XRP News Today: XRP's Real-World Utility Challenges Bitcoin's Store of Value Status

XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has surged to record highs of $3.40 in 2025, outpacing Bitcoin's modest 3% gain. This performance has propelled XRP to the top of Coinbase's internal search charts, with 32,000 queries in the past 24 hours, surpassing Bitcoin's 26,000 searches TradingView^[3]. The token's rally follows a post-halving trend observed historically, where altcoins like XRP often outperform Bitcoin during periods of heightened market optimism FXEmpire^[1].

The XRP/USD pair has risen 23% year-to-date, while Bitcoin's slower momentum has raised questions about its role as a store of value compared to XRP's utility-driven use cases. Ripple's XRP Ledger (XRPL) has seen advancements in tokenized assets and smart contract capabilities via updates like Hooks and XLS-20, potentially driving demand through decentralized finance (DeFi) and stablecoin projects FXEmpire^[1]. Analysts note that XRP's real-world application in cross-border transactions-offering low-cost, instant settlements-sets it apart from Bitcoin's speculative appeal The Motley Fool^[2].

Regulatory developments have further fueled XRP's momentum. A favorable SEC ruling in August 2024, which deemed XRP not a security in most contexts, has eased concerns over the ongoing legal case with the regulator. This has positioned XRP ETFs as a potential catalyst, with multiple applications pending approval. However, a U.S. government shutdown in October 2025 has delayed decisions, freezing over 90 ETF filings, including those for XRP Coinpedia^[5]. Despite this, the token's price has remained resilient, trading at $2.81 as of late October, though it faces short-term selling pressure from large holders.

On-chain data reveals sustained outflows from XRP whale wallets, with an average of $28 million in daily sales over the past 90 days . This distribution pattern mirrors pre-correction trends observed in early 2025, raising concerns about the token's near-term stability. Technical indicators also signal overbought conditions, with the XRP/USD relative strength index (RSI) hitting 75.68 in January 2025, a level historically associated with price corrections FXEmpire^[1].

Market analysis highlights divergent trajectories for XRP and Bitcoin. While Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized nature have bolstered its reputation as digital gold, XRP's market cap of $167.51 billion lags behind Bitcoin's $2.19 trillion, reflecting differing investor sentiment Bitdegree^[4]. The SEC's recent adoption of Generic Listing Standards has added regulatory clarity for crypto ETFs, but XRP's path to approval remains uncertain amid the government shutdown TheCryptoBasic^[6].

Despite short-term volatility, XRP's institutional adoption in Asia and its expanding utility in cross-border remittances offer long-term support. Partnerships with firms like SBI Holdings and BDACS have enabled regulated XRP ETFs in Japan and South Korea, signaling growing institutional confidence . Analysts argue that XRP's undervaluation, relative to its technical upgrades and DeFi integration, could drive renewed accumulation by large holders, potentially stabilizing its price in the coming months .

The crypto market remains closely watching XRP's price action and regulatory developments. A breakout above key resistance levels, combined with renewed whale inflows, could reignite bullish momentum. However, sustained selling pressure from large holders and ETF delays pose risks to its short-term outlook. For now, XRP's outperformance of Bitcoin underscores its appeal as a speculative and utility-driven asset in a rapidly evolving market.