June 17, 2025: Bitcoin Stumbles, XRP Retreats, Ethereum Stalls as FOMC Looms – What’s Next?
Crypto markets brace for volatility as Bitcoin takes a hit, XRP pulls back, and Ethereum underperforms ahead of the FOMC meeting. Traders are on edge—will the Fed’s next move spark a rally or deepen the slump?
Bitcoin’s Dip: A Buying Opportunity or Warning Sign?
The king of crypto slips as institutional investors play it safe. Meanwhile, retail traders pile in—because nothing says ''smart money'' like FOMO at the wrong time.
XRP’s Rollercoaster: Bulls vs. Bears
Ripple’s token retreats after a brief rally, leaving holders wondering if this is just profit-taking or the start of another extended slump. Legal battles and whale movements keep everyone guessing.
Ethereum’s Slow Burn
ETH lags behind despite network upgrades—proof that even blockchain’s golden child can’t escape macro pressures. DeFi activity ticks up, but will it be enough to offset selling pressure?
The FOMC Wildcard
All eyes turn to the Fed. Another hawkish surprise could send crypto tumbling, while a dovish pivot might ignite the next bull run. Either way, Wall Street will overreact—because that’s what it does best.
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over global markets as investors brace for the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. With no major policy shifts expected, traders are watching closely for signals on rate cuts, inflation trends, and macro risks. The crypto market, already tense from recent volatility, is showing mixed performance with XRP leading gains among major tokens.
Bitcoin Wobbles Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Bitcoin briefly topped $108,000 in early U.S. hours on Monday before sliding to $106,500 on profit-taking. It later bounced back above $107,000 during Asian trading on Tuesday. The movement follows Friday’s $1.2 billion in futures liquidations, which forced out overleveraged traders and weighed heavily on altcoins through the weekend.
Despite the choppy action, Bitcoin ETFs pulled in $1.4 billion in net inflows last week, reinforcing their growing role as stabilizers during volatile periods. Analysts suggest Bitcoin’s slow response to macroeconomic stress could change if investors seek alternative safe-haven assets.
“Bitcoin typically lags behind Gold and oil during geopolitical events, but if risk sentiment turns, BTC could quickly regain momentum,” said Eugene Cheung of OSL.
XRP Takes the Lead as Altcoins Recover
While most major altcoins are still recovering from the weekend drawdown, XRP stood out with a strong rebound. XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency, is trading at $2.17 with a 0.77% daily gain, backed by a $128.23 billion market cap and $1.74 billion in volume. It continues to hold a strong position, supported by growing interest in institutional banking integration. ethereum ticked up 1.5% to $2,609 but continued to trail Bitcoin’s ETF-fueled performance. Solana and Tron also posted modest gains, but sentiment across altcoins remains cautious.
Meanwhile, Gold and oil surged early Monday after U.S. President Donald TRUMP unexpectedly urged the evacuation of Tehran during the G7 summit. The geopolitical jolt sent investors rushing into defensive assets, while Bitcoin’s response remained subdued.
XRP Outperformed Bitcoin This Cycle, Says Analyst
Crypto analyst Nick pointed out that XRP has gained more than 678% since its 2022 low, beating Bitcoin’s 565% rise. He added that XRP’s total gains this cycle have already topped 1,000%, and the rally isn’t over yet. According to him, XRP has outpaced both Bitcoin and Ethereum in this bull run so far.
Fed Holds the Spotlight
All eyes are now on the Fed. Market watchers expect interest rates to remain unchanged, but the tone of Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks could set the course for crypto and equities alike. With inflation easing and jobs data holding firm, officials may opt for patience, though some, like SignalPlus’ Augustine Fan, believe a dovish tilt could be signaled subtly.
The near-term outlook remains tied to the Fed’s message and the unfolding tensions in the Middle East.
