Solana News Today: Ripple XRP Gains Momentum on $70B Payments, 16.67% Price Potential as Solana SOL Surges Past $190, Tokenized Stocks Grow 242%

Ripple and Solana have emerged as focal points in the cryptocurrency market amid growing institutional and retail interest, driven by expanding use cases and speculative momentum. Ripple’s XRP has seen renewed attention following the settlement of over $70 billion in cross-border payments through its platform, bolstered by the addition of 90 payout markets. Analysts highlight this expansion as a catalyst for XRP’s potential price movement, with one model predicting a 16.67% increase in Phase 6 if key metrics like the dual-lending model and security programs gain traction [2]. Meanwhile, Solana’s native token SOL surged past $190 in early July, fueled by a breakout from a long-standing ascending triangle pattern and surging demand for its tokenized stock market, which grew 242% to $102 million by July 22 [4][5].

The optimism surrounding these projects is underscored by broader market dynamics. Ripple’s on-chain activity shows signs of sustained institutional demand, with whale accumulation pushing XRP holdings to record levels of 47.32 billion tokens [6]. This aligns with predictions that XRP could break out of a $3.40 resistance level if closing prices exceed that threshold, leveraging historical price patterns from late 2024 [7]. For Solana, the launch of the Rex Shares SOL staking ETF—amassing $42 million in net assets—signals growing institutional adoption, though risks remain tied to leveraged positions. A $737 million liquidation event in late July saw Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and SOL stall, highlighting market volatility [3].

Solana’s ecosystem also faces scrutiny as it navigates challenges beyond speculative hype. While tokenized stocks represent a novel use case, platforms like Backed Finance’s xStocks admit that DeFi applications remain underdeveloped [5]. Conversely, Ripple’s emphasis on compliance and infrastructure—such as its stablecoin integration—positions it as a pragmatic solution for institutional players, contrasting with Solana’s focus on high-throughput blockchain capabilities.

Price forecasts vary significantly. A trader’s prediction pegs SOL at $1,100 by 2026, contingent on a spot ETF approval (currently 99% probable on Polymarket) and broader market adoption [1]. However, this forecast explicitly excludes factors like regulatory uncertainty or macroeconomic shifts. For XRP, the path to $5 hinges on continued retail enthusiasm and the success of Ripple’s security initiatives, though analysts caution that leveraged trading activity could trigger short-term corrections.

The interplay between institutional infrastructure and retail speculation defines the current landscape. Ripple’s $70 billion in settled transactions underscores its role in real-world adoption, while Solana’s tokenized stocks and staking products cater to a younger demographic seeking high-growth opportunities. As both projects vie for dominance in their respective niches, market participants will closely monitor on-chain metrics and regulatory developments to assess sustainability.

Source:

[1] Finbold, Solana Price Prediction 2026: Trader Makes $1,100 Call, https://finbold.com/solana-price-prediction-2026-trader-makes-1100-call-but-this-under-0-0018-token-offers-bigger-multiples/

[2] Mitrade, Ripple (XRP) Gathers Bullish Momentum Toward $5, But ..., https://www.mitrade.com/au/insights/news/live-news/article-3-981626-20250724

[3] Mitrade, Crypto markets retreat after liquidation of $737 million, https://www.mitrade.com/au/insights/news/live-news/article-3-983654-20250724

[4] MSN, Top Cryptos To Buy Now As Solana (SOL) Surges Past $190, https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/top-cryptos-to-buy-now-as-solana-sol-surges-past-190/ar-AA1Jiwic?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds

[5] AInvest, Solana's Tokenized Stocks Surge 242% to $102M as ..., https://www.ainvest.com/news/solana-news-today-solana-tokenized-stocks-surge-242-102m-memecoins-drive-network-growth-2507/

[6] CoinDCX, When Will the Crypto Market Bull Run Begin in 2025?, https://coindcx.com/blog/crypto-deep-dives/crypto-bull-run-2025/

[7] Bitget, XRP Price Will Break Out If It Closes Above $3.40, https://www.bitget.com/academy/xrp-price-prediction-latest-analysis-2025