**Will XRP Surpass Ethereum (ETH)? ETF Hype Sparks 2017 Flashbacks**

- **XRP/BTC Breakout After 7 Years:**

- XRP has finally broken free from its long-term consolidation phase against Bitcoin, surpassing a key resistance level at **0.000035 BTC**.

- Analysts compare this move to **2017’s massive rally**, where XRP briefly became the **second-largest cryptocurrency**.

- If momentum continues, XRP could challenge **Ethereum’s #2 market cap position**.

- **Legal Progress & ETF Speculation Fueling Optimism:**

- **Ripple vs. SEC case** is nearing resolution—the proposed penalty dropped from **$125M to $50M**, and institutional XRP sales restrictions were lifted.

- A final decision is expected **by August**, though no strict deadline exists for the SEC’s appeal withdrawal.

- **Spot XRP ETF talks** are gaining traction—approval could mirror Bitcoin/ETH ETF success, driving major capital inflows.

- **Whale Activity & Bullish On-Chain Signals:**

- **Large investors bought 60M XRP ($180M+)** in 24 hours, continuing a **month-long accumulation trend**.

- **NVT ratio** (network value vs. transaction volume) hit a **multi-month low**, historically signaling **impending price surges**.

- **Price Potential & Market Snapshot:**

- **Current price:** $3.10 (ranked #3 by market cap at **$183.5B**).

- If XRP retests its **all-time high against BTC**, its USD value could skyrocket to **$26.60**—a **760%+ upside**.

- **Notable Incident:**

- **$17M in XRP stolen** from Nancy Jones (widow of country star George Jones); suspect arrested on **July 24**.

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### **Key Takeaways:**

✅ **Technical Breakout:** XRP’s BTC pair hints at a major rally, echoing 2017’s bull run.

✅ **Legal Clarity + ETF Hype:** Reduced SEC penalty and ETF discussions could propel adoption.

✅ **Whales Betting Big:** Institutional interest is rising, supported by bullish on-chain metrics.

⚠️ **Watch August:** Critical deadlines in Ripple’s case and ETF developments may dictate XRP’s next move.