XRP Futures ETF Debut: Can It Propel the Token to $3?

The launch of the first XRP futures ETF has traders buzzing—could this be the catalyst that sends the embattled token soaring past $3?

Market mechanics at play. ETFs have historically boosted underlying assets by funneling institutional cash into the ecosystem. But let’s not pretend Wall Street’s sudden interest is altruistic—they’re here to skim cream, not save crypto.

Technical hurdles remain. Despite the bullish setup, XRP faces stiff resistance levels that could cap gains. The real test? Whether the ’greater fool theory’ holds when the C-suite money shows up.

One thing’s certain: the SEC’s popcorn machine is working overtime as another crypto product slips through their regulatory cracks.

The investors are expecting a massive xrp price rally Volatility Shares gears up to launch the first-ever US XRP futures ETF (XRPI) on Nasdaq, May 22, 2025. XRPI is an unleveraged (1x) fund that invests via a Cayman Islands subsidiary, with at least 80% of its net assets in XRP-linked futures and derivatives.

A Leveraged 2x version (XRPT) is also planned. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas notes that Teucrium’s existing 2x XRP futures fund (XXRP) now has $120 million in assets and $35 million in daily volume. “Good signal that there will be demand” for XRPI, Balchunas said. With these new products, institutional investors have new tools to bet on XRP without owning the token itself.

XRP Price In Focus: XRPI ETF Structure and Features

The XRPI ETF operates through a wholly-owned Cayman Islands subsidiary to comply with U.S. regulations, similar to other crypto futures funds. It will hold cash-settled XRP futures contracts and related derivatives, rather than the token itself.

The fund’s prospectus caps the expense ratio at 1.15% (waived to 0.94% through May 2026). In practice, this ETF offers one-to-one exposure to XRP price moves.

Volatility Shares also plans a leveraged ETF (XRPT) targeting 2× daily XRP moves via futures. Teucrium’s 2× Long XRP ETF (ticker XXRP) has already demonstrated heavy demand: it launched in early April, traded about $5.43 million on day one, and currently holds $120M AUM with $35M in daily volume. These figures suggest a strong appetite for XRP investment products.

In parallel, regulated XRP futures have just begun trading at CME Group. CME launched cash-settled XRP futures (including a “micro” size) on May 19.

Each standard contract represents 50,000 XRP, and each micro contract 2,500 XRP. On CME’s first trading day, volume was modest: only four standard contracts and 106 micro contracts traded, worth about $1.5 million total. That works out to roughly 240,000 XRP at $2.40 each.

XRP Price Prediction: Is $3 Within Reach?

XRP price is currently trading around $2.40, roughly 1.06% down up for the week. Over the past 24 hours, XRP has ranged approximately $2.33–$2.43.

The token hit a high NEAR $2.47 on May 10, dipped to $1.60 in April, and has since rebounded. On-chain data show whales have moved large amounts, but the price has stayed within this $2.30–$2.50 band.

From a technical standpoint, analysts see bullish signs. The weekly chart against Bitcoin, XRP’s 50-week moving average just crossed above its 200-week MA – a classic golden cross.

Traders often view a golden cross as a long-term bullish indicator. This crossover coincided with the ETF news, suggesting increased upside momentum for XRP price ahead.

On XRP/USD, near-term resistance sits around $2.56–2.60, which must break for a sustained rally. Clearing $2.565 could open the way to $3.00–$3.40 in the following weeks for XRP price. In summary, chart patterns point to higher targets, but key resistance lies ahead.

What does this all mean for the prospect of XRP price reaching $3? Data paints a cautiously optimistic picture. On the positive side, the ETF launch and strong futures volume signal robust demand, and technical models do not rule out a MOVE above $3.

However, XRP WOULD need sustained momentum to overcome current resistance. For XRP price, breaking above $2.56 (the May intraday high) is likely needed to challenge $3.

As Bloomberg’s Balchunas implied, today’s ETF debut is a test of demand. In practice, XRP hitting $3 is possible if market interest continues, but it is not guaranteed.

For now, traders will watch XRP’s volume and price action closely. The data suggest a path toward $3 exists, but only if bullish catalysts (like the ETF and favorable market conditions) hold steady.