XRP News Update: ETF Buzz Intensifies Amid SEC Appeal Pausing
By Bob Mason
Published: April 12, 2025
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency landscape, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paused its appeal regarding its ongoing case against Ripple Labs, sparking renewed speculation in the market about the potential approval of an XRP-spot exchange-traded fund (ETF). This comes at a time when Bitcoin (BTC) has also surged, recently reaching $83,000. ## SEC’s Appeal Suspension and Ripple’s Future
The SEC’s joint filing to suspend its appeal on Thursday has captured the attention of investors and analysts alike, laying the groundwork for a potential XRP-spot ETF approval. The market is eagerly awaiting the SEC’s formal withdrawal of its appeal and Judge Torres’ ruling regarding the Final Judgment settlement. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, has previously indicated that the settlement includes a reduced penalty—from $125 million down to $50 million—related to the alleged violation of U.S. securities laws.
An important aspect of this agreement is the potential lifting of the injunction that currently prevents Ripple from selling XRP to institutional investors. The relaxation of this restriction could significantly enhance Ripple’s prospects for growth and adoption within the U.S. market.
Surge in ETF Interest
The market’s enthusiasm around the potential for an XRP-spot ETF is further illustrated by the early success of the Teucrium 2x Long Daily XRP ETF, which has seen impressive early demand. Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that the volume associated with this new ETF has been noteworthy, particularly amidst a challenging market.
Balchunas emphasized the robust interest in the Teucrium product, stating, "The volume on XXRP is impressive; these are big numbers for Day Two-Four particularly for a two-times leveraged product." This spike in interest could signal a broader acceptance and demand for XRP-related investment products should an XRP-spot ETF be approved in the near future.
XRP Market Performance and Future Outlook
As of April 11, XRP recorded a gain of approximately 3% to close at $2.0214, partially recuperating from a 4.24% loss the previous day. While XRP’s performance was slightly below the broader crypto market, which rose by 3.95%, factors driving its price trajectory include:
- The outcomes of the SEC vs. Ripple case, notably, the final judgment and any withdrawal of the SEC’s appeal.
- Potential approval of the XRP-spot ETF, which could lead to heightened institutional demand.
- Macroeconomic conditions, including U.S.-China trade dynamics and economic data releases that could affect market confidence.
Despite its recent gains, XRP remains below its historic high of $3.5505, making the future legal rulings surrounding the SEC case all the more critical for its price movement.
Bitcoin’s Upward Climb
In parallel, Bitcoin’s impressive rally continues with gains fueled by recent legislative advancements. President Trump recently signed legislation repealing a controversial IRS DeFi broker rule, which had imposed stringent reporting requirements on cryptocurrency operations. The bipartisan support for this legislation—passing with a 239-132 vote in the House and 70-28 in the Senate—underscores a shifting regulatory landscape that could prove beneficial for cryptocurrency adoption in the U.S.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed an optimistic view of Bitcoin’s potential, suggesting that a price of $200,000 is within reach, especially with the favorable regulatory changes.
ETF Market Trends and Challenges
Despite positive movement in the market, the U.S. Bitcoin-spot ETF sector observed a trend of outflows, continuing a streak that has lasted for seven sessions. Key funds, such as the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, reported net inflows of $11.3 million, while the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF saw outflows of $12.3 million. This outflow trend highlights ongoing concerns over economic uncertainties and trade issues.
Concluding Thoughts
As the cryptocurrency market watches for developments in the SEC vs. Ripple case and broader economic sentiments, the potential approval of an XRP-spot ETF remains a pivotal point of interest. Stakeholders will be keeping a close eye on not just legal outcomes, but also on how macroeconomic factors and regulatory updates could continue to shape the landscape of digital assets moving forward.