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XRP price prediction and ETF news: SEC delays Bitwise crypto ETF — XRP is once again in the spotlight as new developments shake up the crypto ETF landscape. The SEC’s sudden decision to halt Bitwise’s spot crypto ETF conversion is sending waves across the market—impacting not only XRP but also Bitcoin, Solana, and other major altcoins.

So, what’s happening with XRP right now? And how could the delayed ETF approval change the game for crypto investors in 2025?

What’s the latest XRP price and trend in July 2025?

As of now, XRP is trading around $3.44, marking a slight dip from its recent highs. Despite the short-term pullback, XRP remains up over 220% year-to-date, largely fueled by favorable legal clarity and growing institutional interest.

Key highlights:

• Current price: $3.44
  
  
• 7-day range: $3.42 – $3.65
  
  
• YTD gain: Over 220%
  
  
• Market cap: ~$185 billion
  
  

XRP recently broke out of a bullish flag pattern, signaling potential for more upside. Some analysts see a short-term dip to $3.40 as healthy consolidation before a possible rebound toward $4.00 or even $4.50 by Q4 2025.

Why did the SEC delay the Bitwise Crypto ETF?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has temporarily blocked the conversion of Bitwise’s 10 Crypto Index Fund into a spot ETF, just hours after approving it. The move has sparked renewed uncertainty around altcoin-based ETFs—particularly those including XRP, Solana, and Cardano. This comes at a time when investors are closely watching XRP ETF developments and the broader outlook for crypto ETFs in 2025.

SEC Pauses Bitwise Crypto Index ETF Conversion: Here’s Why

The SEC initially approved Bitwise’s plan to convert its popular Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW) into a spot-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) on July 22, 2025. This ETF would have offered direct exposure to top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Cardano, Polygon, and more.

However, within hours, Assistant Secretary Sherry R. Haywood invoked Rule 431, automatically staying the approval pending a full Commission review. The review halts trading of the ETF until the SEC makes a final ruling.

What Triggered the SEC’s Sudden Reversal?

The stay reflects the SEC’s growing caution toward ETFs that include altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Here's why this matters:

• XRP remains under regulatory scrutiny, with no full legal clarity following the SEC’s ongoing case against Ripple.
  
• The Commission is working on a new framework for altcoin ETF regulation, especially those involving less liquid or more volatile tokens.
  
• Similar ETF conversions—like Grayscale’s GDLC, which also includes XRP and SOL—have faced identical roadblocks.
  

These concerns are focused on market manipulation, price volatility, and the lack of standardized oversight across crypto exchanges.

XRP ETF Status: Futures vs Spot Exposure

Although XRP remains a part of Bitwise’s fund, this delay underscores the challenges facing spot XRP ETFs in the U.S. market. Here's where things stand:

• XRP comprises roughly 5% of the BITW index, making it a core altcoin in the ETF mix.
  
• The SEC has not approved any spot XRP ETF to date.
  
• However, futures-based XRP ETFs—including proposals from ProShares, Volatility Shares, and Tuttle Capital—are under SEC review this July.
  
• The REX-Osprey Spot XRP ETF decision is expected by July 25, 2025, which could mark a major turning point.
  

According to Polymarket betting odds, there’s an 85% chance an XRP ETF is approved by year-end, showing growing investor optimism.

What this means:

• The SEC is likely stalling to establish stricter guidelines before allowing ETFs that hold assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  
  
• XRP, Solana, and other altcoins may now face delays in getting dedicated spot ETFs.
  
  
• It signals caution around regulatory clarity, even for tokens like XRP that have resolved their SEC cases.
  
  

Is XRP still on track for a spot ETF in 2025?

While the Bitwise delay is a setback, XRP is still in a strong position compared to other altcoins. Ripple ended its legal battle with the SEC earlier in 2025, giving XRP a level of regulatory clarity few other tokens have.

Institutional momentum is building:

• CME Group is launching XRP futures on May 19, 2025—a clear vote of confidence from traditional finance.
  
  
• Ripple’s global partnerships and cross-border payment integrations continue to grow.
  
  
• Analysts believe XRP’s established legal status could fast-track its ETF approval once the SEC finalizes broader crypto rules.
  
  

Still, a dedicated XRP ETF may not arrive until late 2025 or early 2026, depending on how the SEC navigates broader altcoin regulation.

What’s the XRP price prediction for the rest of 2025?

Analysts remain bullish on XRP despite short-term regulatory hiccups.

Conservative estimates:

• $4.00 – $4.50 by year-end, based on technical patterns and current institutional growth.
  
  

Optimistic scenarios:

• $5.50 – $6.00 if ETF momentum returns and Bitcoin reclaims $100,000+.
  
  

Wild cards:

• Some crypto influencers are predicting $10+ XRP by early 2026, assuming mass ETF adoption and mainstream utility expansion.
  
  

Peter Brandt, a veteran chartist, recently pointed out a setup that could lead to a 60% rally, pushing XRP past $4.50 in the coming months.

How does this impact Bitcoin, Solana, and other altcoin ETFs?

The Bitwise ETF pause is more than just an XRP story—it’s a signal to the broader crypto market.

For Bitcoin:

• Spot BTC ETFs are already live and thriving.
  
  
• The Bitwise delay doesn’t impact existing Bitcoin products but shows that new ETF approvals are under stricter review.
  
  

For Ethereum:

• Ethereum ETFs are still under review, but are seen as the next likely candidates to be approved given institutional demand.
  
  

For Solana and other altcoins:

• These tokens now face longer waiting periods for ETF access.
  
  
• The lack of legal clarity (unlike XRP) could push approval timelines into 2026 or beyond.
  
  

What should investors expect next?

With the crypto market maturing, the SEC is clearly taking a cautious approach toward altcoin ETF approvals. XRP’s advantage lies in its legal clarity and growing futures market presence.

Key takeaways:

• XRP remains fundamentally strong, even with temporary ETF delays.
  
  
• The price may consolidate between $3.40–$3.65 before the next breakout.
  
  
• ETF approval delays are a hurdle—but not a roadblock—for XRP’s long-term growth.
  
  
• Bitcoin and Ethereum are still the go-to assets for ETF investors—for now.
  
  

Is XRP still a good buy in 2025?

Absolutely—but with a long-term view.

If you're looking for a crypto with:

• Legal clarity
  
  
• Institutional growth
  
  
• Real-world use cases
  
  
• Upcoming futures launch
  
  

Then XRP deserves a spot on your radar.

While ETF headlines might create short-term volatility, the fundamentals remain strong—and if XRP does get its own ETF approval by the end of 2025, it could be one of the biggest altcoin breakout stories of the year.

Key Upcoming ETF Decisions to Watch

What This Means for Investors and the Crypto Market

This regulatory pause reinforces the SEC’s cautious stance toward altcoins in ETFs and signals that Bitcoin-only ETFs will likely dominate until new rules are established.

For XRP holders, this means:

• Spot ETF approval remains uncertain in 2025 despite growing demand.
  
  
• Futures ETFs are more likely to gain early approval, offering short-term exposure for institutional and retail traders.
  
  
• The SEC’s upcoming decisions on REX-Osprey and Bitwise XRP ETFs could set critical precedents for the future of altcoin ETFs.
  

The SEC’s halt on Bitwise’s crypto ETF conversion highlights the regulatory roadblocks still facing altcoin exposure, particularly for XRP. While futures-based XRP ETFs may be approved soon, spot XRP ETFs are on hold pending legal clarity and formal rules from the Commission.

As crypto markets await these landmark rulings, investors should stay updated on SEC actions and ETF developments through late July and early October.

FAQs:

Q1. Why did the SEC halt Bitwise’s ETF?
The SEC paused it under Rule 431 for further review due to concerns over XRP and other altcoins in the fund.

Q2. Will XRP ETFs still launch in 2025?
Futures-based XRP ETFs may launch soon, but spot XRP ETFs like REX-Osprey face delays and pending approval.