XRP Stabilizes as Traders Eye $2.40 Breakout on ETF Speculation
Isabella Torres
October 19, 2025
“As long as $2.25 holds, we like long gamma exposure into any ETF headline,” said one options desk trader in Singapore.
Price Action Snapshot
XRP rebounded from a Monday slide that briefly tagged $2.18, finishing the week near $2.34. Daily ranges tightened as traders digested macro news and regulatory chatter. Volume cooled from the prior week’s spike, but remained elevated versus September averages, suggesting disciplined accumulation rather than a speculative blow-off.
On the weekly chart, XRP continues to respect an ascending channel that has guided price higher since July. Bulls want to see a decisive break above $2.40 to reignite momentum toward summer highs.
ETF Narrative Still Alive
Despite regulatory delays caused by the U.S. shutdown, ETF speculation remains a dominant theme in XRP circles. Traders say every rumor about a resumed review cycle sparks brisk buying, even if timelines remain uncertain. Issuers continue to signal confidence that a spot product can clear in 2026, keeping the story in focus for longer-term investors.
Market makers report that institutions are using structured notes and total-return swaps to gain exposure while awaiting ETF clarity, providing a steady undercurrent of demand.
Key Levels to Watch
Technicians identify $2.38–$2.42 as a supply zone dating back to April’s rally. A clean break above could open a path toward $2.68 and $2.85. On the downside, $2.25 and $2.12 are the nearest supports; a failure there would risk a deeper retracement toward the 200-day moving average near $1.95.
Momentum indicators are neutral, suggesting the next directional move will hinge on catalysts rather than purely technical momentum.
Options and Funding Dynamics
Options desks saw persistent call buying at the $2.50 and $2.75 strikes for November expiry, reflecting expectations for a breakout. Implied volatility remains elevated relative to realized, offering premium-selling opportunities for hedged players. On futures venues, funding rates normalized around 0.02% after spiking during Monday’s shakeout.
Traders warn that positioning is now skewed toward topside bets; a false breakout could trigger rapid long liquidation unless hedged.
Catalysts on the Horizon
Near-term catalysts include any update from the SEC on ETF review timelines, Ripple’s quarterly markets report, and macro risk events such as the upcoming FOMC meeting. Cross-border payment partnerships or new institutional pilot programs could also provide upside surprises.
Until clarity arrives, XRP is likely to remain sensitive to headlines. Traders advise using stop-loss discipline and sizing positions with volatility in mind.