NOIDA (CoinChapter.com) — XRP is trading near $2.29 as of March 18, 2025, reflecting a 2.6% decline over the past 24 hours. The token briefly surged to $2.42 on March 15 but has since pulled back, mirroring broader market trends. Over the past week, XRP has fluctuated between $1.90 and $2.42, gaining traction on renewed speculation about a settlement in Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Compared to the wider crypto market, XRP’s performance has been mixed. Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $82,783, down 0.7%, while Ethereum (ETH) has dipped 0.98% to $1,894.59. XRP’s recent rally outpaced some altcoins, but its inability to hold above $2.40 suggests that investors remain cautious.
While optimism over regulatory clarity has fueled some upward momentum, traders are wary of potential legal hurdles that could still impact Ripple’s standing in the U.S. market.
Bulls Struggle to Maintain Momentum
XRP is trading near $2.25, marking a 3.71% intraday decline after failing to hold above key resistance levels. The price is currently hovering around the 50-day EMA (purple), struggling to establish a clear breakout. A decisive move above this level could strengthen bullish momentum, while failure to hold could expose XRP to further downside risks.
The Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) show a mixed outlook. The 20-day EMA ($2.34) is slightly above the current price, indicating short-term resistance. Meanwhile, the 50-day EMA ($2.29) has acted as a pivot level in recent sessions. The 100-day EMA ($1.88) remains a critical support zone, aligning with historical price consolidation.
Fibonacci retracement levels highlight $2.69 as a key resistance, corresponding to the 0.618 level. A successful reclaim of this zone could pave the way toward $3.26, a level last tested in early Jan. 2025. Conversely, support at $1.89, near the 0.382 Fibonacci level, remains a crucial downside buffer. If XRP loses this level, a drop toward $1.40 could follow.
Volume data suggests declining buying interest, with recent trading activity falling to 2.45 million XRP, compared to peaks observed in early March. This indicates a cautious stance from investors amid legal uncertainties surrounding the SEC lawsuit.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is 45.90, suggesting neutral to slightly bearish momentum. The indicator remains below the 50 mark, implying that sellers currently have control. If the RSI dips further, it could signal additional downside pressure.
Ripple SEC Lawsuit Speculation Intensifies
The protracted legal battle between Ripple Labs and the SEC appears to be approaching a turning point. Market participants speculate that the SEC is considering reclassifying XRP as a commodity rather than a security, aligning it with Bitcoin and Ethereum.
If confirmed, the shift would nullify a key argument in the SEC’s case, potentially clearing the way for broader institutional adoption. Speculation about an imminent settlement has intensified following recent social media discussions and comments from legal analysts.
Reports suggest regulators could reduce or eliminate Ripple’s $125 million fine—imposed after its partial victory in 2024—as part of a broader agreement. They could also lift the ban on XRP’s institutional sales, boosting liquidity and investment flows.
Another point of discussion is the SEC’s recent enforcement shift. Under new leadership, the agency has taken a more crypto-friendly stance and dropped lawsuits against other major firms, including Coinbase and Kraken. Some analysts believe this trend signals that the SEC may be looking to resolve the Ripple case without prolonged appeals.
Legal expert Jeremy Hogan has suggested that a private settlement could be in the works. This would allow Ripple to avoid further legal entanglements while preventing the SEC from setting a court-backed precedent.
While sentiment remains bullish, XRP’s muted price reaction suggests that much of this speculation is already priced in. The rumors remain unconfirmed without an official announcement from Ripple or the SEC. Ripple must file its appeal reply brief by April 16, 2025. If the SEC withdraws its appeal before then, it may signal a settlement.
Conversely, if negotiations drag on or result in unfavorable terms, XRP’s momentum could fade. Market participants remain in wait-and-see mode, monitoring every legal update as a potential catalyst for XRP’s price trajectory.
