XRP News Today: XRP ETF Defies Crypto Slump with Record Launch

The Canary XRP ETF (XRPC) has captured headlines as the most successful exchange-traded fund debut of 2025, surpassing even the record set by Bitwise's Solana Staking ETF (BSOL) just days prior. The fund, which tracks the spot price of XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, generated $58.6 million in trading volume on its first day, according to Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas. This narrowly edged out BSOL's $57 million debut, marking a pivotal moment for XRP-based investment products and signaling growing institutional interest in altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The ETF's explosive start defied a broader crypto market slump, with XRP trading flat while Bitcoin and Solana declined. XRPC's performance was fueled by early trading activity that exceeded expectations: within 30 minutes, the fund notched $26 million in volume, far surpassing Balchunas' initial estimate of $17 million. By the end of the day, XRPC had attracted roughly $245 million in inflows, a testament to the appetite for regulated exposure to XRP. Analysts attribute this demand to a combination of factors, including the end of the U.S. government shutdown, easing macroeconomic concerns, and the regulatory clarity surrounding XRP after a protracted legal battle with the SEC.

Despite the ETF's success, XRP's price dipped 5.2% to $2.30 on the day, a classic "sell-the-news" reaction. The token had briefly risen to $2.50 amid launch optimism but faced selling pressure from large holders. This divergence between ETF inflows and spot price weakness highlights the complex interplay of institutional demand and market sentiment. The ETF demand is structural, but spot-side selling persists due to macro pressures and profit-taking, noted a crypto analyst.

The regulatory environment has played a critical role in XRPC's launch. After a five-year legal battle, the SEC settled its case against Ripple Labs in July 2025, clearing the path for XRP-based ETFs. Canary Capital's XRPC became the first U.S. spot XRP ETF registered under the Securities Act of 1933, a milestone that industry observers say signals the end of an era of anti-crypto regulatory hostility. Ripple's expanding institutional footprint further reinforces this narrative, with the company now partnering with over 300 banks and financial institutions globally to leverage its XRP Ledger for cross-border payments.

Looking ahead, analysts predict XRPC could attract up to $8 billion in institutional capital over the next year, potentially driving XRP's price higher. JPMorgan and other financial firms have already projected significant inflows, with some forecasting XRP could reach $10 within 18 months. However, short-term volatility remains a concern. The broader crypto market, valued at $3.2 trillion, has seen a 4% decline in the past week, with Bitcoin trading below $99,000 and Ethereum slipping into negative territory.

The XRPC launch also underscores a broader trend: the maturation of the crypto ETF market. While 2024 saw record-breaking Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF debuts, 2025 has witnessed a shift toward altcoin-focused products. XRPC's performance, alongside BSOL's strong debut, demonstrates that investors are increasingly seeking diversified exposure to digital assets. The two funds represent a new frontier for crypto investing, where institutional-grade vehicles are now available for assets beyond the top two, said Sumit Roy, Senior Analyst at ETF.com.

As XRPC settles into its role as a market leader, the focus will shift to whether the fund can sustain its early momentum. For now, the ETF's record-breaking launch has cemented XRP's place in the institutional investment landscape and set the stage for further innovation in crypto-based financial products.

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