Ripple Nears $1.70 – Why XRP Is Up Today

Picture of a building with blue Ripple logo

Last month, XRP witnessed a significant surge, more than tripling in value. After a recent correction, Ripple has begun to rise again, currently peaking near $1.70 – a price not seen since 2021. For those following the narrative, XRP’s price movements are more than just numbers – they reflect market sentiment and investor expectations fueled by recent positive news surrounding the coin.

Ripple Labs’ ongoing legal battle with the SEC has been looming over XRP for years, creating market uncertainty and hindering its price action. The case centers on whether XRP should be classified as a security. However, recent favorable court outcomes for Ripple have fueled hope that this prolonged saga might soon reach a conclusion. Although the SEC has appealed the court decision, upcoming leadership changes at the SEC are bolstering market optimism regarding XRP.

The legality of XRP – a pivotal issue dampening its momentum – might soon find a resolution favorable to Ripple. Former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Chris Giancarlo predicts that the SEC’s case could potentially be dismissed in the near future. Such developments understandably boost the crypto community’s expectations for regulatory clarity and a more favorable landscape for XRP and similar digital assets facing regulatory challenges.

Regulatory changes might also bolster Ripple – Donald Trump intends to introduce tax benefits for American-based cryptocurrencies. Since this proposition, not only Ripple but all major cryptocurrencies issued by U.S. companies are rising (for example, Cardano, Hedera, and today’s top gainer—Algorand).

Market Movements and Institutional Interests

Beyond the legal sphere, Ripple’s strategic investments are contributing to the current price rally. Ripple’s investment in a rebranded Bitwise XRP exchange-traded product (ETP) highlights its expanding presence in institutional finance. With the looming possibility of an ETF approval in the United States, especially after changes at the SEC, XRP could experience substantial inflows from institutional investors. The widespread investor appetite for an XRP-based financial product underscores the cryptocurrency’s potential role beyond retail speculation.

This heightened interest is not merely symbolic – market volume surges and whale activities indicate growing confidence from major players betting significant capital on XRP’s future. Recently, millions of XRP tokens were moved out of exchanges and into private wallets, typically suggesting anticipation of upward price pressure. Such movements testify to the market’s optimism and the strategic maneuvers of investors who foresee potential gains ahead.

The general positive outlook around Bitcoin is also boosting the Ripple rally. With Bitcoin nearing new highs and being propelled by the recent halving, elections and lower interest rates, the entire cryptocurrency market is painting an optimistic picture, drawing in new investors. That said, we cannot say that Ripple is simply following Bitcoin – in the last month, the XRP/BTC ratio has grown by over 130%.

Is XRP On The Verge of Breaking Out?

From a technical standpoint, XRP is approaching significant resistance levels, which, if surpassed, could set the stage for a price rally aiming for the elusive $2 mark. Following its November rally, XRP has accumulated gains while consolidating above key support levels, signaling investor willingness to back this token amid broader market trends.

Despite the recent growth, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) – a measure used to assess momentum – is not indicating that the coin is overbought, suggesting room for further movement. Considering the recent bullish trends, breaking through critical resistance could potentially bring XRP closer to reaching highs not seen since its parabolic surge in 2018.

The Next Chapter

As with most digital assets, predictions around XRP can often be speculative, painting broad scenarios filled with possibilities. However, amid the ongoing legal struggles and exciting institutional developments, the sentiment around XRP is understandably optimistic – or at least more grounded than in previous speculative cycles. If XRP indeed clears current hurdles, we might witness a remarkable rally, pushing the cryptocurrency toward its old highs and perhaps setting new records.

Chart with Ripple price

For Ripple and its investors, the upcoming period can bring significant transformation, with developments in legal and institutional arenas. With market anticipation at a notable high, XRP is poised to either solidify gains or confront fresh challenges as 2024 draws to a close.

Kate Taylor

Kate Taylor