets tokenization, and related business activities


  (I) Virtual currency does not possess the legal status equivalent to fiat currency. Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, etc., have the main characteristics of being issued by non-monetary authorities, using encryption technology and distributed ledger or similar technology, existing in digital form, etc. They do not have legal tender status, should not and cannot be circulated and used as currency in the market.


  The business activities related to virtual currency are classified as illegal financial activities. The exchange of fiat currency and virtual currency within the territory, exchange of virtual currencies, acting as a central counterparty in buying and selling virtual currencies, providing information intermediary and pricing services for virtual currency transactions, token issuance financing, and trading of virtual currency-related financial products, etc., fall under illegal financial activities, such as suspected illegal issuance of token vouchers, unauthorized public issuance of securities, illegal operation of securities and futures business, illegal fundraising, etc., are strictly prohibited across the board and resolutely banned in accordance with the law. Overseas entities and individuals are not allowed to provide virtual currency-related services to domestic entities in any form.


  A stablecoin pegged to a fiat currency indirectly fulfills some functions of the fiat currency in circulation. Without the consent of relevant authorities in accordance with the law and regulations, any domestic or foreign entity or individual is not allowed to issue a RMB-pegged stablecoin overseas.


(II)Tokenization of Real-World Assets refers to the use of encryption technology and distributed ledger or similar technologies to transform ownership rights, income rights, etc., of assets into tokens (tokens) or other interests or bond certificates with token (token) characteristics, and carry out issuance and trading activities.


  Engaging in the tokenization of real-world assets domestically, as well as providing related intermediary, information technology services, etc., which are suspected of illegal issuance of token vouchers, unauthorized public offering of securities, illegal operation of securities and futures business, illegal fundraising, and other illegal financial activities, shall be prohibited; except for relevant business activities carried out with the approval of the competent authorities in accordance with the law and regulations and relying on specific financial infrastructures. Overseas entities and individuals are not allowed to illegally provide services related to the tokenization of real-world assets to domestic entities in any form.


  II. Sound Work Mechanism


  (III) Inter-agency Coordination. The People's Bank of China, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, will improve the work mechanism, strengthen coordination with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, coordinate efforts, and overall guide regions to carry out risk prevention and disposal of virtual currency-related illegal financial activities.


  The China Securities Regulatory Commission, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the People's Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, will improve the work mechanism, strengthen coordination with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, coordinate efforts, and overall guide regions to carry out risk prevention and disposal of illegal financial activities related to the tokenization of real-world assets.


  (IV) Strengthening Local Implementation. The people's governments at the provincial level are overall responsible for the prevention and disposal of risks related to virtual currencies and the tokenization of real-world assets in their respective administrative regions. The specific leading department is the local financial regulatory department, with participation from branches and dispatched institutions of the State Council's financial regulatory department, telecommunications regulators, public security, market supervision, and other departments, in coordination with cyberspace departments, courts, and procuratorates, to improve the normalization of the work mechanism, effectively connect with the relevant work mechanisms of central departments, form a cooperative and coordinated working pattern between central and local governments, effectively prevent and properly handle risks related to virtual currencies and the tokenization of real-world assets, and maintain economic and financial order and social stability.


  III. Strengthened Risk Monitoring, Prevention, and Disposal


  (5) Enhanced Risk Monitoring. The People's Bank of China, China Securities Regulatory Commission, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration of Foreign Exchange, Cyberspace Administration of China, and other departments continue to improve monitoring techniques and system support, enhance cross-departmental data analysis and sharing, establish sound information sharing and cross-validation mechanisms, promptly grasp the risk situation of activities related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization. Local governments at all levels give full play to the role of local monitoring and early warning mechanisms. Local financial regulatory authorities, together with branches and agencies of the State Council's financial regulatory authorities, as well as departments of cyberspace and public security, ensure effective connection between online monitoring, offline investigation, and fund tracking, efficiently and accurately identify activities related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization, promptly share risk information, improve early warning information dissemination, verification, and rapid response mechanisms.


  (6) Strengthened Oversight of Financial Institutions, Intermediaries, and Technology Service Providers. Financial institutions (including non-bank payment institutions) are prohibited from providing account opening, fund transfer, and clearing services for virtual currency-related business activities, issuing and selling financial products related to virtual currency, including virtual currency and related financial products in the scope of collateral, conducting insurance business related to virtual currency, or including virtual currency in the scope of insurance liability. Financial institutions (including non-bank payment institutions) are prohibited from providing custody, clearing, and settlement services for unauthorized real-world asset tokenization-related business and related financial products. Relevant intermediary institutions and information technology service providers are prohibited from providing intermediary, technical, or other services for unauthorized real-world asset tokenization-related businesses and related financial products.


  (7) Enhanced Management of Internet Information Content and Access. Internet enterprises are prohibited from providing online business venues, commercial displays, marketing, advertising, or paid traffic diversion services for virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization-related business activities. Upon discovering clues of illegal activities, they should promptly report to relevant departments and provide technical support and assistance for related investigations and inquiries. Based on the clues transferred by the financial regulatory authorities, the cyberspace administration, telecommunications authorities, and public security departments should promptly close and deal with websites, mobile applications (including mini-programs), and public accounts engaged in virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization-related business activities in accordance with the law.


  (8) Strengthened Entity Registration and Advertisement Management. Market supervision departments strengthen entity registration and management, and enterprise and individual business registrations must not contain terms such as "virtual currency," "virtual asset," "cryptocurrency," "crypto asset," "stablecoin," "real-world asset tokenization," or "RWA" in their names or business scopes. Market supervision departments, together with financial regulatory authorities, legally enhance the supervision of advertisements related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization, promptly investigating and handling relevant illegal advertisements.


  (IX) Continued Rectification of Virtual Currency Mining Activities. The National Development and Reform Commission, together with relevant departments, strictly controls virtual currency mining activities, continuously promotes the rectification of virtual currency mining activities. The people's governments of various provinces take overall responsibility for the rectification of "mining" within their respective administrative regions. In accordance with the requirements of the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments in the "Notice on the Rectification of Virtual Currency Mining Activities" (NDRC Energy-saving Building [2021] No. 1283) and the provisions of the "Guidance Catalog for Industrial Structure Adjustment (2024 Edition)," a comprehensive review, investigation, and closure of existing virtual currency mining projects are conducted, new mining projects are strictly prohibited, and mining machine production enterprises are strictly prohibited from providing mining machine sales and other services within the country.


  (X) Severe Crackdown on Related Illegal Financial Activities. Upon discovering clues to illegal financial activities related to virtual currency and the tokenization of real-world assets, local financial regulatory authorities, branches of the State Council's financial regulatory authorities, and other relevant departments promptly investigate, determine, and properly handle the issues in accordance with the law, and seriously hold the relevant entities and individuals legally responsible. Those suspected of crimes are transferred to the judicial authorities for processing according to the law.


 (XI) Severe Crackdown on Related Illegal and Criminal Activities. The Ministry of Public Security, the People's Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, as well as judicial and procuratorial organs, in accordance with their respective responsibilities, rigorously crack down on illegal and criminal activities related to virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, such as fraud, money laundering, illegal business operations, pyramid schemes, illegal fundraising, and other illegal and criminal activities carried out under the guise of virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, etc.


  (XII) Strengthen Industry Self-discipline. Relevant industry associations should enhance membership management and policy advocacy, based on their own responsibilities, advocate and urge member units to resist illegal financial activities related to virtual currency and the tokenization of real-world assets. Member units that violate regulatory policies and industry self-discipline rules are to be disciplined in accordance with relevant self-regulatory management regulations. By leveraging various industry infrastructure, conduct risk monitoring related to virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, and promptly transfer issue clues to relevant departments.


  IV. Strict Supervision of Domestic Entities Engaging in Overseas Business Activities


(XIII) Without the approval of relevant departments in accordance with the law and regulations, domestic entities and foreign entities controlled by them may not issue virtual currency overseas.


  (XIV) Domestic entities engaging directly or indirectly in overseas external debt-based tokenization of real-world assets, or conducting asset securitization activities abroad based on domestic ownership rights, income rights, etc. (hereinafter referred to as domestic equity), should be strictly regulated in accordance with the principles of "same business, same risk, same rules." The National Development and Reform Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other relevant departments regulate it according to their respective responsibilities. For other forms of overseas real-world asset tokenization activities based on domestic equity by domestic entities, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, together with relevant departments, supervise according to their division of responsibilities. Without the consent and filing of relevant departments, no unit or individual may engage in the above-mentioned business.


  (15) Overseas subsidiaries and branches of domestic financial institutions providing Real World Asset Tokenization-related services overseas shall do so legally and prudently. They shall have professional personnel and systems in place to effectively mitigate business risks, strictly implement customer onboarding, suitability management, anti-money laundering requirements, and incorporate them into the domestic financial institutions' compliance and risk management system. Intermediaries and information technology service providers offering Real World Asset Tokenization services abroad based on domestic equity or conducting Real World Asset Tokenization business in the form of overseas debt for domestic entities directly or indirectly venturing abroad must strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations. They should establish and improve relevant compliance and internal control systems in accordance with relevant normative requirements, strengthen business and risk control, and report the business developments to the relevant regulatory authorities for approval or filing.


  V. Strengthen Organizational Implementation


  (16) Strengthen organizational leadership and overall coordination. All departments and regions should attach great importance to the prevention of risks related to virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization, strengthen organizational leadership, clarify work responsibilities, form a long-term effective working mechanism with centralized coordination, local implementation, and shared responsibilities, maintain high pressure, dynamically monitor risks, effectively prevent and mitigate risks in an orderly and efficient manner, legally protect the property security of the people, and make every effort to maintain economic and financial order and social stability.


  (17) Widely carry out publicity and education. All departments, regions, and industry associations should make full use of various media and other communication channels to disseminate information through legal and policy interpretation, analysis of typical cases, and education on investment risks, etc. They should promote the illegality and harm of virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization-related businesses and their manifestations, fully alert to potential risks and hidden dangers, and enhance public awareness and identification capabilities for risk prevention.


  VI. Legal Responsibility


  (18) Engaging in illegal financial activities related to virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization in violation of this notice, as well as providing services for virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization-related businesses, shall be punished in accordance with relevant regulations. If it constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law. For domestic entities and individuals who knowingly or should have known that overseas entities illegally provided virtual currency or Real World Asset Tokenization-related services to domestic entities and still assisted them, relevant responsibilities shall be pursued according to the law. If it constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law.


  (19) If any unit or individual invests in virtual currencies, Real World Asset Tokens, and related financial products against public order and good customs, the relevant civil legal actions shall be invalid, and any resulting losses shall be borne by them. If there are suspicions of disrupting financial order and jeopardizing financial security, the relevant departments shall deal with them according to the law.


  This notice shall enter into force upon the date of its issuance. The People's Bank of China and ten other departments' "Notice on Further Preventing and Dealing with the Risks of Virtual Currency Trading Speculation" (Yinfa [2021] No. 237) is hereby repealed.


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