XRP has been on a tear lately, with its price climbing 20% over the past month. With Ripple inching closer to a final settlement with the SEC and global macro tensions easing, could this be the fuel XRP needs to retest its former highs?
Key Takeaways:
- XRP posts 20% gains over 30 days, currently trading near $2.38.
- Ripple nears a final $50 million settlement in its SEC case, sparking optimism.
- Whale wallets have snapped up nearly 900 million XRP, while ETF rumors gain traction.
- Easing US-China tensions and macro tailwinds support the rally—but caution remains essential.
After years of volatility and legal headwinds, XRP appears to be regaining its stride. On May 10, the token hovered near $2.38—up 1.5% on the day and showing a solid 20% gain over the past month. While it’s still trading around 40% below its all-time high of $3.84 from 2018, investor sentiment is shifting bullish in a big way.
Ripple’s Legal Drama Nears an End
Perhaps the biggest driver behind the surge is Ripple’s nearing resolution with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The two parties are reportedly closing in on a $50 million final settlement—a move that could finally put a long-standing legal battle to rest. Though final court approval is still pending, the market seems to be pricing in a favorable outcome.
Whale Accumulation & ETF Buzz Add Fuel
In the background, some major players have been stocking up. Large wallets have added nearly 900 million XRP in recent weeks, signaling strong confidence among whales. At the same time, speculation is heating up around a potential XRP ETF. With BlackRock reportedly engaging with SEC officials this week, the possibility of institutional products tied to XRP has crypto circles buzzing.
Macro Backdrop Offers a Boost
Adding to the momentum are signs of easing global tensions. The U.S. and China are back at the negotiating table, which has brought a wave of optimism to broader markets. As risk-on appetite returns, assets like XRP are benefiting from the improved sentiment.
Cautious Optimism: Risks Still Linger
While the stars may be aligning for XRP, it’s not all smooth sailing from here. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in South Asia, and any setbacks in Ripple’s legal journey could derail the current bullish trend. Investors are advised to stay alert and monitor regulatory signals closely.
Price Outlook: $8 by 2026?
Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Asset Research at Standard Chartered, recently projected that XRP could double by the end of the year and potentially hit $8 by 2026. If Ripple clears its regulatory hurdles and institutional adoption picks up, that scenario may no longer seem far-fetched.
As momentum builds and key events draw near, XRP’s journey back to its all-time high is looking increasingly plausible. But as always in crypto, the path ahead is filled with twists. Stay tuned.
