After a tumultuous week that resulted in the loss of over $1 trillion in cryptocurrency market capitalization, there are signs of recovery, led by the price of XRP. While Bitcoin struggled to hold the $104,000 level and Ethereum remained under pressure near $3,400, the price of XRP rose by almost 5% to trade at around $2.31, outperforming both major currencies.
Related reading: Galaxy Digital Lowers Bitcoin EOY Price Target to $120,000
Analysts attribute this strength to solid fundamentals, including Ripple’s strategic partnership with Mastercard and renewed institutional interest following a $500 million investment round.
The collaboration with Mastercard is one of the first times a U.S.-regulated bank is testing real-world credit card transactions on a public blockchain via Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin. The move underscores the growing shift from speculative uses of cryptocurrencies to enterprise-grade payment infrastructure.
BlackRock XRP ETF Speculation Adds Institutional FOMO
The momentum also intensified after BlackRock’s chief digital officer, Maxwell Stein, suggested at the Ripple Swell conference that “trillions will definitely come online.”
The comment reignited speculation about a potential solution BlackRock XRP ETFa change that may change the shape of institutional exposure to a given asset. Analysts note that such a product would garner regulatory approval and attract billions in proceeds, potentially accelerating the long-term appreciation of the XRP price.
The buzz comes as Ripple’s valuation surges to $40 billion following its latest funding round led by Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities. Major companies such as Pantera Capital and Galaxy Digital have also joined in, supporting institutional trust in Ripple’s blockchain-based payment systems.
Observers say this support, combined with the network’s growing utility, positions XRP as a leader in the next wave of institutional adoption.
XRP's price trends downwards on the daily chart. Source: XRPUSD on Tradingview
Accumulation of on-chain growth signals and recovery of XRP prices
Despite greater market volatility, network data shows growing confidence among XRP holders.
Glass knot reported that over 1.4 billion XRP tokens have been withdrawn from exchanges since September, which is the fastest pace of accumulation since 2022. Online activity has similarly increased, with over 21,000 modern wallets created in 48 hours, marking the highest enhance since January.
This combination of reduced currency supply, growing number of wallets, and expanding institutional partnerships paints an hopeful picture for XRP’s medium-term trajectory. If the asset maintains support above $2.30, analysts expect a possible move towards the $2.60-$3.00 range.
Related Reading: Analyst Predicts Bitcoin Price Will Drop to $87,000 If This Happens
As Bitcoin and Ethereum consolidate, XRP’s growing real-world utility and corporate adoption suggest that the rebound in XRP prices may not just be a reflection of relief, but the beginning of a modern phase of leadership in the next cryptocurrency cycle.
Cover photo from ChatGPT, XRPUSD chart from Tradingview
