XRP Shows Slippage Amid Growing ETF Interest; BlackRock’s BTC ETF Sees Strong Inflows
April 25, 2025 – By Bob Mason
In the latest developments within the cryptocurrency market, XRP experienced a slight decline amidst broader gains in the sector, while the momentum for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continued to accelerate. On April 24, XRP slipped 0.62%, closing at $2.2050 after reaching a session low of $2.1169. This decline comes even as the total crypto market cap rose by 0.31%, hitting $2.9 trillion yet again.
Getting Ready for XRP Futures Trading
In a significant move for institutional investors, the CME Group announced plans to launch XRP futures trading on May 19. This initiative aims to provide regulated and scalable trading avenues on XRP, expected to further enhance market activity and pave the way for an XRP-spot ETF approval. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, commented on this development, noting, "While overdue in many ways, this is an incredibly important and exciting step in the continued growth of the XRP market!"
Moreover, market sentiments are increasingly optimistic regarding an XRP-spot ETF approval, as indicated by a recent increase in approval odds from Polymarket, a crypto betting platform. Current market expectations suggest a 72% chance of approval by December 2025, a rise from 68% just two days prior.
Legal Progress and Market Dynamics
The ongoing case between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) remains a focal point for investors as they anticipate potential resolutions. The SEC has maintained a low profile since Paul Atkins took over as Chair, leading to speculation that they may file motions to adjust the current restrictions on XRP sales. A potential settlement could also influence XRP’s pricing dynamics moving forward. Near-term support for XRP appears to be around $1.70, whereas a break above the $3.00 mark might open avenues to its all-time high of $3.5505. ### Bitcoin ETFs Experience substantial Inflows
Despite XRP’s downturn, Bitcoin has continued to show resilience, extending its winning streak to six sessions. On April 24, Bitcoin’s price saw a slight increase of 0.28%, closing at $94,010, marking its highest point since early March. Recent developments concerning U.S.-China trade negotiations have revitalized investor enthusiasm and demand for Bitcoin, reflected in remarkable inflows for Bitcoin ETFs. On April 23, nearly $917 million flowed into Bitcoin spot ETFs, with prominent funds like ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and Bitwise Bitcoin ETF capturing substantial amounts of this inflow.
Future Outlook and Monitoring Key Indicators
The shifting landscape in the cryptocurrency market, particularly surrounding XRP, emphasizes the importance of monitoring both legal developments related to the Ripple case and ongoing global macroeconomic trends. Investors are advised to pay close attention to emerging updates on U.S.-China trade talks, future Federal Reserve policies, and the overall sentiment within the ETF markets.
While XRP’s short-term outlook may be influenced by regulatory outcomes, the broader momentum in cryptocurrencies will largely depend on the interplay between market dynamics and macroeconomic factors, offering both risks and opportunities for investors.
For continuous updates and forecasts on XRP and other cryptocurrencies, follow our regular market analysis.
Bob Mason comes with over 28 years of experience in the financial sector, focusing on global market dynamics, including cryptocurrencies and commodities.