- XRP’s new CME futures hit $19M debut volume—too low for institutional risk tools compared to Bitcoin, Ethereum.
- Liquidity gaps hinder XRP ETF viability; current market depth can’t support billion-dollar fund flows without volatility risks.
BlackRock, managing $11.6 trillion in assets, continues prioritizing Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) while avoiding similar products tied to XRP. The firm’s hesitation stems from regulatory ambiguity, market conditions, and strategic priorities shaping its approach to cryptocurrency offerings.
Regulators have not yet clarified whether XRP qualifies as a security or commodity, creating uncertainty for ETF approvals. Although a U.S. court ruled in 2023 that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not fully aligned with this decision.
Recent delays in ETF rulings—some pushed to mid-2025—highlight unresolved legal questions. BlackRock, known for methodical moves, appears unwilling to engage until clearer guidelines emerge, possibly through legislation like the pending Stablecoin Act.
XRP’s derivatives market also lags behind Bitcoin and Ethereum
While CME Group launched XRP futures in May 2025, initial trading volumes reached $19 million, far below the billions seen in established crypto futures markets. Institutions like BlackRock rely on robust derivatives to hedge risk, and XRP’s nascent activity raises concerns about stability.
Liquidity presents another barrier. XRP’s market depth, though solid, may not yet support the rapid inflows and outflows typical of ETFs handling large capital. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs benefit from deeper liquidity pools, reducing volatility risks during high trading activity.
BlackRock’s current focus remains on refining its Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF offerings, which have attracted steady investor interest. Diversifying into XRP could strain resources without guaranteed returns, a risk the firm seems reluctant to take.
Additionally, the SEC’s pending decisions on XRP and Solana ETF applications from other firms may influence BlackRock’s timing. Observing regulatory outcomes could provide insights into approval odds before committing resources.
XRP (Ripple) – Real-Time Price & Technical Market Analysis – May 21, 2025
XRP is currently trading at $2.391, registering a +1.42% daily gain, as it consolidates just below the critical $2.42 resistance level. The asset has performed exceptionally over the past year, with a +345.10% annual return, though recent momentum has stalled slightly with a -7.42% decline over the past week. Monthly performance remains strong at +15.09%, underscoring investor optimism as XRP enters price discovery territory not seen since early 2018.
From a technical standpoint, XRP is oscillating between support at $2.31 and resistance at $2.42–$2.45. A successful breakout above $2.42 could push the price toward $2.80, as projected by analysts observing double-bottom structures and Fibonacci targets.
A pullback below $2.31 would invalidate the short-term bullish setup and bring a retest of $2.20 into play. Oscillators are currently neutral, while market sentiment remains cautiously bullish.
On the fundamental front, XRP futures recently launched on CME, generating significant interest with $25.6 million in volume in the first two days, suggesting institutional demand is rising.
Meanwhile, retail speculation continues to drive momentum, with some analysts comparing current XRP price behavior to the 2017 bull run, hinting at a longer-term rally toward $7–$10, should ETF plans and real-world tokenization ambitions materialize.
