XRP has surged to $3 for the first time since 2018, marking a 41% gain in just 15 days and outperforming all other major cryptocurrencies. The rally, driven largely by spot investors, has brought XRP within 12.9% of its all-time high of $3.40, igniting speculation of a potential price discovery phase in the coming weeks.XRP Surpasses Bitcoin in Google Trends SearchesXRP's recent performance has captured significant market attention, overtaking Bitcoin (BTC) in global Google search interest on January 15. This marks the third time XRP has surpassed BTC in search volumes within the past year, showcasing strong community engagement and interest.In addition, XRP has broken an 8-year descending resistance on its XRP/BTC trading pair, signaling increasing strength against Bitcoin. The altcoin has also added 58,000 new holders in 2025, reflecting growing confidence in its long-term potential.Spot Traders Drive XRP's RallyUnlike many cryptocurrency rallies fueled by derivatives markets, XRP's surge to $3 has been attributed to robust demand from spot investors. According to order flow analyst Dom, XRP's funding rates and spot buy premiums have remained stable, indicating sustainable growth driven by direct market purchases. Dom noted, "If I saw this with BTC, I would simply say we are going much higher."Potential to Flip EthereumWith XRP outperforming Ethereum (ETH) in recent weeks, some analysts believe XRP could surpass ETH in market capitalization if its current trajectory continues. Jeth, co-founder of Sovrun, argued that XRP's strong regulatory tailwinds and market momentum under the incoming pro-crypto U.S. administration give it an edge over ETH.What’s Next for XRP?As XRP continues to approach its all-time high, market watchers anticipate increased volatility and a possible period of price discovery. With strong community support, positive regulatory sentiment, and rising interest from spot traders, XRP may solidify its position as a leading altcoin in 2025, according to Cointelegraph.