The XRP price is now down 2.5% today, and is trading around $2.33. This modest dip shouldn’t worry anyone too much, since most altcoins are going through a small correction right now. For example, the Ethereum price is down 4% during the same period. However, TheCryptoBasic X account just released an interesting thread on why today could be a big day for XRP.
According to analyst J4b1, a powerful mix of events is lining up, and it could completely shift XRP’s future. At the center of it all is the launch of XRP futures ETFs by CME Group, expected to go live today, May 19. For those who remember, both Bitcoin and Ethereum had futures ETFs approved before spot ETFs, and in both cases, those launches became key price catalysts.
If XRP follows that same path, the futures ETF could open the door for a spot ETF in the U.S., especially considering 11 XRP ETF applications are reportedly already filed among more than 70 crypto-related proposals.
What you'll learn 👉
Why This Time Feels Different
This isn’t just about ETFs. J4b1 also highlights a major regulatory shift. Paul Atkins, a former SEC Commissioner, has reportedly replaced Gary Gensler as SEC Chairman. Atkins is known for being crypto-friendly and supportive of market innovation. If confirmed, this change could clear the path for ETF approvals and a friendlier stance toward Ripple and digital assets in general.
Then there’s the legal side. The long-running Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit is close to resolution. A final settlement would lift one of the biggest clouds hanging over XRP, just as institutional interest begins to return. The timing is crucial. If regulation loosens and the lawsuit wraps up while ETFs hit the market, XRP could become one of the most accessible and validated tokens in the space.
Here’s Why May 19 Could Change Everything for #XRP. #Ripple🧵 pic.twitter.com/FSyBOOwVSc
— TheCryptoBasic (@thecryptobasic) May 17, 2025
Outside the U.S., momentum is already building. In Brazil, the XRP ETF called XRP H11 is already trading on the B3 exchange, backed by physical XRP. It’s another sign that global institutions aren’t waiting. They’re already moving.
There’s also a political wildcard. According to the thread, Donald Trump has signed executive orders that support crypto innovation, and even mentioned XRP as a potential asset for national reserves. Whether that becomes policy or not, it shows that XRP is entering the political and geopolitical conversation in a way few altcoins ever have.
Macro events are also playing a role. If peace talks between Russia and Ukraine advance in the coming weeks, that could ease fear in global markets and free up capital that might flow into risk assets like crypto. XRP, being at the intersection of legal clarity, institutional adoption, and political relevance, could benefit the most.
XRP Price Forecast: What Comes Next?
From a technical perspective, the XRP price is holding above key support at $2.30. If bulls can defend this level, analysts expect a short-term move back to $2.55 to $2.70. That would likely happen if the futures ETF is confirmed and volume picks up in the next few days.
Looking beyond the short term, if spot ETF approval follows later this year and when Ripple secures a clear legal win, XRP could target the $4 to $7 range within the current market cycle. These levels align with previous cycle highs and match expectations for other large-cap tokens.
Some long-term bullish projections, especially from institutional models, stretch as high as $15 to $20, but that would likely require broader crypto adoption, consistent regulatory clarity, and huge global capital inflows. For now, a more realistic upside for 2025 sits in the $5 to $8 range.
Read also: Ripple President: Bank of America Is Going “All In” on XRP – Is This the Start of a Global Shift?
Wrapping Up
With the impending XRP futures ETF launch, a possible SEC leadership change, a nearing end to Ripple’s legal battle, and global institutional signals already flashing green, XRP is entering one of its most pivotal phases ever.
Whether you’re already holding or still watching from the sidelines, May 19 may mark the moment the market starts pricing in everything that’s been quietly building in the background.
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