10h05 ▪
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min read ▪ by
The recent surge in XRP is not just a simple technical rebound. Within a few days, price, volumes, and open interest skyrocketed, reflecting a structural shift in the market. Far from an isolated rebound, this dynamic reveals the joint activation of speculative and institutional players around the asset. At a time when signals converge, the Ripple ecosystem seems to be entering a new strategic phase.
In Brief
- XRP price jumps to $2.55, supported by marked volume growth and intense speculative activity.
- Daily trading volume explodes by 140 %, signaling strong mobilization of leveraged traders.
- The imminent launch of XRP futures by CME could strengthen the asset’s legitimacy in institutional markets.
- Some analysts already mention the prospect of an XRP ETF, fueling bullish sentiment among investors.
Bullish speculation : XRP, the engine of the derivatives market
The derivatives market is buzzing around XRP. In recent days, the flagship asset of the Ripple ecosystem has seen its open interest on futures surge by 41.5 % in one week, now reaching $3.42 billion.
Such a surge coincides with a marked rise in the token price, from $2.14 to $2.55, representing an 18 % weekly increase. Glassnode specifies :
This strong increase in leverage coincides with a price rally, suggesting increased speculative activity and growing directional conviction.
Moreover, the 24-hour trading volume exploded nearly 140 %, reaching $10.51 billion. This context reveals intense mobilization of traders, notably on derivatives platforms where leverage plays an amplifying role.
In summary, several elements converge towards a bullish momentum mainly driven by speculation :
- Price increase of 5.46 % in 24 hours, extending a very positive weekly trend (+18 %) ;
- Daily trading volume explosion to $10.51 billion (+140 %) ;
- Open interest (futures) up 41.5 %, indicating strong engagement of operators on derivatives products ;
- Rising leverage, possibly amplifying price moves amid increased volatility.
This technical cocktail suggests that the current enthusiasm around XRP is mostly speculative. Thus, while favorable in the short term, this type of setup also exposes the market to sharp corrections if the buying flow reverses.
Whales, CME, and ETFs : signals of a structural shift?
Beyond short-term speculation, certain signals suggest a deeper evolution of momentum on XRP. Indeed, so-called “whale” wallets holding very large token amounts have slowed their selling activity.
“After months of constant outflows, the negative trend of whale flows is tiring and could soon become positive,” explains Kripto Mevsimi, referring to the 30-day whale flow chart.
This slowdown in outflows suggests a possible accumulation phase by large holders, traditionally seen as a bullish signal in the medium term.
Another major factor comes into play: the launch of XRP futures by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), scheduled for May 19. This announcement marks a decisive milestone for the asset, which will join one of the world’s most regulated derivatives markets.
The historical precedent with bitcoin, whose price soared after its integration on the CME, is fresh in everyone’s mind. While the immediate effect remains uncertain, this initiative could pave the way for a spot XRP ETF, an investment product increasingly mentioned by analysts.
This anticipation also seems to strengthen the overall positive sentiment, with 88 % of XRP holders expressing an optimistic outlook.
Ultimately, while technical data reflect strong short-term excitement, structural signals may indicate a decisive turning point. The imminent futures launch on the CME will serve as a real-world test. If successful, it could boost XRP’s institutional legitimacy and stimulate asset managers’ interest. Conversely, any disappointment at this stage could cause a sharp decline in the observed momentum.
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Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d’une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j’ai rejoint l’aventure Cointribune en 2019.
Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l’économie, j’ai pris l’engagement de sensibiliser et d’informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu’elle offre. Je m’efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l’actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.
DISCLAIMER
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.
