TLDR
- The CME XRP Futures ETF recorded $5.8 million in trading volume on its first day.
- XRP Futures ETF outperformed Ethereum Futures ETFs in terms of debut trading volume.
- Micro contracts contributed most of the volume in the XRP Futures ETF launch.
- The price of XRP rose 2.5 percent to $2.38 following the ETF launch.
- Open interest in XRP spiked to $4.69 billion, signaling strong market engagement.
XRP Futures made a strong entry on Monday, posting $5.8 million in trading volume on its debut day. The CME XRP Futures ETF surpassed the Ethereum Futures ETF, which recorded $1.92 million in combined volume on its first day. Despite ongoing legal scrutiny, this significant performance points to growing interest in regulated XRP Futures among professional traders.
XRP Futures ETF Beats Ethereum on Launch Day
CME Group launched the XRP Futures ETF on May 19, immediately outperforming Ethereum futures in volume. Ethereum futures ETFs from multiple issuers failed to cross the $2 million mark on launch, while XRP Futures ETF neared $6 million. This performance indicates a rising appetite for XRP-related institutional offerings across regulated platforms.
XRP Futures ETF trading involved both standard and micro contracts, with micro contracts accounting for a larger portion of the volume. The CME Group confirmed 106 micro contracts, each representing 2,500 XRP, made up over $1 million in trading activity. Standard contracts covering 50,000 XRP contributed approximately $480,000 in notional value.
The success comes even as XRP remains under pressure due to ongoing regulatory actions, but trading activity shows professionals continue engaging with the product. XRP Futures ETF activity reveals strong momentum and signals confidence in XRP’s longer-term institutional relevance. Such volume and participation levels were not seen during Ethereum’s futures ETF launch.
Spot ETF Prospects Rise for XRP
XRP Futures ETF performance has reignited discussion around a potential spot ETF approval shortly. Industry participants, including ETF Store President Nate Geraci, indicated that momentum could push regulatory progress toward a spot XRP ETF. Market prediction platforms have also shown a rising probability, with an 83% approval chance posted by Polymarket.
The growing activity in XRP Futures ETF could lay the groundwork for spot market offerings backed by real XRP holdings. Regulatory challenges persist, but consistent performance in futures markets may influence future approvals. Participation by major platforms like CME adds credibility and regulatory alignment to XRP’s investment products.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse acknowledged the ETF launch as a milestone, reinforcing the importance of regulated market participation. Although legal proceedings continue, institutional traders have signaled confidence in XRP’s prospects through active trading. The path toward a spot ETF may depend on sustained demand and broader crypto market conditions.
XRP Price Holds Gains as BTC ETFs Face Competition
XRP price climbed 2.5% after the launch, reaching $2.38, with trading volume providing upward pressure. Open interest spiked to $4.69 billion, suggesting continued capital inflows tied to XRP Futures ETF activity. However, XRP faced rejection at $2.40 while holding strong support at $2.30.
If XRP breaks past resistance, further upside remains possible, while a decline below $2.30 could push prices toward the $2.00 level. Technical indicators suggest traders respond directly to ETF activity, not legal developments. XRP Futures ETF is now a market catalyst for price movement and institutional exposure.
Attention may shift toward Bitcoin futures ETFs, which dominate the sector with daily volumes in the billions. XRP Futures ETF would need sustained demand to challenge BTC ETFs in volume and dominance. However, its strong launch day performance has positioned XRP as a growing contender in the regulated futures.
