XRP News Today: Bulls Eye $3 as ETF Flows and Vanguard U-Turn Lift Sentiment

XRP on the Move, BlackRock’s Absence Opens the Door for Vanguard

XRP advanced for just the second time in nine sessions on Friday, September 26, as crypto-spot ETF activity took center stage.

The launch of the first US ETF offering XRP-spot exposure, alongside index-based crypto-spot ETFs, and the Generic Listing Standards, reflects a marked turnaround in XRP’s potential.

The SEC’s approval of the Generic Listing Standards (GLS) for commodity-based trust shares could be the most significant event of the month. The approval will enable ETF issuers to list and trade crypto-spot ETFs under the GLS framework without enduring the SEC’s typical 240-day review process.

Vanguard Eyes U-Turn on Anti-Crypto ETF Position

Crypto ETF developments appear to have sparked renewed interest, potentially exposing XRP and the broader crypto market to a new wave of investors.

On Friday, September 26, Crypto America host and journalist Eleanor Terrett shared jaw-dropping news that fueled the ETF buzz. She stated:

“The world’s second-largest asset manager, Vanguard, is preparing to allow access to crypto ETFs on its brokerage platform, according to a source familiar with the matter.”

In 2024, Vanguard announced it wouldn’t offer BTC-spot ETFs to its client base, causing a stir as BlackRock (BLK) and other Main Street players entered the digital asset market.

Bloomberg Intelligence Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas predicted Vanguard’s U-turn on its crypto policy in 2024.

Fast forward two years, and Vanguard’s sudden interest in the digital asset space could reflect investor demand, given BlackRock’s success in the crypto-spot space and the floodgates opening for crypto-spot ETFs.

If Vanguard grants access to crypto ETFs, it may also consider launching an XRP-spot ETF, particularly if BlackRock shies away from launching an iShares XRP Trust. The presence of the two largest US asset managers could redraw the crypto landscape for retail and institutional investors.

For context, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) have combined net inflows of a whopping $74.22 billion. Fidelity’s BTC-spot and ETH-spot ETFs have combined inflows of $14.46 billion, a distant second and a gap that Vanguard may attempt to fill.

Price Action & Technical Analysis: Breakout or Breakdown as October Looms

XRP gained 1.51% on Friday, September 26, partially reversing the previous session’s 6.22% slide to close at $2.7867. The token tracked the broader market (+1.55%) toward key resistance levels. Traders are watching the following technical levels:

• Support: $2.7 and $2.5.
• Resistance: $3, $3.2, $3.335, and the all-time high at $3.66.

In the near term, several key events could drive price action:

• XRP ETF demand.
• Spot ETF developments: Approval or delays of XRP-spot ETFs and BlackRock and Vanguard’s positions on XRP-spot ETF filings.
• Adoption of XRP by blue-chip companies as a treasury reserve asset.
• Regulatory milestones: Ripple’s application for a US-chartered bank license, the Market Structure Bill, and SWIFT-related news may also influence sentiment.

Catalysts & Scenarios

The balance of ETF flow trends, regulatory developments, and institutional demand could determine whether XRP breaks below support levels or breaks above resistance.

Bearish Scenario

• GDLC, BITW, and XRPR ETFs report weak inflows or outflows, and BlackRock and Vanguard downplay plans for XRP-spot ETF filings.
• SEC rejects XRP-spot ETF applications.
• Legislative setbacks or slow progress on crypto-friendly regulations.
• Blue-chip companies avoid XRP as a treasury reserve asset.
• OCC delays or rejects Ripple’s US-chartered bank license.
• SWIFT retains market share in global remittances, limiting Ripple’s market access.

These bearish events could push XRP toward $2.7. If breached, $2.5 would be the next key support level.

Bullish Scenario

• BITW, GDLC, and XRPR report robust inflows.
• BlackRock and Vanguard file for XRP-spot ETFs, and the SEC approves XRP-spot ETFs.
• Blue-chip companies adopt XRP for treasury purposes, and more payment platforms integrate Ripple technology.
• Ripple secures a US-chartered bank license, and the Senate passes the Market Structure Bill.
• SWIFT gives up market share of global remittances to Ripple.

These catalysts could send XRP above $2.8, with $3 as the next key target. A sustained move through $3 could pave the way toward $3.2.

Conclusion: Will BlackRock and Vanguard Trigger FOMO?

Will Vanguard’s pivot unlock the next XRP rally? The Market Structure Bill’s progress remains crucial for the US digital asset landscape.

However, BlackRock and Vanguard’s presence in the crypto-spot ETF market could prove far more significant. Seven XRP-spot ETFs await the SEC’s approval. Strong demand for XRP-spot ETFs could incentivize both issuers to enter the fray, a boon for XRP holders.

Analysts will closely monitor how regulatory and economic risks affect XRP’s trajectory in the coming weeks.