XRP ETF Surpasses Bitcoin in Debut Volume as Token Dips

The REX-Osprey XRP ETF (ticker: XRPR) made a record-breaking debut on September 18, 2025, with $37.7 million in trading volume on its first day, surpassing the previous benchmark set by the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IVES) and becoming the highest-volume natural ETF launch of the yearWhy is XRP Price Falling Despite Ripple ETF Sees Record Volume on Launch^[1]. This performance underscores growing institutional and retail demand for regulated exposure to XRP, the digital asset developed by Ripple Labs. The ETF, structured as a Registered Investment Company (RIC), holds a mix of XRP tokens, cash, and U.S. Treasuries, offering investors a compliant pathway to gain exposure to XRP without direct custody of the underlying assetXRPR - REX Shares^[4].

Despite the ETF’s strong launch, XRP’s price declined by approximately 1.5% to $3.03 on the same dayXRP Price Falls Despite REX-Osprey ETF Launch: What’s Next?^[3]. Analysts attribute this divergence to a combination of profit-taking by pre-existing holders and a large whale transfer of 16.4 million XRP ($50.1 million) to Coinbase, signaling potential selling pressureWhy is XRP Price Falling Despite Ripple ETF Sees Record Volume on Launch^[1]. Blockchain monitoring services flagged the transaction as a precursor to market liquidation, with traders interpreting the movement as a bearish signal. The timing of the transfer coincided with heightened liquidity from the ETF’s launch, amplifying its impact on price dynamicsWhy is XRP Price Falling Despite Ripple ETF Sees Record Volume on Launch^[1].

The ETF’s success also highlights broader trends in crypto adoption. North America, led by the U.S., has emerged as a global hub for institutional crypto activity, with spot Bitcoin ETFs drawing $54.5 billion in inflows since January 2024. The REX-Osprey XRP ETF’s launch aligns with this trajectory, reflecting maturing regulatory frameworks that have enabled traditional financial players to engage with digital assets. The U.S. now ranks second in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Adoption Index, driven by ETF-driven flows and clearer regulatory guidance.

Market analysts note that the ETF’s hybrid structure—combining direct XRP holdings with hedging instruments—limits its immediate impact on spot prices compared to a pure spot ETFXRP Price Falls Despite REX-Osprey ETF Launch: What’s Next?^[3]. However, the product’s $37.7 million debut volume demonstrates its potential to channel sustained institutional demand into the XRP ecosystem. For context, the REX-Osprey Dogecoin ETF (DOJE) also performed strongly, generating $17 million in first-day inflows, placing it among the top five ETF launches of 2025Why is XRP Price Falling Despite Ripple ETF Sees Record Volume on Launch^[1].

The broader crypto market remains in a consolidation phase, with XRP’s price trading within a tight range of $2.96–$3.18XRP Price Falls Despite REX-Osprey ETF Launch: What’s Next?^[3]. Technical indicators suggest low volatility but potential for a breakout, with key support levels at $2.95 and resistance near $3.18. While the ETF’s launch did not immediately translate into a price rally, it signals growing institutional credibility for XRP, a digital asset that has historically faced regulatory scrutiny. Analysts caution that sustained price appreciation will depend on macroeconomic factors, including Federal Reserve policy and broader risk appetiteUS Could Climb to Second in Global Crypto Adoption as Bitcoin ETF Inflows Rise, India Remains First^[7].

The REX-Osprey XRP ETF’s debut marks a pivotal moment for altcoin adoption in the U.S., following a year of regulatory uncertainty and market volatility. While short-term price movements remain influenced by whale activity and profit-taking, the ETF’s success underscores the growing integration of digital assets into traditional finance. Institutional investors and regulators now face the challenge of balancing innovation with oversight, as crypto ETFs continue to reshape market dynamicsXRPR - REX Shares^[4].