Exclusive: Why Experts Call Double-Digit XRP Price ’Unrealistic’ Despite $1 Billion ETF Milestone

XRP's moon-shot predictions slam into a wall of market reality.

While exchange-traded funds tracking the digital asset surge past a billion dollars in assets, a chorus of analysts warns that hype is outpacing fundamentals. The dream of a double-digit price tag? They're calling it pure fantasy.

The ETF Engine Is Running, But Where's the Rocket?

That billion-dollar milestone for XRP-focused ETFs signals serious institutional interest—no denying it. Capital is flowing, and the infrastructure is being built. Yet, the massive inflows haven't translated into the parabolic price moves some traders desperately crave.

The funds are accumulating assets, not magically evaporating XRP's existing supply or its complex legal overhang. It's a vote of confidence in the asset class, not a guarantee of 10x returns.

The Gravity of 'Unrealistic' Expectations

Experts point to simple math. Reaching a double-digit valuation would require a market capitalization that dwarfs most traditional financial institutions. It's not just about optimism; it's about the sheer scale of capital needed to push it there.

Every bull run breeds its own mythology. This time, the tale is about ETFs as a limitless price catalyst. The reality is more mundane: they're a new pipeline for money, not a money printer.

So, enjoy the legitimacy the billion-dollar mark brings. Just don't bet your mortgage on it meaning a quick ticket to riches—that's the kind of thinking that fuels meme stocks and gets regular folks rekt. The market has a cruel sense of humor for those who confuse a milestone for a miracle.

XRP exchange-traded funds have gathered more than $1 billion in assets only a couple of weeks after going live, a pace that many in the market say is unusually fast for new financial products. Five issuers — Bitwise, Canary, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale and Rex Osprey — launched their funds in staggered phases and still managed to pull in strong inflows within just 11 to 12 trading days. At today’s prices, the ETFs now hold about 473 million XRP, locked inside these investment vehicles.

Despite the size of the inflows, the story has barely made its way to everyday investors. Some experts say this shows how unaware most people still are of crypto ETFs, even as Wall Street moves quickly to adopt them. 

Others say interest could grow if regulatory clarity improves in the U.S., especially now that Ripple’s legal dispute has ended and new policy proposals like the Clarity Act are gaining attention.

Strong ETF Demand Meets Weak Price

Even with the rapid growth of these funds, XRP’s price has struggled. The token is fighting to stay above $2.03, with sellers consistently pushing it lower. 

In an interview with Coinpedia, Nischal Shetty, Co-founder of Shardeum, said that expecting XRP to reach double-digit levels based only on ETF demand is unrealistic. He explained that early flows into new crypto ETFs usually come from short-term traders, not long-term institutions. Larger investors, he said, look for real-world settlement volumes, reliable liquidity and clear regulation before making major allocations.

“Purely ETF-driven double-digit pricing is unrealistic. ETF access improves liquidity and distribution, but it doesn’t replace utility. Sustainable value comes from real settlement demand, enterprise adoption,consistent volumes and regulatory acceptance,” he said.

Shetty added that ETFs can improve access, but they cannot replace the utility that gives a payments token long-term value.