XRP News Today: XRP Defies Crypto Slump as ETFs Drive Record Inflows

XRP surged over 8% in the past 24 hours, trading near $2.03, as Franklin Templeton's XRPZ exchange-traded fund (ETF) began trading and Grayscale's XRP Trust ETF (GXRP) received regulatory approval. The launches signal growing institutional confidence in XRP, with analysts forecasting robust inflows and a potential shift in crypto ETF dynamics according to reports.

Franklin Templeton's XRPZ, structured as a grantor trust holding XRP tokens, aims to provide regulated exposure to the cryptocurrency while offering daily transparency and liquidity as per reports. The fund's 0.19% sponsor fee is waived on the first $5 billion in assets until mid-2026, positioning it as a cost-competitive option for institutional investors according to Franklin Templeton. Analyst Chad Steingraber estimated first-day trading volume could reach $30 million, driven by fresh inflows rather than preloaded liquidity as reports indicate.

The ETF's entry follows a wave of XRP-focused products, including Bitwise's and Canary Capital's spot XRP ETFs, which have collectively drawn over $422 million in net inflows since November 14. Even amid a volatile week for crypto markets, XRP ETFs outperformed Bitcoin and Ethereum counterparts, which faced combined outflows of $1.7 billion according to market data. Canary Capital's XRPC ETF, the first U.S. spot XRP ETF, recorded $250 million in day-one inflows, setting a 2025 debut record as reported.

XRP's recent rally contrasts with broader crypto weakness, as the token attracted $89.3 million in inflows last week while Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant withdrawals according to market data. Analysts attribute the divergence to XRP's utility in cross-border payments and Ripple's infrastructure investments, including a $2.7 billion acquisition spree in custody and stablecoin services as reported. "XRP is a foundational building block in global settlement infrastructure," said Roger Bayston, Franklin Templeton's head of digital assets according to company statement.

Regulatory developments further bolster XRP's momentum. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently approved the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index ETF, which includes 4.97% exposure to XRP according to regulatory filings. Meanwhile, Grayscale's GXRP and Dogecoin Trust ETF (GDOG) began trading on NYSE Arca, with the former offering zero management fees for three months as per trading updates. These approvals reflect a broader regulatory shift toward legitimizing crypto assets, though risks remain high due to market volatility and evolving compliance challenges as market analysts note.

Looking ahead, the ETF landscape could intensify competition between single-asset and index funds. While XRP's institutional adoption gains traction, macroeconomic factors-including Federal Reserve policy-will likely dictate broader market sentiment according to market analysis. For now, XRP's performance underscores its growing role as a regulated, utility-driven asset in a maturing crypto ecosystem.