Ethereum and XRP, aiming for a simultaneous rally...Who will claim the May throne?

▲ Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP)/ChatGPT generated image

Ethereum (ETH), aiming to replicate its historical strength in May, and XRP, seeking a major rebound fueled by legislative tailwinds, are setting the stage for a fierce yield competition to claim the top spot in the 2026 cryptocurrency market.

According to a report by cryptocurrency media outlet 24/7 Wall St. on May 4 (local time), XRP and Solana (SOL) fell by 3% each last week, closing at $1.39 and $83, respectively. Ethereum closed down 1% at $2,300. 24/7 Wall St. analyzed which of the three assets is the most promising for investors. Ethereum has consistently recorded the most stable returns, closing higher in May six out of the past nine years. Notably, it saw a 161% gain in May 2017.

XRP's performance is highly volatile but shows explosive power at critical moments. In May 2017, it surged by 378%, but also experienced significant drops during market cool-downs. XRP's price movements are closely tied to specific events, such as regulatory clarity. Solana performed well during periods of active ecosystem development, such as its 30.5% rise in 2024, but tends to follow overall market trends rather than generating its own upward momentum.

The most crucial variable for XRP investors is the progress of the U.S. cryptocurrency market structure bill (CLARITY Act). Senators Cynthia Lummis and Thom Tillis are urging Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott to set a date for voting on the bill's amendment. If scheduled by the second week of May, XRP's price could recover to $2, setting the stage for it to reach its cycle high of $3.65 recorded in 2025.

Solana is expanding its real-world utility by opening stablecoin transactions to 28 million card members through a partnership with Shinhan Card. Solana's on-chain real-world asset volume has reached an all-time high of $2.5 billion. Ethereum is receiving strong institutional support, with $356 million flowing into Ethereum spot ETFs in April, followed by an additional $101 million in early May. Expectations for the Glamsterdam upgrade, scheduled for the first half of 2026, are also a powerful factor that could push the price up to $3,000.

In terms of historical return stability, Ethereum, which does not rely on specific events, is in the most advantageous position. If the U.S. cryptocurrency market structure bill passes, XRP is expected to achieve the most dominant short-term returns. Solana needs to reclaim the $100 mark through expanded partnerships to enter a full-fledged upward trajectory. Market experts emphasize that technical upgrades and institutional fund inflows that can overcome external pressures in May are key variables that will determine future return disparities.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*