XRP surges amid ETF buzz but faces legal uncertainty, while Bitcoin stays strong above $100K with bullish momentum and macro tailwinds, Is Ripple (XRP) or Bitcoin the better buy today?
As the crypto market continues to reclaim some of its lost ground, global investors are focusing particularly on the likes of Ripple (XRP) and Bitcoin (BTC) in recent weeks.
Rumors of a possible XRP spot ETF have generated wider optimism around XRP this week, while a rally past the closely-watched $100,000 level has established that Bitcoin, despite fluctuations, can retain its value.
In this article, we’ll discuss what’s been driving the price of both digital assets, what the future looks like for them, and which one is the better pick for the back half of 2025.
XRP Surges on ETF Buzz but Faces Legal Uncertainty
Recent speculation of an XRP spot ETF helped the price of Ripple’s native coin to a seven week high of $2.63 this week.
Investors flocked to XRP in recent sessions following reports that renowned names like Bitwise, 21Shares, and Grayscale have filed applications for spot exchange-traded funds for XRP.
However, BlackRock has been absent from the scene, having made no statement on whether XRP was discussed in its recent closed-door meeting with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which had a dampening effect on market optimism.
As a result, XRP’s price has since dropped to around $2.50.
However, technical indicators suggest the broader trend remains positive. XRP currently has its MACD histogram pointing upward – while the RSI also sits at about 65, only a little under the overbought territory.
Put together, this indicates that buyers are still in control, although a brief period of XRP trading sideways can’t be ruled out either. Note that Ripple currently has a market cap of about $147 billion, accompanied by daily trading volume of nearly $11 billion.
Crucially, the courtroom could be the key driver that continues to push investors into buying XRP in 2025. Experts believe the unraveling of the SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit could make all the difference for the spot ETF approval.
The US regulator has lifted the ban on XRP institutional transactions already and has recently agreed to lowering the financial penalty imposed on Ripple as well. If Judge Analisa Torres approves the settlement, the legal path for ETF approval may become that much clearer.
Our predictive analysis suggests XRP will remain capped at $4.14 in 2025.
Bitcoin Maintains Momentum Amid Macro Tailwinds
The recent surge of Bitcoin to well above the closely-watched $100,000 level is a sign of its durability against an uncertain backdrop.
While regulatory developments could restrict XRP’s move to the upside, BTC retains its stature as a top crypto to buy. Its reputation as a digital store of value continues to attract investors from all over the world in 2025.
Optimism is being fueled by the news, announced on May 11, of a possible trade deal between the US and China. If a tariff-free deal is reached, it is expected to raise investor interest in risky assets such as BTC.
Technical indicators also suggest that Bitcoin price will push further up in the months ahead. MACD remains latent above the signal line, indicating bullish momentum substantiated by the RSI at 68.
Plus, institutional buyers like MicroStrategy, GameStop, and most recently, Kindly MD Inc could help the BTC price extend gains in the back half of 2025.
Finally, the Bitcoin Act, if approved, will authorize the US government to procure 1 million BTC over the next five years, potentially making the digital asset even more scarce. Consensus is for Bitcoin to hit $200,000 by the end of 2025.
Which is the Better Buy Right Now: XRP or Bitcoin?
While both XRP and Bitcoin present compelling cases at the time of writing, Bitcoin currently stands out as the stronger buy for 2025.
An exciting tendency of its price to reclaim the $100,000 level, combined with institutional interest and favorable macro developments gives it a more dependable long-term trajectory.
XRP’s recent price increase is positive, but the potential for ETF approval remains restricted due to the outstanding legal barriers.
Therefore, XRP may currently pose greater risk relative to the potential rewards. At present, BTC has more attractive risk-return characteristics, making it a better pick than XRP for investors seeking lucrative profits in 2025.
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