XRP ETF Speculation Heats Up as SEC Pauses Appeal—$3 Price Target Ahead?

The SEC’s decision to pause its appeal in the ongoing Ripple lawsuit has ignited new momentum around the possibility of an XRP ETF. Coupled with Ripple’s recent $50 million settlement and the successful launch of a leveraged XRP ETF, speculation is mounting that XRP could break through the $3 barrier in the near term.

Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer confirmed the deal terms, cutting the original $125 million penalty to $50 million and potentially lifting restrictions that blocked institutional access to XRP. Analysts say the legal victory marks a critical turning point, potentially setting the stage for an XRP ETF approval in the U.S.—a key driver for mainstream adoption

Ripple Lawsuit Nears Resolution, Boosting XRP Sentiment

XRP rallied nearly 3% on April 11, driven by optimism surrounding the SEC Ripple lawsuit. A joint filing by both parties revealed the SEC’s intent to suspend its appeal, a move that traders interpreted as a step toward closure. Judge Torres is expected to rule soon on the Final Judgment settlement, which includes a reduced penalty and possible removal of the injunction on XRP’s institutional sales. This legal clarity could unlock fresh institutional capital, especially if XRP sales to accredited investors are greenlit once again.

Institutional Demand Surges With New XRP ETF Launch

The Teucrium 2x Long Daily XRP ETF launched this week, generating significant interest. Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas praised the fund’s volume performance, noting its quick traction in a tough market. While not a spot ETF, the early success of this leveraged product hints at pent-up demand for XRP institutional exposure.

Markets are now watching closely to see if the SEC’s decision not to appeal the 2023 ruling on XRP’s programmatic sales clears the way for a fully approved XRP ETF. Such a product could bring billions in institutional inflows and dramatically reshape the XRP price prediction narrative. A spot XRP ETF would follow in the footsteps of Bitcoin ETFs that have already transformed market liquidity, and may provide long-term tailwinds for Ripple’s ecosystem.

Will XRP Break $3 or Retrace to $1.70?

Despite the bullish momentum, XRP slightly underperformed broader crypto markets on Friday, closing at $2.02. Still, many analysts believe a XRP price prediction of $3 is realistic, if regulatory and macroeconomic headwinds cooperate. Technical charts show a mixed picture. If support above $1.95 holds, XRP could break out toward its all-time high near $3.55. 

However, failure to maintain this level might result in a 40% retracement, completing a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern. Key macro risks—like escalating U.S.-China trade tensions or hawkish Fed policy—could weigh on short-term price action. Still, with the SEC Ripple lawsuit winding down and the XRP ETF narrative gaining strength, bulls see a strong foundation for long-term growth.

Conclusion

The crypto market is buzzing with fresh XRP ETF optimism after the SEC paused its appeal. Ripple’s legal victories and ETF traction are bringing institutional interest to new highs. While short-term volatility remains, the groundwork is being laid for XRP to test—and potentially surpass—the $3 level soon.