• $XRP
XRP is the native digital currency of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an open-source blockchain created by Ripple Labs in 2012. It aims to facilitate cross-border payments quickly and at low cost, making it competitive with systems like SWIFT.
• Uses: XRP is used as a bridge currency for fast conversions between various currencies (3-5 seconds per transaction) and at low fees ($0.0002 per transaction). It is integrated into over 300 global financial institutions, such as Santander and American Express.
• Total supply: The maximum supply is 100 billion coins, created in advance (no mining). About 58.55 billion coins are currently traded, with Ripple holding around 55 billion in escrow accounts that are released gradually (1 billion monthly).
Influencing factors
1. Legal developments:
• In May 2025, Ripple reached a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by paying a $50 million fine, ending a legal dispute that lasted since 2020 regarding whether XRP was an unregistered financial instrument. This settlement led to a price increase of 5.94% in 24 hours to $2.34.
• The settlement has boosted investor confidence and increased regulatory clarity, which may support XRP adoption by financial institutions.
2. Partnerships and institutional adoption:
• Ripple acquired Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, allowing its stablecoin RLUSD to be used as collateral in major brokerage products, moving post-trade operations to XRPL.
• XRP's listing in the U.S. digital currency reserves in March 2025 enhanced its status.
• Partnerships with institutions like Bank of America and Standard Chartered support long-term growth.
3. The stablecoin RLUSD:
• Ripple's launch of a stablecoin (RLUSD) linked to XRP in December 2024 enhances the appeal of the XRP ecosystem, as it may increase demand for XRP as a bridge currency.
4. Market volatility:
• The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and XRP is no exception. Price movements depend on market sentiment, whale activity, and regulatory developments.
Market capitalization and performance
• Current price: around $2.36 (May 10, 2025).
• Market capitalization: about $140.75 billion, making it the fourth largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
• All-time high: $3.40 (January 16, 2025).
• All-time low: $0.00281 (July 6, 2014).
• Trading volume (24 hours): around $5.54 billion, reflecting high market activity.
2. Technical analysis
Current situation
• Price: XRP is trading at around $2.36, with a 2.99% increase over the last 24 hours.
• Technical indicators:
• RSI (Relative Strength Index): at 54.799 on the weekly timeframe, indicating a neutral state with potential for upward movement.
• MACD: at 0.197, supporting upward momentum.
• ADX: at 30.423, indicating strength of the current trend.
• Support and resistance:
• Support level: around $2.10 (potential correction level according to Elliott Wave analysis).
• Resistance level: $2.27 (strong supply area), with a potential test of $3.03 upon breakout.
• Price channel: XRP is confined in a descending channel on the daily timeframe, with a potential bullish breakout or drop below the channel.
Short-term forecasts
• Bullish scenario: If XRP breaks the resistance level at $2.27, it may target $3.03 or even $5 based on market optimism.
• Bearish scenario: If it fails to maintain the support level at $2.10, it could drop to $1.80.
• Elliott Wave analysis indicates a short-term bearish correction before resuming the upward trend.
Long-term forecasts (2025-2030)
• 2025: Forecasts range from $2.48 to $2.63 based on current technical analysis, with the possibility of reaching $5 in case of additional regulatory clarity.
• 2026: Mixed forecasts:
• CryptoNews: Average price $4.09, with a range of $3.91-$6.13, supported by improved regulatory environment and increased adoption.
• Cryptomus: peak of $6.13 by December 2026.
• NameCoinNews: Conservative estimate at $1.60 due to potential correction.
• 2027: Range of $4.35-$10.81, with bullish forecasts supported by maturing security releases and increased adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
• 2030: Forecasts depend on technological innovations and global blockchain adoption. It could reach higher levels if institutional demand continues.
3. Risks and opportunities
Opportunities
• Institutional adoption: Increased use of XRP in bank transfers and cross-border settlements.
• Regulatory clarity: The settlement with the SEC removes a major obstacle, boosting investor confidence.
• Environmental efficiency: XRP is environmentally friendly compared to Bitcoin, attracting investors interested in sustainability.
• RLUSD: The new stablecoin may increase demand for XRP.
Risks
• Market volatility: XRP is subject to sharp movements due to whale activity and market sentiment.
• Competition: Currencies like Stellar (XLM) offer similar solutions, which may limit XRP's growth.
• Dependence on Ripple: Although XRPL is independent, any issues faced by Ripple Labs could affect market sentiment.
4. Recommendations for traders and investors
1. Short-term traders:
• Monitor support levels ($2.10) and resistance ($2.27). A bullish breakout may provide buying opportunities, while failure to maintain support may indicate selling opportunities.
• Use indicators like RSI and MACD to determine entry and exit points.
2. Long-term investors:
• XRP looks attractive for medium- and long-term investments due to institutional partnerships and regulatory clarity.
• However, risks should be managed carefully due to high volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
3. How to buy:
• XRP can be purchased through trusted platforms like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken. Creating an account, verifying identity, and depositing funds are required.
• To store XRP, use secure wallets like Ledger, Trezor, or Trust Wallet.
5. Summary
XRP has strong potential due to its speed, low cost, and institutional adoption, especially after settling the dispute with the SEC. However, market volatility and competition pose challenges. Technical analysis indicates the possibility of a short-term rise if resistance is broken, while long-term forecasts are bullish as adoption continues.
Note: Cryptocurrencies are high-risk investments. Conduct your own research and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.