- Ripple (XRP) price fell 1.5% to $3.03 despite a $37.7M exchange-traded fund (ETF) launch volume.
- The new exchange-traded fund (ETF) offers regulated access, but its hybrid structure muted immediate market impact.
- Technical analysis shows XRP consolidating near $3.00, with traders awaiting clearer direction.
The long-awaited launch of the REX-Osprey Ripple (XRP) exchange-traded fund (ETF) brought a historic milestone for Ripple’s token in U.S. markets, yet the price reaction was underwhelming. XRP slipped 1.5% to $3.03 on Friday, despite the ETF drawing a first-day trading volume of $37.7 million.
This figure made it the most active exchange-traded fund (ETF) debut of 2025, five times higher than similar crypto fund launches earlier this year. For investors who expected a surge, the muted response was a reminder that institutional access does not always translate into immediate price momentum.
XRP ETF Launch Breaks Records, but Traders Question Why the Price Still Fell
The REX-Osprey XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), which began trading on September 18 under the ticker XRPR, offers regulated access to XRP under a 1940 Act framework. This product, developed by REX Shares and Osprey Funds, allows investors to gain exposure through traditional brokerage accounts, removing the need for crypto wallets or exchange accounts. Its launch represented a landmark for Ripple (XRP) presence in mainstream finance, drawing attention from both institutional investors and retail participants.
Yet analysts quickly pointed out why the token’s market price remained flat despite the excitement. The exchange-traded fund (ETF) holds a mix of assets, combining direct Ripple (XRP) exposure with up to 40% in foreign ETPs, Treasuries, and hedging instruments. This structure channels much of the demand into custodial flows rather than into spot markets where price discovery typically occurs. As a result, while investors are buying the ETF, the direct push on XRP’s open market price has been softer than some anticipated.
Ripple Price Charts Show Neutral Momentum as Traders Reduce Risk Exposure
Market data shows a cooling trend in trading behavior, with daily spot volume slipping 12.6% to $6.05 billion, pointing to lighter participation. In derivatives markets, open interest dipped 0.8% to $8.87 billion, while futures turnover fell 20% to $6.9 billion. These numbers suggest traders and investors are trimming risk while waiting for stronger signals before committing heavily, even as the ETF captures headlines.
Technical indicators back this picture of caution. Ripple is trading within a narrow range, with Bollinger Bands tightening between $2.71 and $3.18. The token currently sits just above its 20-day moving average at $2.95, suggesting stability but not strong upside energy. The MACD shows a modest bullish crossover, and the RSI at 54 highlights neutral pressure. Most analysts believe a sustained move above $3.18 could trigger a push toward $3.30, while failure to hold the $2.95 support zone risks sliding toward $2.85 or even $2.80 range.
Ripple (XRP) Long-term Case Remains Steady Despite Mixed Short-term Reactions
Despite the lack of fireworks in price, the debut of XRPR is still a bold move for the adoption of XRP within its investors and the regulated market at large. President of NovaDius Wealth Management, Nate Geraci, explained that the arrival of the fund is aimed at offering investors traditional on-ramps to digital assets. He also highlighted the parallel launch of the REX-Osprey DOGE exchange-traded fund (ETF), underscoring the growing variety of regulated crypto products reaching U.S. markets.
For long-term holders, the message is clear a regulated exchange-traded fund (ETF) may provide stability and institutional credibility rather than instant rallies. While traders continue to monitor technical levels and daily momentum, the presence of these new products could gradually build deeper liquidity and investor confidence. In the end, the exchange-traded fund (ETF) launch may prove more important for Ripple’s future than its present price, even if short-term reactions appear muted.
