- XRP’s price dropped sharply below $0.50 as the market reacted to a Tether probe by the FBI and extended delays in Ripple’s SEC appeal, fueling uncertainty among investors.
- Ripple’s recent legal moves and the SEC’s delay tactics suggest prolonged volatility for XRP, with key support levels under pressure amid bearish market signals.
The crypto market has taken a recent hit, with XRP plunging below $0.50, sparking concerns about the digital currency’s future. With a range of regulatory and legal challenges unfolding, particularly around XRP’s ongoing SEC battle and an investigation into Tether, crypto investors are cautious, contributing to broader market instability.
Tether Probe Shocks the Market
On October 25, the Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI is investigating Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin by trading volume, for potential violations, including sanction breaches and anti-money laundering regulations. Tether’s stability is crucial for the market as it serves as a trading pair for many cryptocurrencies, including XRP. As news of the probe surfaced, the entire market felt the tremors, with XRP sliding to a session low of $0.4864, a 5.66% decline that day. The crypto market cap fell by 3.03% overall, highlighting investors’ increasing concerns over stablecoin reliability.
Ripple’s Legal Countermoves: SEC Cross-Appeal
Amid Tether’s woes, Ripple filed a Form C on October 24 as a part of its cross-appeal in the protracted legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, reiterated that XRP should not be classified as a security, a position currently supported by court rulings. The cross-appeal brings attention to issues surrounding institutional sales and Ripple’s “fair notice” claim, crucial for determining how XRP might be traded legally in the future.
Alderoty clarified that the SEC could neither submit new evidence nor force Ripple into additional disclosures, signaling Ripple’s firm stance. Pro-crypto legal experts like Bill Morgan weighed in, suggesting that Ripple’s arguments could shape future regulatory measures regarding digital assets.
SEC’s Delay Strategy Faces Criticism
Ripple’s supporters have voiced frustration over the SEC’s recent 90-day extension request for filing its appeal brief, pushing the deadline to January 2025. The delay tactic has drawn criticism for prolonging market uncertainty, potentially keeping XRP prices suppressed. The SEC’s appeal process, projected to end by 2026, has left investors speculating on the agency’s strategy, which some see as a stalling maneuver.
XRP Price Outlook and Key Indicators
XRP’s price trajectory looks grim as it hovers below both the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). Recent bearish signals include the 50-day EMA crossing below the 200-day EMA. A breakout above $0.5350 could improve XRP’s position, potentially testing resistance near $0.5739. However, with a 14-day RSI of 36.40, XRP remains near oversold territory, underscoring the possibility of further declines.
As investors watch developments in the SEC case and Tether probe, XRP’s price remains volatile. Given the ongoing uncertainties, tracking regulatory news and key support levels is essential for managing exposure in this unpredictable crypto market.
