A potential SEC retreat from the Ripple lawsuit has triggered a new wave of XRP spot ETF filings, positioning the token at the forefront of the next big crypto market movement. While Bitcoin price consolidates near the $83,000 mark, XRP is making headlines despite BlackRock’s continued silence.
SEC’s Ripple Exit: A Turning Point for XRP?
If the SEC formally withdraws its appeal, it could end the legal cloud surrounding Ripple’s programmatic XRP sales. This move would reinforce Ripple’s partial court victory and offer long-awaited regulatory clarity.
Crucially, it would open the path for XRP to be treated similarly to Bitcoin in the ETF space. For asset managers, pursuing XRP spot ETFs without fear of regulatory pushback is a green light. The broader signal? The SEC may be softening its once-aggressive stance on crypto under new leadership, potentially reshaping the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the U.S.
Read On: SEC vs XRP
The XRP Spot ETF Rush: Who’s Filing
The momentum is real. On April 15th, ProShares applied for the approval of an XRP spot ETF with the SEC, joining a rapidly growing pool of those who have ventured to apply for:
- Bitwise
- Canary Funds
- 21Shares
- Grayscale
- CoinShares
- WisdomTree
- Franklin Templeton
- Volatility Shares
- Hashdex
- MemX
- Teucrium
According to Kaiko data, XRP currently leads all live crypto ETF filings. Regulatory clarity and market opportunity convergence draw institutions in early and fast. The glaring question now: Will BlackRock join the party?
BlackRock’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Despite a flurry of XRP ETF filings, BlackRock remains on the sidelines. That’s notable, given its massive success with the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has attracted over $39 billion in inflows since launch.
Their absence introduces a strategic gap. If BlackRock throws its weight behind an XRP ETF, it could lend the token significant institutional legitimacy, especially among more cautious investors. Until then, speculation continues: Is BlackRock waiting for the right moment, or has it opted out altogether?
Bitcoin Holds at $83K—But Cracks Are Showing
Bitcoin remains above $83,000, though signs of weakening momentum are emerging. After peaking at an all-time high of $109,312 in January, BTC has cooled, despite a modest $1.5 million in net inflows into U.S. spot ETFs on April 14.
CryptoQuant’s Bull Score Index—below 50 for 58 of the last 60 days—adds to concerns, typically preceding market corrections. Factor in persistent inflation worries, lackluster retail data, and a hawkish Fed, and the bullish narrative faces mounting pressure.
Read More: Bitcoin Price Predictions
BTC Price Outlook: Bearish vs. Bullish Scenarios
On the 15th of April, Bitcoin dropped 1.09% to reach a closing price of $83,702 after a previous gain of 1.01%. Although BTC has kept itself afloat on the critical support level of $80,000, momentum is thinning out. ETF flows, economic indicators, and the general outlook of the markets are stimulating volatility.
Key near-term price drivers include:
- Current Price: $83,322
- Volume: 292 BTC (Low relative to recent weeks)
- Trend Context: Sideways chop after failed rebound; still well below Jan ATH of ~$109,000
Bearish Scenario:
- Lower highs since mid-February signal weakening bullish structure
- Volume profile shows declining interest on upswings—momentum is fading
- Horizontal support near $80,000 is being tested repeatedly; break below opens $75k
- Global headwinds: hawkish Fed tone, inflation reacceleration, or further ETF outflows
- Breakdown below $80k on rising volume could push BTC toward the $73,500–$75,000 range
Bullish Scenario:
- Price has formed a short-term base above $82k, holding support for four sessions
- Break above $85,000 would invalidate recent lower high trend and could invite new buyers
- On-chain ETF inflows resume, led by ARKB and BITB
- Reclaiming $87,000 with volume could trigger next leg toward $90,000–$95,000
XRP Price Outlook: Boom or Bust?
On April 15, XRP price fell 2.02%, closing at $2.0838, reversing its modest 0.38% gain from the previous session. The token continues to track the broader crypto market, dipping 1.32% that day. As XRP flirts with a key support level near $2.00, regulatory shifts and ETF decisions will likely dictate the next moves.
Key near-term price drivers include:
- Current Price: $2.1422
- Volume: 70.1M XRP (Below 30D average of 135.5M)
- Trend Context: Recovering from March low ($1.78), but still far from Dec high ($3.55)
Bearish Scenario:
- Recent upside moves lack conviction—volume is half the monthly average
- Resistance at ~$2.30 has repeatedly stalled upward momentum
- Technical rejection at the $2.20 level could cause a retracement to $1.85–$1.90
- Any hesitation or delay from the SEC on ETF filings would likely trigger downside
- Broader market weakness could drag XRP toward the $1.70 zone again
Bullish Scenario:
- Strong rebound from the $2.00 zone hints at local support forming
- Price is trying to form a higher low—bulls need confirmation above $2.30
- ETF-related catalysts: A confirmed SEC withdrawal or early approval triggers a volume spike
- Breakout above $2.40 with increased volume could send XRP toward $2.85, with a stretch target at $3.55
Know More: Ripple Price Predictions
What’s Driving the ETF Craze
A reshuffling at the SEC has flipped the script. With Paul Atkins now at the helm and a 3-1 Republican majority, the regulator’s once-hawkish crypto approach appears to be softening.
Meanwhile, Trump’s 2025 win has revived pro-crypto sentiment in Washington. In addition, heightened U.S.-China trade tensions are shaking traditional markets, and institutional investors are again eyeing digital assets as a hedge.
Let’s not forget the numbers: Spot Bitcoin ETFs have earned over $35 billion in just over a year. Now, XRP is positioned as the next big ETF candidate, and the race to file is already underway.
