Bitcoin News Today: EU Trainees Shift From Bitcoin to XRP Amid Crypto Portfolio Rebalance

A recent analysis from Morgan Stanley highlights a striking shift in investor sentiment toward cryptocurrencies, particularly within the European Union [1]. The firm’s research indicates that Bitcoin and Ethereum, which once dominated the portfolios of young EU investors, have seen a sharp decline in popularity in 2025. Specifically, only 12% of EU trainees now own Bitcoin, down from 63% in 2022. Similarly, Ethereum ownership has plummeted from 60% in 2022 to just 7% in 2025 [1].

The data also reveals a broader trend of disengagement, with 82% of EU trainees now stating they do not own any cryptocurrencies, up from 69% in 2024 [1]. This suggests that younger investors, who were once early adopters of digital assets, are either divesting or choosing to remain uninvolved.

However, while Bitcoin and Ethereum have lost ground, XRP has emerged as a notable exception. According to the same research, XRP ownership among EU investors has risen from 0% to 5%, making it the only cryptocurrency to show a positive trend [1]. Analysts attribute this shift to XRP’s improved regulatory clarity and a significant price surge that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024 [1].

The growing interest in XRP appears to be driven by its practical applications, especially in cross-border payments and its potential to attract institutional investors. This positions the altcoin as a more viable alternative to the traditionally dominant coins, at least in the eyes of a segment of the EU investor base [1].

The broader market context also supports this transition. Global financial dynamics are shifting, with the U.S. dollar facing increasing competition from other currencies and reserve assets [2]. These macroeconomic developments can influence investor preferences, particularly in asset classes like cryptocurrencies that are often viewed as hedges or alternatives to traditional financial instruments [2].

Additionally, the overall crypto market has shown signs of stabilization, with Bitcoin recovering from earlier declines and altcoins like XRP and Dogecoin gaining traction [3]. These movements reflect a more diversified and mature market landscape, where investors are willing to explore a wider array of options beyond the most well-known cryptocurrencies.

As major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley increasingly shape the narrative around digital assets, their research plays a pivotal role in guiding investor behavior. The firm’s latest findings indicate a clear reevaluation of risk and reward in the crypto space, with a growing emphasis on alternatives that offer both utility and potential for growth. With Bitcoin and Ethereum losing their once-dominant positions, the stage is set for altcoins like XRP to take center stage in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape [1].

Source:

[1] Morgan Stanley Research: Bitcoin and Ethereum Lost Their Former Power, Investors Turning to This Altcoin (https://en.bitcoinsistemi.com/morgan-stanley-research-bitcoin-and-ethereum-lost-their-former-power-investors-turning-to-this-altcoin/)

[2] JPMorgan on De-Dollarization: What It Means for World Markets (https://watcher.guru/news/jpmorgan-on-de-dollarization-what-it-means-for-world-markets)

[3] NEWS. Stock Market NEWS Updated Daily (https://munafasutra.com/nse/StockMarketNEWS/Stock_NEWS_USA/)