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XRP has long been one of the most closely scrutinized digital assets in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Known for its ties to global financial institutions and Ripple Labs, XRP is also infamous for its extreme price swings and ongoing legal entanglements. Now, renewed attention is turning toward the assetānot just for its historical performance or utility, but due to persistent speculation about potential market manipulation.
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š The Explosive Rally of 2017: Unmatched Gains, Abrupt Disruptions
At the close of 2017, XRP staged one of the most dramatic rallies in crypto history. As highlighted by market analyst Jesse, the token surged from $0.15 to over $3.00 in just two weeksāa staggering 20x increase. When viewed from earlier in the year, the gain was even more astonishing: XRP had been trading below $0.01, marking a nearly 800-fold return in under 12 months.
However, the momentum came to a sudden halt when CoinMarketCap removed price data from several major Asian exchanges, which at the time accounted for a significant portion of XRPās trading volume. The removal occurred without prior notice, resulting in a dramatic drop in the reported average price and triggering widespread panic selling.
This unanticipated shift raised early questions about price integrity, transparency, and whether external interventions were playing a larger role in XRPās valuation.
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āļø Ripple Partnerships, Plateaued Growth, and Lingering Doubts
In the years following XRPās meteoric rise, many investors expected sustained growthāespecially as Rippleās CEO Brad Garlinghouse claimed in 2018 that new banking partners were being added weekly. If that pace had continued, RippleNet would today be integrated with thousands of institutions.
Yet as of 2025, official figures still cite āover 300ā financial institutions, a number that has not significantly changed in recent years. This stagnation, coupled with XRPās prolonged sideways price movement, has led to growing skepticism.
Some investors argue that XRPās price may be artificially suppressed or manipulated. The discrepancy between ecosystem development and market performance has fueled speculation that deeper, undisclosed market forces may be influencing the assetās valuation.
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š® Looking Forward: Regulatory Clarity and ETF Hopes
Despite historical volatility and persistent concerns, 2025 could mark a turning point for XRP. A clearer global regulatory framework, combined with rumors surrounding the potential launch of an XRP-based exchange-traded fund (ETF), is renewing investor optimism.
Data from blockchain analytics firm Glassnode shows long-term accumulation trends and abnormally low volatility, suggesting that large holders are positioning for a potential breakout. If price suppression theories hold weight, these movements could indicate strategic preparation ahead of a significant shift in market sentiment.
Still, a key question remains unanswered: Who, if anyone, is deliberately holding XRP backāand to what end?
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š Final Thoughts
XRP remains one of the most polarizing and complex digital assets in the market. Between explosive growth phases, unresolved legal challenges, and unconfirmed allegations of manipulation, XRP is a textbook case of how cryptocurrency markets often operate at the intersection of innovation, speculation, and controversy.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry inherent risks and may result in financial loss. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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