XRP ETFs Defy Market Downturn, Amassing $775M in Assets

Despite a broader cryptocurrency market downturn, U.S.-based XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have demonstrated remarkable resilience and institutional confidence by rapidly accumulating substantial holdings. As of early December 2025, four major ETF providers now collectively hold 318 million XRP tokens, valued at approximately $648 million. This significant accumulation has occurred even as XRP's price retreated to around $2.00, highlighting a strong divergence between institutional accumulation and short-term retail price sentiment. The total assets under management (AUM) for these funds, including the REX-Osprey fund, have now surpassed the $775 million mark. This milestone is particularly noteworthy given the nascent stage of the XRP ETF market and the challenging macro conditions for digital assets. The leader in this space is Canary Capital's XRPC ETF, which dominates with $347 million in assets. Reports indicate the fund experienced record-breaking inflows on its first day of trading, signaling robust initial demand from accredited and institutional investors. This aggressive accumulation by ETFs suggests that sophisticated market participants are viewing the current price dip as a strategic accumulation opportunity rather than a reason for exit. The underlying thesis appears to be a long-term bet on XRP's utility in cross-border payments and its regulatory clarity following its landmark legal case with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This development is a strong bullish indicator for XRP's future. The locking up of hundreds of millions of tokens in ETF vaults reduces the circulating supply available for trading, which can create upward price pressure as demand increases. Furthermore, ETF products provide a regulated, familiar gateway for traditional finance capital to access XRP, potentially unlocking billions in new investment that was previously sidelined due to custody or regulatory concerns. The $775 million AUM figure, achieved against a bearish market backdrop, establishes a formidable foundation for growth. As the cryptocurrency market eventually recovers and regulatory pathways for digital asset ETFs become more entrenched, XRP is uniquely positioned to benefit from this established institutional infrastructure. The current ETF holdings represent not just capital, but a vote of confidence that could propel XRP toward significantly higher valuation targets in the coming cycles, as the asset transitions from being primarily retail-driven to having a substantial institutional bedrock.

XRP ETFs Amass $648M in Holdings Despite Market Downturn

US-based XRP exchange-traded funds have rapidly accumulated 318 million XRP tokens, valued at approximately $648 million, across four major providers. The collective assets under management, including the REX-Osprey fund, now exceed $775 million despite XRP's price retreating to $2 during a broader crypto market decline.

Canary Capital's XRPC ETF dominates the nascent market with $347 million in assets and record-breaking first-day trading volume for a 2025 ETF launch. "This isn't just early adoption—it's validation of institutional demand," said Steven McClurg, Canary's CEO, highlighting investor preference for regulated exposure to the XRP Ledger's native token.

XRP Tests $2 Support Amid Global Market Tremors

Japanese bond yields rattled global markets today, with the 2-year government note breaching 1% for the first time since 2008. The seismic shift from Japan’s entrenched near-zero rate policy sent shockwaves through risk assets.

Crypto markets mirrored equities in a synchronized retreat. Bitcoin’s rejection at a key resistance level dragged down the broader digital asset complex. Altcoins—historically correlated with BTC—amplified the sell-off.

XRP now battles to hold $2 support after failing to sustain momentum NEAR the $2.30-$2.40 resistance zone. The token’s persistent bearish divergence continues to weigh on performance, despite fleeting technical rebounds.

Ripple Locks 700M XRP in December with No Escrow Release

Blockchain firm Ripple has secured 700 million XRP tokens for December without initiating an escrow release. This strategic move precedes the scheduled release of its escrow holdings in December 2025.

The transaction underscores Ripple's disciplined approach to managing its XRP reserves, ensuring market stability while preparing for future liquidity events. Notably, 1 billion XRP was recently moved, signaling active treasury management ahead of the 2025 unlock.

XRP Whale Holdings Surge to Highest Level Since 2018 Amid Price Decline

Despite a downturn in both wallet addresses and market prices, XRP whales have accumulated over 48 billion tokens—the largest holdings observed since 2018. Blockchain analytics firm Santiment highlights this counterintuitive trend, suggesting sustained confidence among large holders even as broader sentiment wavers.

The concentration of XRP in whale wallets underscores a divergence between retail and institutional behavior. Such accumulation during price slumps often signals long-term positioning, echoing patterns seen in Bitcoin's early cycles.

Vanguard Lists XRP ETFs for Clients as Inflows Exceed $756M

Investment giant Vanguard has officially added a suite of XRP spot ETFs to its brokerage platform, marking a significant milestone for the digital asset. The funds are listed under the "Non-Vanguard Funds" section within the Digital Assets category, signaling growing institutional acceptance.

The move comes as XRP-related investment products see robust demand, with inflows surpassing $756 million. Market participants view this development as a bullish signal for broader cryptocurrency adoption by traditional finance players.

Crypto Analyst Bets Against XRP Amid Market Weakness

Quinten Francois, co-founder of review platform weRate and a known chainlink advocate, has taken a short position on XRP, anticipating a 20% decline. The move comes as the broader cryptocurrency market faces sustained selling pressure, with XRP particularly vulnerable to technical breakdowns.

Francois' bearish call reflects growing skepticism toward altcoins as Bitcoin dominance strengthens. Market observers note increasing divergence between majors and mid-cap tokens, with traders favoring cash-and-carry strategies in volatile conditions.