With traders eyeing a potential spot ETF approval and the SEC lawsuit approaching a possible resolution, XRP’s current position could prove pivotal for its short-term momentum and long-term trajectory.

XRP Price Hangs on Key Technical Level

After facing three consecutive days of losses, XRP is now consolidating between $2.03 and $2.12. Market analysts say this range-bound behavior suggests an imminent move, but the direction remains uncertain.

XRP has slipped for three straight days and is now hovering near the key $2.00 support level. Source: MoonTradingForecast on TradingView

According to FXStreet, the $2.00 mark is a key short-term support level. A break below this threshold could expose XRP to further downside, with potential targets at $1.96, $1.90, and $1.86. On the other hand, a bounce from this zone could revive bullish momentum, with the 50-day simple moving average near $2.23 acting as a critical resistance.

Despite recent weakness, traders seem cautiously optimistic. Data from CoinGlass reveals that XRP’s funding rate has turned positive, indicating that long positions are slightly outpacing short ones. This trend hints at underlying bullish sentiment, even amid broader crypto market sell-offs.

Legal Pause Offers Ripple Breathing Room

One of the factors for market confidence is the temporary halt in the SEC-Ripple lawsuit. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted a joint motion to hold the SEC’s appeal in abeyance for 60 days on April 17. This shows that both parties are moving towards a final ruling.

On April 16, 2025, the SEC and Ripple agreed to pause their legal battle, signaling a potential settlement and a major step toward regulatory clarity for XRP. Source: Mr. Man via X

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty confirmed on X that the SEC would retain $50 million of a $125 million penalty that had been imposed previously and that the amount would be held in escrow. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also acknowledged that a settlement agreement had been reached with SEC staff, pending the commissioners’ approval.

The suit, which was filed in late 2020, has been a massive setback to XRP’s growth in the U.S. A decision could have a significant regulatory implication and might ultimately bring clarity to Ripple XRP news.

Spot XRP ETF Momentum Builds

As the legal fog begins to clear, speculation around an XRP spot ETF is gaining momentum. A prominent analyst, known online as MetaLawMan, believes that if Ripple finalizes its settlement with the SEC by mid-2025, a U.S.-based XRP ETF could be approved as early as April next year.

“Regulatory clarity is essential,” the analyst noted, pointing out that the SEC has historically refrained from approving crypto ETFs unless the underlying assets have been clearly defined as non-securities.

Adding to the optimism is Brazil’s recent launch of the world’s first XRP spot ETF by Hashdex, which is now trading on the B3 stock exchange. The move may pressure U.S. regulators to accelerate approval, especially as global demand for regulated crypto products increases.

Several firms, including Grayscale, 21Shares, and WisdomTree, have expressed interest in launching XRP-based ETFs in the U.S. Grayscale, in particular, has proposed converting its existing XRP Trust into a spot ETF.

What Lies Ahead for Ripple and XRP

With legal negotiations in progress and growing institutional interest, XRP’s near-term outlook hinges on multiple fronts. Market watchers are closely monitoring whether the Ripple ledger token can maintain its grip on the $2.00 support.

XRP is trading at around $2.05, down 1.31% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: XRP Liquid Index (XRPLX) via Brave New Coin

A break below could trigger increased selling pressure, while a sustained hold—or bounce—may reignite bullish hopes, especially as Ripple currency price chatter picks up steam amid ETF developments.

For now, traders and investors alike remain in wait-and-see mode, watching how the Ripple lawsuit, Ripple exchange developments, and Ripple Bank of America ties might shape the next chapter for XRP value and Ripple market dynamics.