Prediction: 2 Popular Cryptocurrencies That Could Underperform in 2026
The Motley Fool
by newsfeedback@fool.com (Leo Sun)February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cryptocurrency markets have faced significant challenges over the past year, with high Treasury yields, reduced institutional interest, and expectations for slower monetary easing creating a subdued environment. While some cryptocurrencies, particularly established ones like Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), could see a rebound if market conditions improve, other popular coins like XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) are expected to underperform due to their lack of clear near-term catalysts for growth. This makes them potentially weaker investments in the coming years.
XRP has faced persistent legal challenges from the SEC, which have created uncertainty around its future. Additionally, while Dogecoin boasts a strong community following, it continues to struggle with limited use cases beyond its memetic origins and has not demonstrated consistent technical improvements. Both cryptocurrencies lack the kind of innovation or adoption momentum needed to drive significant growth in a more favorable market environment.
For investors, understanding which cryptocurrencies are likely to underperform is crucial for making informed decisions. XRP and Dogecoin’s challenges highlight the importance of carefully evaluating a cryptocurrency’s underlying fundamentals, including its use case, development activity, and regulatory environment. As 2026 approaches, those seeking stable returns may need to look beyond these two coins to find opportunities in more robust projects with clearer growth trajectories.
Verticals
financeinvesting
Originally published on The Motley Fool on 2/20/2026