XRP Price Surges Another 7.5%: What Is Going On?

·

The XRP price has climbed another 7.5% in the past 24 hours, extending its bullish momentum into a second consecutive day. Trading at $2.76 with a market capitalization of $158.5 billion, XRP is outperforming major digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which saw modest gains or slight declines during the same period. This surge is being fueled by growing speculation around a potential XRP ETF, increased whale activity, and rising institutional interest in the XRP Ledger’s broader utility.

Market Momentum and Key Metrics

XRP’s 19% gain over the past seven days underscores strong market confidence. While Bitcoin hovered around $96,665 with only a 0.2% increase and Ethereum dipped 0.5% to $3,198, XRP stood out as the top performer among major cryptocurrencies. The rally isn’t just retail-driven—on-chain data reveals significant institutional-grade movement.

👉 Discover how market momentum is reshaping digital asset trends in real time.

According to Santiment data highlighted by crypto analyst Ali Martinez, large transactions exceeding $1 million surged to 341 within 24 hours—a clear signal of whale accumulation. Meanwhile, Coinglass reported that XRP futures open interest hit $6 billion as of January 15, an 18% daily increase and the highest level since December. This spike reflects growing leverage and trader commitment to the upward trend.

Spot markets are equally active. XRP spot inflows reached $99.3 million, marking the highest single-day inflow since December 1, 2024. Derivatives trading volume also rose by 25%, indicating expanding market depth and trader engagement.

Trader Sentiment: From Caution to Conviction

Market sentiment has shifted dramatically. Once viewed with skepticism due to regulatory uncertainty, XRP is now being described in bullish terms by prominent traders.

Crypto analyst Cold Blooded Shiller, known for his contrarian views, referred to XRP as an "alive monster," suggesting that if this momentum holds, the asset could climb toward $4.20. While not a formal price prediction, the comment reflects a notable shift in perception—from regulatory risk to growth potential.

Similarly, trader Satoshi Flipper noted that XRP appears to be entering a phase of price discovery, where market forces begin to reassess intrinsic value beyond historical ranges. This often precedes extended rallies, especially when supported by fundamental developments.

Beyond Price: Ripple’s Expanding Vision

The rally isn’t solely speculative. Ripple continues to build real-world infrastructure that reinforces XRP’s long-term utility.

Austin King, co-founder of the Omni Foundation, emphasized that Ripple’s ambitions extend far beyond an anticipated XRP ETF launch in 2025. The company is actively expanding its fast, low-cost cross-border payment solutions to attract traditional financial institutions. With over $50 billion in payments already processed through its network, Ripple is positioning the XRP Ledger as a foundational layer for tokenizing global financial assets—from bonds and equities to real estate and commodities.

This institutional-grade use case differentiates XRP from many other cryptocurrencies that lack clear adoption pathways. As more enterprises explore blockchain for settlement efficiency, Ripple’s compliance-focused framework becomes increasingly valuable.

Regulatory Crossroads: SEC Appeal Deadline Looms

January 15 marked a pivotal date in the ongoing legal saga between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It was the deadline for the SEC to file its opening brief in its appeal of Judge Analisa Torres’ landmark ruling, which determined that XRP is not a security when sold programmatically to retail investors.

The crypto community remains watchful. While the SEC has not yet indicated whether it will challenge the distinction between institutional and programmatic sales, any aggressive stance could reignite regulatory fears. Conversely, a measured response may further validate XRP’s status as a decentralized digital asset, potentially accelerating ETF discussions.

Market participants are interpreting the current silence as cautiously optimistic—especially given recent trends in U.S. crypto policy favoring clearer regulatory frameworks.

👉 Stay ahead of regulatory shifts impacting digital assets worldwide.

Core Keywords Driving Visibility

To align with search intent and enhance discoverability, key terms naturally integrated throughout this analysis include:

These keywords reflect what investors and enthusiasts are actively searching for—combining real-time data, regulatory updates, and future outlooks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is XRP price going up?

XRP’s recent surge is driven by multiple factors: speculation around a potential XRP ETF, increased whale transactions over $1 million, rising futures open interest, and strong spot inflows. Additionally, positive sentiment around Ripple’s expanding financial infrastructure and favorable court rulings have boosted investor confidence.

Is an XRP ETF coming in 2025?

While no official approval has been granted, there is growing speculation that an XRP ETF could launch in 2025. This anticipation stems from the SEC’s previous acknowledgment of XRP as non-security in certain contexts and increasing institutional demand for regulated crypto investment products.

What is the significance of whale activity for XRP?

Large transactions—especially those above $1 million—are strong indicators of institutional or high-net-worth investor involvement. A surge in whale activity often precedes significant price movements, as it reflects confidence in long-term value rather than short-term speculation.

How does Ripple’s payment network impact XRP value?

Ripple uses XRP to facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border payments through its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution. As more financial institutions adopt this system, demand for XRP increases, creating organic utility-based value beyond trading speculation.

Could XRP surpass Ethereum or Bitcoin in market cap?

While highly unlikely in the near term due to scale differences, some traders speculate about temporary “flippening” events during strong rallies. However, XRP’s current trajectory focuses more on establishing real-world utility rather than direct market cap competition with Bitcoin or Ethereum.

What happens next in the SEC vs Ripple case?

The SEC has filed its opening appeal brief challenging parts of Judge Torres’ ruling. The next phase will involve Ripple’s rebuttal and eventual appellate court review. Clarity from this process could significantly influence XRP’s regulatory standing and future product approvals like ETFs.

👉 Monitor live updates on major crypto regulatory developments shaping the future of digital finance.

Final Outlook

XRP’s latest rally is more than just a price spike—it's a convergence of technical strength, growing institutional interest, and evolving regulatory clarity. With whale activity surging, open interest climbing, and Ripple advancing its vision for global asset tokenization, the ecosystem appears poised for sustained momentum.

While volatility remains inherent in crypto markets, the current data suggests that this rally is underpinned by tangible developments rather than mere speculation. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on both market performance and regulatory outcomes—two forces that could redefine XRP’s role in the global financial landscape.