XRP Defies Gravity? Price Dips Despite Game-Changing REX-Osprey ETF Launch with $37M Debut Firepower
XRP stumbles out the gate as Wall Street's newest crypto ETF makes its explosive entrance—proving once again that traditional finance moves at glacial speed while digital assets operate on internet time.
The Landmark Launch
REX and Osprey just dropped a $37 million opening volley into the crypto ETF arena, marking one of the most anticipated product debuts of the year. The launch represents a watershed moment for institutional XRP adoption—yet the token's price action tells a different story entirely.
The Paradox Unpacked
While $37 million in debut volume would typically send crypto twitter into a frenzy, XRP's price slipped against the momentum. It's the classic 'buy the rumor, sell the news' play—with a side of institutional irony. Traders front-ran the ETF announcement for weeks, leaving the actual launch as a profit-taking opportunity rather than a catalyst.
Wall Street's Cautious Embrace
The ETF's strong debut volume suggests serious institutional interest, but it's not yet moving the needle for retail momentum. Traditional finance might be dipping its toes into crypto waters, but it's still wearing floaties—meanwhile, crypto natives are already swimming in deep liquidity pools.
Just another day where crypto's narrative engine outperforms Wall Street's spreadsheet models—because in this market, sometimes the trade happens before the news even hits the tape.
REX-Osprey ETF launch and muted price response
The debut of the REX-Osprey XRP (XRP) ETF (XRPR) on Sept. 18 marked the first U.S.-listed fund offering regulated exposure to XRP under a 1940 Act structure. Backed by REX Shares and Osprey Funds, it provides U.S. investors with access through brokerage accounts without needing direct wallets or exchanges.
The ETF’s first-day trading volume of $37.7 million was the highest of any 2025 ETF launch, and five times higher than XRP futures ETFs at launch. However, the price response remained subdued.
Analysts point to the product’s hybrid structure, mixing direct spot holdings with up to 40% in foreign ETPs, Treasuries, and hedges, which channels demand through custodians rather than visible exchange activity. This “backroom” FLOW makes its impact less immediate compared with a traditional spot ETF under the 1933 Act.
XRP price technical analysis
XRP is trading within a tight range. Bollinger Bands are narrowing, with the lower band at $2.71 and the upper band at $3.18. Price is holding just above the 20-day moving average at $2.95, signaling stability but also caution as volatility compresses.
The majority of momentum indicators are neutral. The MACD shows a slight bullish crossover, and the relative strength index is close to 54, indicating neutral pressure. Short- to mid-term EMAs (10–50 day) support the price around $2.95–$3.00, reinforcing this level as a key floor.
If XRP holds above $3.00, a push through $3.18 could open a path toward $3.30 and eventually retest the $3.65 high. A close below $2.95 puts the market at risk of declining to $2.85 and perhaps the 100-day average, which is close to $2.80.
