 ▲ XRP (XRP) |
The rosy expectations that flooded the cryptocurrency market at the start of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term have turned into a cold reality just one year later, leaving major crypto investors facing significant losses.
According to crypto media outlet The Crypto Basic on February 27 (local time), a $10,000 investment made on January 20, 2025—the day of Trump’s inauguration—would now be worth nearly half its original value depending on the asset. On inauguration day, Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at $101,100, Ethereum (ETH) at $3,208, and XRP at $2.95. As of February 2026, however, Bitcoin has fallen to $66,800, Ethereum to $1,995, and XRP to $1.39, deepening investor concerns.
Among the assets, XRP has recorded the steepest decline. A $10,000 purchase on inauguration day would have bought 3,389 XRP, now valued at approximately $4,710—representing a 53% loss. The same investment in Bitcoin would now be worth about $6,600, down 34%, while Ethereum would be valued at around $6,200, reflecting a 38% decline. Analysts point to macroeconomic uncertainties, including the Trump administration’s tariff policies and conflicts in the Middle East, as key factors dampening sentiment in the crypto market.
Despite the downturn, market experts maintain an optimistic outlook, interpreting the current slump as an accumulation phase for a larger rally ahead. Analyst Archie predicted that 2026 could mark a turning point for XRP holders, projecting a long-term surge to as high as $83. If realized, the 3,389 XRP purchased at inauguration would be worth more than $281,000. Many analysts believe that with greater regulatory clarity, a recovery to the $5 to $10 range is a plausible scenario.
Bitcoin’s long-term bullish outlook also remains intact. Eric Trump recently reiterated at a forum held at Mar-a-Lago that Bitcoin will eventually reach $1 million. Major asset managers such as Bitwise have described current price levels as a generational buying opportunity, forecasting a compound annual growth rate of 28% over the next decade. Experts advise investors to stay patient and trust the market’s cyclical nature rather than reacting emotionally to short-term price declines.
The cryptocurrency market is experiencing unprecedented volatility amid policy shifts under the Trump administration, but large-cap assets are still considered fundamentally strong. While a $10,000 investment remains underwater for now, investors take comfort in the historical pattern that deep corrections have consistently been followed by strong expansions. Depending on one’s time horizon and risk tolerance, the current downturn may represent either a period of hardship or a pivotal opportunity for wealth creation.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and the publisher is not responsible for any investment losses incurred based on it. The content should be interpreted solely as reference material.*