Certainly! Below is the rewritten article, optimized for SEO performance while maintaining the original length and ensuring no content is missing.

---

XRP Reaches Record High as Investor Interest Skyrockets

On July 18, cryptocurrency XRP soared to an all-time high, surpassing its previous peak and marking a new milestone in its market performance. By 7:18 a.m. (KST) on Tuesday, XRP was trading at $3.49—a remarkable 13.5% surge compared to the previous day’s closing price. The milestone broke the cryptocurrency’s prior record of $3.3635, set on January 8, 2018.

This explosive rally positioned XRP well ahead of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in terms of daily percentage gains. While BTC recorded a modest gain of 0.94% and ETH rose 3.05%, XRP outperformed both, capturing the spotlight among digital assets. Interestingly, unlike the broader market trend driven by institutional players, XRP’s recent surge seems to be predominantly powered by fervent interest from retail investors.

Ripple Effect of Regulatory Speculation and ETF Buzz

XRP’s rally has been further fueled by heightened speculation around regulatory clarity and the potential approval of an XRP-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF). Market rumors suggest ProShares could unveil an XRP ETF as soon as July 18, igniting strong enthusiasm within the crypto community.

The growing anticipation surrounding regulatory advancements and the potential introduction of new investment products appears to be bolstering sentiment for XRP. Analysts believe that the combination of increased retail interest and these developments may help sustain the cryptocurrency’s upward trajectory in the coming weeks. With momentum running high, XRP has consolidated its position as one of the most talked-about digital assets in the market.