The long-awaited conclusion of Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finally arrived—yet XRP’s price reaction has been underwhelming. Despite widespread anticipation that the crypto asset would surge to new all-time highs following the SEC’s decision to drop its appeal, XRP rose only about 13% to $2.60 before pulling back to around $2.40. As of the latest data, it trades at $2.3995, leaving many investors puzzled.
So why hasn’t XRP skyrocketed after such a major regulatory win?
Anticipatory Trading: The Market Priced in the Victory
One of the primary reasons for the muted price movement lies in anticipatory trading—a well-documented phenomenon in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. According to Johnny Krypto, co-founder of Merlin, the market had already priced in a favorable outcome long before the official announcement.
“When Trump won, there was no logical reason for XRP’s price to jump, but the market was pricing in that the lawsuit would be dropped,” Johnny explains. “That’s why we saw the big pump back then.”
The significant rally from $0.50 to $2.50 in November 2024 wasn’t driven by immediate news—it was fueled by growing confidence that Ripple would prevail. Traders positioned themselves early, pushing the price upward based on expectations rather than finalized outcomes.
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Now that the SEC has officially stepped back, there’s little fresh catalyst to justify another explosive move. In financial markets, "buy the rumor, sell the news" is a common pattern—and XRP appears to be following this script.
Johnny adds: “If the SEC had maintained the appeal, XRP’s price would have likely plummeted instead of staying stable.” The current stability, therefore, reflects relief rather than euphoria—a lack of negative news preventing a sell-off, rather than strong bullish momentum driving a breakout.
Investor Psychology: The Pain of Patience
Crypto analyst EGRAG CRYPTO (@egragcrypto) highlights another crucial factor: investor psychology. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he noted rising anxiety within the XRP community.
“Right now, almost everyone seems to be panicking. Even with all my positive charts, some people are still worried. My DM is filled with anxious questions like, ‘The SEC dropped the case, and we didn’t MOON. Why? What’s going on?, What Happened’ Just Relax and Breath! The real bull market and development are just getting started.”
This emotional response underscores a broader shift in market dynamics. Unlike the rapid boom-and-bust cycles of 2017, today’s crypto market is maturing—moving at a steadier, more deliberate pace.
EGRAG CRYPTO describes this phase as the “pain of boredom”—a period where prices grind higher slowly, testing the resolve of retail investors who expect quick returns. But as he emphasizes:
“Currently, almost all retail players are experiencing ‘pain’ it is called pain of boredom… But this is not how financial markets work. It moves in cycles and waves.”
The current environment may lack fireworks, but it sets the foundation for longer-term growth—especially as institutional interest builds.
Institutional Adoption on the Horizon
One of the most promising developments for XRP lies ahead: institutional adoption. EGRAG CRYPTO believes that upcoming financial products, particularly XRP-based ETFs, could unlock massive demand.
“This time around, the market might remain strong for an extended period due to steady prices. New ETFs will be helping to bring in a new breed participants … There will be hundreds and thousands of sales people pushing the XRP ETF to their clients.”
ETF approvals often act as gateways for mainstream investors and wealth managers to enter digital asset markets. With regulatory clarity now improving—thanks to Ripple’s legal win—the path toward an approved XRP ETF has become more plausible.
Such institutional inflows wouldn’t trigger overnight pumps but could fuel sustained upward pressure over months or even years. This slow-and-steady trajectory may lack viral hype, but it aligns with healthier market fundamentals.
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Macro Forces Still Weigh on Risk Assets
Despite Ripple’s victory, XRP does not trade in a vacuum. Like all cryptocurrencies, it remains sensitive to global macroeconomic conditions—and those are currently mixed at best.
A looming concern is the resurgence of U.S.-led trade tensions, particularly under renewed tariff policies associated with former President Trump. Proposed tariffs—including 25% on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China—have raised fears of stagflation: a dangerous mix of stagnant economic growth and rising inflation.
These policies threaten to disrupt supply chains, increase consumer prices, and weaken global economic momentum—all of which negatively impact risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Investors are increasingly rotating into safer havens such as U.S. Treasuries and gold, reducing capital flows into volatile digital assets. In such environments, even positive crypto-specific news struggles to ignite broad rallies.
Federal Reserve Policy Adds Uncertainty
Monetary policy also plays a critical role. At its March 19 meeting in 2025, the Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady in the 4.25%–4.5% range, pausing the rate-cutting cycle that began in September 2024.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited two key concerns:
- Persistent inflation above the 2% target
- Elevated recession risks linked to trade tensions and weakening consumer spending
Powell’s cautious stance has contributed to market unease, as higher-for-longer interest rates reduce liquidity and make yield-bearing safe assets more attractive compared to speculative investments like crypto.
In this climate, Ripple’s legal win—while significant—is just one factor among many. For XRP to break out decisively, broader macro conditions may need to improve first.
FAQ: Your Questions About XRP’s Post-SEC Price Action
Why didn’t XRP go up more after winning against the SEC?
Markets often price in expected outcomes in advance. The rally from $0.50 to $2.50 in late 2024 reflected growing confidence in Ripple’s legal position. Once the news was confirmed, there was limited room for further upside—leading to a muted reaction.
Is XRP still a good investment after the SEC case ended?
Many analysts believe so. With regulatory uncertainty reduced, XRP is better positioned for institutional adoption, potential ETF listings, and expanded use in cross-border payments—making it a compelling long-term hold.
Could an XRP ETF really happen now?
The likelihood has increased significantly post-ruling. While no application has been approved yet, Ripple’s victory strengthens the argument that XRP is not a security—meeting a key requirement for ETF approval.
How do global trade wars affect XRP?
Trade tensions contribute to economic instability and inflation fears. This drives investors toward safe-haven assets like gold and bonds, reducing appetite for riskier assets including cryptocurrencies.
What should XRP holders do now?
Analysts advise patience. The current phase may feel stagnant, but it could be laying the groundwork for sustained growth driven by institutional demand rather than retail speculation.
Will XRP ever reach $10 or higher?
While price predictions vary, long-term optimism stems from potential adoption in banking and remittances. However, such moves depend on both market conditions and real-world utility expansion—not just regulatory wins.
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Final Thoughts: A Foundation for Future Growth
While XRP didn’t “moon” after Ripple’s SEC victory, the event remains a pivotal milestone. Regulatory clarity enhances credibility, opens doors for institutional products like ETFs, and strengthens XRP’s position in global payments infrastructure.
The current price action reflects maturity—not failure. Markets are digesting years of uncertainty while navigating broader economic headwinds.
For informed investors, this isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a more sustainable chapter.
Core Keywords: XRP price, Ripple SEC lawsuit, XRP ETF, anticipatory trading, institutional adoption, crypto market psychology, Federal Reserve policy, macroeconomic impact on crypto