Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, XRP, is capturing renewed attention as its price surges toward its historic 2018 high of $3.40. At the time of writing, XRP trades at $3.23—down slightly by 2% over the past 24 hours but up over 40% in the last week. With a market capitalization exceeding $186 billion, XRP ranks as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap on CoinMarketCap.
This momentum isn’t just speculative noise. A confluence of strong on-chain activity, growing investor confidence, and shifting regulatory expectations is fueling XRP’s bullish trajectory. As the token edges closer to its all-time high, traders and analysts are watching closely to see if history will repeat itself—and whether XRP is poised for a breakout.
Surge in High-Value Transactions Signals Strong Demand
One of the most telling signs of XRP’s resurgence comes from on-chain data. According to analytics platform Santiment, 2,365 transactions exceeding $100,000 were recorded within a single eight-hour window—an all-time high since early December. This spike in whale activity suggests institutional or high-net-worth investors are actively accumulating XRP.
📈 "XRP has just reached a new 7-year high, crossing a $3.39 market value for the first time since January 2018. With this rise, we have just seen 2,365 $100K+ XRP transactions in the latest 8-hour span, the highest spike since December 3rd. Total holders are also skyrocketing."
— Santiment (@santimentfeed)
Such large-scale movements often precede significant price movements. When whales accumulate, it typically reflects long-term confidence in an asset’s fundamentals and future regulatory clarity.
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Expanding Holder Base Shows Growing Adoption
Beyond transaction volume, XRP is experiencing a surge in user adoption. Over the past two months, more than 500,000 new wallets have been added to the Ripple network. This expanding holder base indicates growing retail and institutional interest, reinforcing the narrative that XRP is regaining its status as a key player in the crypto ecosystem.
The increased network activity has also made XRP one of the most-discussed cryptocurrencies on social media—remarkable considering Bitcoin recently reclaimed six-figure territory, trading at $102,449 with a 9% weekly gain.
Even amid broader market excitement, XRP is holding its own, drawing attention due to its unique use case in cross-border payments and financial settlement solutions.
Regulatory Optimism Fuels Market Sentiment
A major catalyst behind XRP’s rally is the shifting regulatory landscape in the United States. The conclusion of the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple has already provided some clarity, but fresh optimism stems from broader policy expectations under the new U.S. administration.
Market sentiment suggests that a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment may be on the horizon. Speculation about the potential departure of SEC Chair Gary Gensler has further boosted confidence among investors who believe XRP could finally receive formal recognition as a non-security.
Ripple President Monica Long recently hinted at progress toward an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), noting that firms like Bitwise and WisdomTree are actively pursuing SEC approval. If realized, an XRP ETF would open the door to massive institutional inflows—similar to what Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have experienced.
This anticipation positions XRP not just as a speculative asset, but as a potential cornerstone of regulated crypto investment products.
Technical Outlook: Can XRP Break Past $3.40?
XRP’s technical chart paints a bullish picture. The token is testing its long-standing resistance level at $3.40, the peak it reached in January 2018. Breaking above this psychological and historical barrier could trigger a wave of momentum buying.
With strong support from on-chain metrics, rising trading volume, and increasing social engagement, many analysts believe that a breakout is imminent. A successful push past $3.40 could propel XRP into uncharted territory, potentially targeting $4.00 or higher in the medium term.
However, traders should remain cautious. Resistance at $3.40 remains formidable, and any negative regulatory news could spark short-term volatility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is XRP going up right now?
XRP is rising due to a combination of factors: increased high-value transactions, growing wallet adoption, positive regulatory sentiment in the U.S., and speculation around a potential XRP ETF. These fundamentals have reignited investor confidence and driven both retail and institutional demand.
Is XRP approaching its all-time high?
Yes. XRP is nearing its January 2018 peak of **$3.40**, having reached $3.39 recently. A breakout above this level could signal the start of a new bull phase for the asset.
Could an XRP ETF be approved soon?
While no approval has been confirmed, there is growing speculation that an XRP ETF could gain traction under a more crypto-supportive U.S. administration. Asset managers like Bitwise and WisdomTree are reportedly preparing filings, though SEC review remains a key hurdle.
How does XRP compare to other major cryptocurrencies?
XRP stands out for its focus on cross-border payments and partnerships with financial institutions. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which prioritize decentralization and smart contracts, XRP is optimized for fast, low-cost international transfers—making it attractive to banks and payment providers.
What are the risks for XRP investors?
Key risks include regulatory uncertainty, concentration of supply among large holders (whales), and dependence on Ripple Labs’ ongoing legal and business developments. Additionally, broader crypto market downturns can impact XRP’s price regardless of its fundamentals.
What is driving whale activity in XRP?
Whales appear to be accumulating XRP due to expectations of favorable regulation, ETF prospects, and increasing utility in global finance. The surge in transactions over $100,000 reflects strategic positioning ahead of potential price appreciation.
Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Moment for XRP
XRP is at a critical juncture. After years of legal challenges and market stagnation, the token is showing signs of re-emergence as a major force in digital assets. With strong on-chain data, growing adoption, and improving regulatory winds, the conditions are aligning for a potential breakout.
Whether it finally surpasses its 2018 high depends on both market momentum and external developments—especially around ETF approvals and U.S. crypto policy.
For investors and traders alike, staying informed and prepared is essential. As always in crypto, volatility can be high—but so can the opportunities.
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