Ripple vs. SEC Case Reignites Market Tensions
The legal tussle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Case has resurfaced, casting uncertainty over the future of XRP projections. On April 8, the SEC filed a motion against an emergency request to present new evidence in the Ripple case, submitted by Justin W. Keener. The agency argued that the court lacks jurisdiction and that Keener failed to file the necessary motion to intervene. The SEC also maintained that Ripple has the authority to decide which evidence supports its defense.
These recent developments come amid expectations that the SEC may soon withdraw its appeal regarding the earlier Programmatic Sales ruling. While the court filing doesn’t directly alter the SEC’s overall legal strategy, it signals that the high-profile case remains far from resolved. Investors and analysts are closely monitoring the court’s next move, with potential implications for Ripple’s long-term regulatory standing and market performance.
Bullish Predictions vs. Market Pressures
Despite legal uncertainties, XRP projections have taken a bullish turn. Standard Chartered has forecasted a strong price surge, projecting that XRP could reach $5.50 by the end of 2025 and potentially climb to $12.50 within three years. At the time of the prediction, XRP was trading around $1.94. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted this optimism, adding that renewed investor interest and Ripple’s potential U.S. market expansion could be key catalysts.
However, the market showed signs of volatility, with XRP dropping 5.45% on April 8 after a 1.22% decline the previous day, closing at $1.7948. The drop was steeper than the broader crypto market’s 3.3% decline. Much of the pressure stemmed from macroeconomic risks, particularly President Trump’s renewed tariff strategy, which has raised fears of a global economic downturn.
Investors are also keeping an eye on other potential XRP projections growth triggers, including the approval of an XRP-spot ETF and the resolution of the SEC case. On the downside, escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, hawkish Federal Reserve guidance, and inflation concerns could weigh heavily on XRP’s momentum, possibly pushing it toward $1.50. Conversely, favorable regulatory and economic conditions could drive it up to $3.00 in the short term.
Bitcoin Reacts to Tariff Fears, ETF Outflows Continue
XRP projections slump coincided with a broader selloff in the crypto market, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $76,000 amid increasing anxiety over proposed tariff hikes. President Trump confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%, sending shockwaves through markets. The Nasdaq and crypto assets alike took a hit as risk-off sentiment intensified.
Bitcoin’s ETF market also reflected this bearish mood. On April 8 alone, BTC-spot ETFs recorded $73.4 million in net outflows, excluding pending data from BlackRock’s IBIT. Notably, Bitwise and ARK 21Shares ETFs saw outflows of $21.7 million and $19.9 million, respectively—continuing a streak of outflows in seven of the past eight sessions.
While sentiment remains cautious, market research firm Santiment observed potential “opportunity zones” for altcoins based on trading losses. Still, the firm warned that the current environment resembles early-pandemic volatility. A resolution to the global trade dispute could prompt a strong recovery, but until then, the crypto market remains vulnerable to geopolitical and regulatory headwinds.
As the industry navigates these turbulent waters, all eyes will be on key updates from the Ripple case, macroeconomic indicators, and the evolving trade war narrative in the weeks ahead.
