XRP Surpasses Bitcoin as Retail Traders Label it the Most Significant Trade Regret of 2026
March 17, 2026
XRP experienced a significant surge, outpacing Bitcoin by rising around 6.3% in the last 24 hours, a figure that surpassed Bitcoin’s gain of approximately 3.1%. This recent rally propelled XRP above the $1.50 mark, while Bitcoin lingered around $73,600, temporarily peaking at $74,000. Suggesting a potential shift in sentiment among retail traders, a Stocktwits poll revealed that 35% of respondents viewed XRP as the ultimate “regret trade” of 2026, signaling a changing landscape in the cryptocurrency market.
Ripple, the company behind XRP, recently initiated a share buyback program worth up to $750 million, implying a substantial implied valuation of near $50 billion. This move potentially influenced the upward trajectory of XRP’s price, given the positive response it garnered from the market. Despite the past volatility and uncertainties surrounding XRP, investors and retail traders are seeing it in a different light, with many expressing potential regret for not investing in XRP compared to Bitcoin this year.
In light of recent market movements, XRP’s price jump reflects a 6.3% increase to surpass $1.50, outperforming Bitcoin during the same timeframe. Bitcoin’s price saw a more moderate gain of 3.1% and was hovering around $73,600, showcasing XRP’s momentum in the market. Retail traders on Stocktwits exhibited a shift in sentiment towards XRP from predominantly ‘bearish’ to ‘bullish,’ indicating a growing interest and confidence in XRP’s potential.
Regarding retail sentiment and message volume on Stocktwits, XRP’s standing switched from ‘bearish’ to ‘bullish,’ while chatter levels rose from ‘low’ to ‘normal,’ signifying a shift in perception and engagement among traders. Bitcoin, on the other hand, saw its retail sentiment improve to ‘bullish’ from ‘neutral,’ albeit with chatter levels maintaining at ‘low’ thresholds. These changes in sentiment and activity levels reflect the evolving dynamics in the cryptocurrency market, with XRP gaining traction and capturing the attention of retail traders.
The growing enthusiasm around XRP is further evidenced by a recent Stocktwits poll that indicated a significant portion of respondents, 35%, identified XRP as the potential “regret trade” of 2026, edging out Bitcoin in the eyes of many. Ethereum and Solana trailed behind XRP in terms of perceived regret potential, underscoring the shifting sentiments towards digital assets in the market. With XRP trading nearly 60% below its all-time high of $3.65, achieved in July last year, many investors and traders are anticipating further upside potential following its recent gains. Additionally, Ripple’s share buyback program adds to the bullish sentiment surrounding XRP, providing additional support for its upward price trajectory in the near term.
