Why Is XRP Flat Today? Standard Chartered Sparks Long-Term Buzz As ETF Momentum Builds

XRP is trading flat on Friday morning, hovering around $1.99, as traders digest a wave of bullish long-term news following a dramatic week in the crypto market.

While the broader altcoin market remains mixed after Wednesday's tariff-driven rally, XRP is holding ground above the $2 psychological level, showing resilience amid short-term indecision. Despite the lack of immediate momentum, its chart suggests the asset may be gearing up for another breakout.

XRP Price Holds Steady After 15% Weekly Surge

XRP's price action has leveled out following a sharp rally earlier this week. The token gained nearly 15% from Tuesday lows after President Donald Trump paused all tariffs—except on Chinese imports—for 90 days. That announcement triggered a macro relief rally, sending equities and major cryptocurrencies sharply higher.

Since then, XRP has consolidated near the $2 mark, drifting between marginal gains and losses in Friday's early session. The flat movement may reflect simple profit-taking after Wednesday's surge or the broader market's wait-and-see approach amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Technically, XRP has found support above $1.93, with resistance looming near $2.09. If the token closes above $2.04, traders may target upside toward $2.38. On the downside, a pullback to $1.65 could offer an attractive entry point for spot buyers.

Standard Chartered Predicts XRP Will Overtake Ethereum

The biggest catalyst for XRP this week came from an unexpected source: British banking giant Standard Chartered. On Tuesday, the bank projected XRP will surpass Ethereum in market capitalization by 2028, citing the asset's growing dominance in the cross-border payments space.

“XRP’s core use is as a cross-border and cross-currency payments platform,” said Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered, in a note shared with Benzinga. "By the end of 2028 we see XRP’s market cap overtaking Ethereum's."

The report points to XRP's increasing real-world adoption and sustained growth in transaction volumes as key differentiators from Ethereum's smart contract focus. Kendrick also flagged Bitcoin, XRP and Avalanche as top performers to watch over the next cycle.

NYSE Greenlights First Leveraged XRP ETF

Adding to the bullish momentum, the New York Stock Exchange approved the Teucrium 2x Long Daily XRP ETF (XXRP) earlier this week. The leveraged fund, which launched April 8, is designed to deliver twice XRP's daily price performance via swap contracts.

While not a spot ETF, XXRP is the first exchange-traded fund in the U.S. tied to XRP, signaling increasing institutional interest. Analysts suggest that the launch could help normalize ETF exposure for XRP and potentially pave the way for a future spot product.

Geoffrey Kendrick expects between $4 billion and $8 billion in inflows into an eventual spot ETF, calling the leveraged approval a “major milestone” for mainstream access to the asset.

XRP Price Forecast: $5.50 in 2025?

Standard Chartered's bullish outlook doesn't stop at market cap comparisons. The bank also released a multi-year XRP price forecast, setting a $5.50 target for the end of 2025. If achieved, it would mark a new all-time high for the token.

Longer-term, the bank sees XRP reaching $8 in 2026, $10.40 in 2027, and $12.50 by 2028. Those projections are based on expected increases in global remittance activity, broader tokenization trends and XRP's positioning within the evolving crypto regulatory landscape.

The appointment of pro-crypto figures like Paul Atkins to head the SEC and statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supporting blockchain innovation have reinforced this outlook, suggesting regulatory tailwinds are aligning in XRP's favor.

XRP/BTC Chart Signals Imminent Breakout

On the technical front, XRP's chart against Bitcoin (XRP/BTC) is flashing signs of a possible breakout. After weeks of tight consolidation, the Bollinger Bands are narrowing—often a precursor to a larger move. The 0.0000215-0.000022 BTC support has held firm, and if XRP closes above 0.000026 BTC, it could retest the upper range at 0.00003 BTC.

For now, the pair remains neutral. But with macro tensions easing and XRP-specific catalysts in motion, traders may not have to wait long for a directional trigger.

The Bottom Line

XRP may be trading flat Friday, but behind the sideways action lies a brewing storm of bullish momentum. With Standard Chartered's endorsement, the first leveraged ETF approval, and growing optimism around regulatory clarity, XRP is quietly positioning itself as a frontrunner for the next leg of the bull cycle.

While the near-term picture is muted, long-term traders are watching the $2 level closely. If XRP can maintain this psychological threshold and flip resistance at $2.04, the next move could be anything but quiet.