XRP, the third-largest digital asset, is trailing in a longer-term bullish market defined by higher price volatility and uncertainty. Those hopes for achieving a new record in 2025 have all but disappeared. This decline to some degree followed the judge’s disapproval of Ripple and the SEC’s motion to remove a court injunction and reduce Ripple’s fine in May. Shortly after the SEC dropped its lawsuit against Ripple in March, XRP’s price skyrocketed. Amid the carnage shaking the wider market since Ethereum’s high-flying May, ERC-20 tokens have cratered by an astounding 31%. Now trading at about $2.31, XRP’s future fortunes now depend on the market as a whole and what happens with Ripple’s potential regulatory fate.

Market Performance and Predictions

After touching $3.37 in early January, XRP and the rest of the crypto market have had a tough run. In good news, it seems ROS has landed some stability above $2.30 after the recent decline. According to Polymarket data, the odds of XRP hitting a new all-time high in 2025 have fallen sharply. So their likelihood has dropped from 63% in May to a mere 39%.

Not all predictions are grim. UK bank Standard Chartered recently forecasted that XRP could at least double its price to $5.50 in 2025. In addition, projections show an even greater increase, to $12.25 by 2029, pointing toward long-term growth opportunity.

Regulatory Landscape and Legal Battles

Yet the regulatory environment will remain a key variable in XRP’s future course. The ripple effect The SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple and subsequent legal battles have created a toxic and uncertain climate for investors and healthy market function. XRP’s price had skyrocketed in early March after the SEC’s dismissal of its case against Ripple.

Yet the recent rejection of Ripple and the SEC’s request to dissolve a court injunction has complicated the path forward immensely. Mena Theodorou, co-founder of Coinstash, noted XRP is:

"definitely in an interesting spot." - Mena Theodorou

External Factors and Future Outlook

Outside forces, especially those from the White House, may have a hand to play in XRP’s performance as well. Unpredictability from possible tariffs and executive orders, Theodorou explained, would throw a wet blanket over altcoins such as XRP.

"Any surprise moves there could dampen sentiment quickly" - Mena Theodorou

Additionally, potential tariffs that have been temporarily delayed until July 9 could affect XRP.

"Regulatory clarity remains one of the biggest hurdles, and any progress on that front could unlock more interest from larger investors and institutions" - Mena Theodorou