XRP News Today: XRP's ETF-Driven Hype vs. Experts' $100 Doubts

The XRP price narrative has taken a sharp turn as analysts and institutional investors weigh in on its near-term and long-term prospects. While the recent surge in XRP, driven by the launch of multiple spot ETFs, has reignited speculation about a potential $100 price target by year-end, experts argue the math doesn't add up. Crypto analyst Zach Humphries, cited in a CoinPedia report, dismissed the notion as "delusional," noting that XRP would require a $6 trillion market cap to reach that level-more than double the current total crypto market value. With only 35 days left in the year, Humphries emphasized the unrealistic nature of such a projection, even as he acknowledged XRP's long-term potential.

The ETF launches have undeniably boosted XRP's momentum. Franklin Templeton and Grayscale introduced their spot XRP ETFs on November 24, 2025, joining Bitwise and Canary Capital in offering regulated investment products according to a CoinCentral report. These products, including Franklin's XRPZ and Grayscale's GXRP, have attracted significant institutional interest, with combined inflows exceeding $422 million in under a week. Franklin Templeton's David Mann highlighted XRP's role in global settlement infrastructure, while Grayscale's zero-fee introductory period underscored the asset's strategic appeal. The ETFs also signal regulatory clarity, following Ripple's $125 million SEC settlement in May 2025, which resolved years of legal uncertainty.

Despite the bullish momentum, technical indicators suggest caution. XRP's price has stabilized around $2.24, recovering from a dip to $2.12 but remaining within a descending channel established in August 2025.

Analysts note that a breakout above $2.20 could open the door to $2.50, but a drop below $2.00 would weaken the current setup. The RSI has recently rebounded from oversold levels, and the MACD histogram shows mixed momentum. Institutional accumulation, however, remains a key driver: Canary Capital's XRPC ETF alone holds 146 million XRP tokens, valued at $283 million.

Long-term predictions vary widely. The Motley Fool's forecast projects XRP reaching $6 by 2030, citing the expansion of Ripple's financial services and the integration of XRP into institutional workflows. Benzinga's algorithmic models suggest a more aggressive target of $26.97 by 2030, though bearish scenarios acknowledge risks from stablecoin competition and slower adoption. Meanwhile, Ripple's strategic acquisitions-Hidden Road, GTreasury, and Rail-aim to embed XRP into core financial infrastructure, potentially enhancing its utility beyond cross-border payments.

Looking ahead, the XRP market faces a critical juncture. While ETF inflows and institutional adoption provide a strong foundation, the asset's volatility and regulatory landscape remain key variables. Analysts caution against overestimating short-term gains, emphasizing that XRP's value proposition lies in its efficiency and scalability rather than speculative hype. As the crypto market continues to evolve, XRP's ability to maintain its position as a bridge asset will likely determine its trajectory in the coming years.