XRP News Today: Google's GCUL Emerges as XRP's Shadow While VET Soars on Real-World Gains

XRP’s potential to reach $3.10 remains a topic of discussion among investors and analysts, particularly amid the emergence of new blockchain competitors such as Google’s Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL). While GCUL is still in its beta phase and unlikely to launch until 2026, its focus on cross-border payments mirrors XRP’s core utility, raising concerns about potential market disruption. GCUL is a private, permissioned blockchain, contrasting with the XRP Ledger’s public, permissionless model. This distinction could give Google an edge in attracting financial institutions that favor reduced risk and privacy controls. Additionally, GCUL’s reliance on stablecoins—tokens pegged to the U.S. dollar—presents a more stable medium for value transfer compared to the volatile price swings of XRP. These factors may erode the perceived utility of XRP over time, potentially dampening investor enthusiasm and affecting its price trajectory.

Meanwhile, VET (VeChain) has shown strong momentum, with forecasts suggesting a potential rally of up to 800% in the coming years. Current market sentiment for VET is neutral, according to the VeChain Fear and Greed Index, but recent developments and technical indicators have generated positive signals. The VeChainThor blockchain, a fully programmable EVM-compatible platform, is expanding into real-world applications including supply chain management, sustainability tracking, and DeFi. Notably, VeChain has integrated with major institutions such as Walmart China, BMW, and H&M, reinforcing its credibility and adoption potential. Additionally, VeChain’s tokenomics overhaul and upcoming upgrades, such as the Renaissance 2025 roadmap, are expected to enhance utility and attract institutional interest.

The market capitalization and trading volume of VET have also seen significant growth, with the token currently valued at $0.025 and trading at a market cap nearing $6 billion following a recent 6.72% surge. Analysts point to strong technical indicators, including a bullish MACD and positive impulse readings, as signs that VET is poised for further gains. Moreover, the VeChain Foundation’s strategic partnerships, such as its integration with Revolut and Crypto.com for institutional custody, are expected to drive wider adoption and usage of the token. These developments are part of a broader trend where blockchain platforms with real-world applications are gaining traction, positioning VET as a key player in the altcoin market.

In parallel, a new blockchain project, BlockDAG, has attracted attention with over 200,000 holders and a market cap approaching $400 million. While the project has not been explicitly compared to XRP or VET, its rapid growth and strong on-chain activity suggest a rising interest in alternative blockchain architectures that prioritize scalability and throughput. BlockDAG’s success highlights the evolving landscape of blockchain innovation, where competition is not limited to traditional altcoins but also includes newer projects with novel consensus mechanisms. This dynamic environment underscores the importance of real-world utility and technological differentiation in driving long-term value for crypto assets.

Despite the positive momentum for VET and BlockDAG, investors remain cautious given the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market. The VeChain Fear and Greed Index indicates that while there is optimism about the token’s future, mixed technical signals and bearish price resistance levels suggest that the path to $0.10 may be challenging. Additionally, macroeconomic factors, including regulatory scrutiny and global economic trends, continue to influence market sentiment. For XRP, the looming threat from Google’s GCUL and other cross-border payment solutions adds another layer of uncertainty. Investors are advised to monitor both technological developments and market dynamics as they assess long-term strategies in the crypto space.

Source: [1] Is Google Developing an XRP Killer? (https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/09/05/is-google-developing-an-xrp-killer/) [2] Vechain Fear and Greed Index | Multiple Timeframes (https://cfgi.io/vechain-fear-greed-index/)