XRP News Today: Shutdown Stalls XRP ETFs but Treasury Plans Lift Sentiment

US-China Trade Tensions and Market Sentiment

Easing US-China trade tensions boosts demand for cryptocurrencies. XRP briefly climbed above the crucial $2.4 resistance level on Sunday, October 19. Hopes of a US-China trade deal lifted sentiment ahead of this month’s APEC Summit.

The Kobeissi Letter reported on the latest US-China trade developments, stating:

“President Trump says he is ‘not looking to destroy China’ and calls China’s President Xi ‘a smart leader’ who is open for a deal.”

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added to market optimism, stating that he had talks with China’s vice premier, He Lifeng, and would meet in person this week to continue discussions.

The escalation in the US-China trade war materially impacted price trends. US President Trump threatened an additional 100% tariff on Chinese shipments on October 10, plunging XRP to $0.7773 before the token reclaimed the $2.3 handle.

Meanwhile, the US government shutdown remains a headwind as spot ETF final decision deadlines come and go.

ETF Delays and Government Shutdown Headwinds

While XRP found support on easing US-China trade tensions, delays to XRP-spot ETFs continued to weigh on sentiment.

The prolonged US government shutdown delayed the launch of the Grayscale XRP ETF and 21Shares XRP ETF, which had final decision deadlines of October 18, 2025, and October 19, 2025, respectively. XRP-spot ETF issuers 21Shares, Bitwise, Canary Capital, WisdomTree, and CoinShares could also face delays if the US stalemate continues this week.

The XRP-spot ETFs have final decision deadlines ranging from October 20 to October 25.

Notably, the combination of delays to XRP-spot ETF launches and US-China tensions has left XRP down 16.5% in October. For context, Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen by 6%, underscoring the greater impact of XRP-spot ETF delays on sentiment.

Ripple’s Digital Asset Treasury Initiative

Despite the headwinds, XRP continues to trade above the crucial $2 psychological level. News of Ripple Labs leading a capital raise exceeding $1 billion to establish an XRP-focused digital asset treasury (DAT) structure contributed to the weekend gains. The DAT could significantly tilt the supply-demand balance in XRP’s favor, countering delays to institutional money inflows into spot ETFs.

Price Action & Technical Analysis: Will XRP Break Resistance at $2.4?

XRP advanced 1.21% on Sunday, October 19, following the previous day’s 2.97% gain, closing at $2.3909. The token tracked the broader crypto market, which gained 1.14%, but remained below the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), reaffirming a bearish bias.

Key technical levels to watch include:

• Support levels: $2.3, $2.0, and $1.9.
• Technical resistance levels: the 200-day EMA at $2.6183 and the 50-day EMA at $2.7435.
• Resistance levels: $2.4, $2.7, and $3.0.

Catalysts & Scenarios

In the coming sessions, several key drivers could influence near-term price trends:

• US-China trade talks.
• US Senate votes on stopgap funding bills.
• XRP-spot ETFs (delays or launches) and BlackRock’s stance on an iShares XRP Trust.
• Blue-chip companies’ appetite for XRP as a treasury reserve asset.
• Regulatory milestones: Ripple’s application for a US-chartered bank license, the Market Structure Bill, and SWIFT-related news could also drive near-term price trends.

Bearish Scenario: Risks Below $2.3

• BlackRock dismisses plans for an XRP-spot ETF.
• US government shutdown continues, further delaying XRP-spot ETF launches.
• The US Senate opposes crypto-friendly legislation, including the Market Structure Bill.
• Blue-chip companies show limited interest in XRP as a treasury reserve asset.
• OCC delays or rejects Ripple’s US-chartered bank license.
• SWIFT retains market share in the global remittance sector, limiting Ripple’s market access.

These bearish scenarios could push XRP back toward $2.3. A drop below $2.3 may expose the $2.0 psychological support level.

Bullish Scenario: Path to $3

• The US and China ink a trade deal.
• US government reopens.
• BlackRock files an S-1 for an iShares XRP Trust, and the SEC green-lights XRP-spot ETFs.
• Blue-chip companies adopt XRP for treasury purposes, and more firms integrate Ripple technology.
• Ripple secures a US-chartered bank license, and the Senate passes the Market Structure Bill.
• Ripple sees growing demand for XRPL on Main Street, challenging SWIFT’s market dominance.

These bullish scenarios could send XRP above $2.4, putting $2.7 into play. A break above $2.7 could pave the way toward $3.0.

The Shutdown Factor and Investor Sentiment

XRP’s price remains hinged on the US government shutdown and the potential launch dates of spot ETFs. However, the token could get a boost from increasing demand as a treasury reserve asset.

XRP could reclaim the $3.0 handle if the US government reopens. Furthermore, the bulls may eye new highs if the Fed signals aggressive rate cuts and the US Senate passes the Market Structure Bill.

Final Thoughts

All eyes remain on Capitol Hill. Monday’s Senate vote on a stopgap funding bill could decide whether XRP reclaims $3 or drops toward $2.

Traders should closely monitor Capitol Hill and US-China trade headlines.