Nazia Saeed
- XRP hits a record $3.64 on July 18, surpassing its 2018 high of $3.40
- Market cap climbs to $212B, making XRP the third-largest cryptocurrency
- Trading volume surges amid stablecoin news, institutional purchases, and ETF speculation
XRP reached a new all-time high of $3.64 on Friday, July 18, eclipsing its previous record of $3.40 set in January 2018, according to data from crypto.news. At press time, XRP is trading at $3.59, up 18% on the day and 40% over the week.
The latest rally has pushed XRP’s market capitalization to $212 billion, making it the third-largest cryptocurrency, surpassing Tether (USDT). The token’s market cap has jumped 65% in the past month, driven by rising investor confidence and trading activity.
Volumes and derivatives activity spike
XRP’s spot trading volume surged by 135.5% in the past 24 hours to $19.05 billion, while futures volume rose 162.6% to $46.65 billion, per Coinglass. Open interest also increased 27%, signaling intensified speculation and positioning in derivatives markets.
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Several catalysts are fueling the bullish momentum. Ripple recently applied for a U.S. National Trust Bank charter, signaling deeper integration into the U.S. financial system. The move comes alongside plans to launch RLUSD, a Ripple-backed stablecoin aimed at regulatory compliance.
Passage of the GENIUS Act on July 17 establishing clear rules for stablecoin issuers boosted optimism. RLUSD is already aligned with the bill’s requirements, including full reserve backing and audited transparency, and Ripple has appointed BNY Mellon as custodian of its reserves.
Institutional demand and legal resolution on horizon
Institutional adoption is picking up. VivoPower International and Webus announced a combined $421 million purchase of XRP for their corporate treasuries. Additionally, Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC appears to be nearing settlement, with both parties signaling interest in dropping appeals.
Market speculation is also building around a potential U.S.-listed XRP ETF, which could bring institutional capital from wealth managers and retirement funds if approved.
With rising adoption, regulatory progress, and fresh capital inflows, XRP is experiencing its strongest bullish phase in years.
