출처: Block Media
# XRP Hits Seven-Year High, Surging Past $3.5 Amid Market Optimism
XRP, the digital token associated with Ripple Labs, has reached its highest valuation in seven years, surpassing the $3.5 threshold following an impressive 14% price surge in the past 24 hours as of October 18 (local time). This rally has propelled XRP's market capitalization beyond $206 billion, firmly establishing it as the third-largest cryptocurrency, trailing only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
# Legislative Moves Propel XRP to New Heights
A significant driver behind XRP's price spike is ongoing legislative activity in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers recently advanced critical bills, including the GENIUS Act, the CLARITY Act, and the Anti-CBDC Act, which have implications for crypto regulation and adoption. Particularly noteworthy is the GENIUS Act, designed to create a standardized framework for regulating stablecoins with a focus on payment operations—directly impacting Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin.
Ripple has already positioned itself to meet these anticipated regulatory requirements. The company applied for a national trust bank charter, pursued access to a Federal Reserve master account, and secured BNY Mellon as a custodian for RLUSD deposits. Should the GENIUS Act be enacted, the legislative clarity is expected to significantly boost RLUSD’s market adoption.
# Trump Administration Weighs Crypto Inclusion in 401(k) Plans
Adding another layer of momentum to XRP’s rally, Financial Times reports suggest that Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, is considering issuing an executive order to expand the nation’s $9 trillion retirement savings industry by enabling access to alternative asset classes. These would include cryptocurrencies, gold, and private equity investments within 401(k) plans.
This development has sparked optimism across the broader cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin (BTC) surged toward $121,000, while Ethereum (ETH) regained the $3,500 mark. XRP’s price climbed past $3.4, capturing growing interest from investors and institutions alike.
# Legal Progress and ETF Opportunities Signal Strong Future
The trajectory of XRP’s growth depends significantly on the resolution of Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently revealed that both parties may withdraw their respective appeals, signaling a potential end to this lengthy legal conflict. Such a resolution could allow Ripple to focus its resources on scaling its operations rather than navigating legal hurdles.
Investor enthusiasm is also mounting around the potential approval of an XRP spot ETF. Drawing comparisons to Bitcoin’s spot ETF, which triggered large institutional inflows, an XRP ETF could serve as a gateway to attract demand from retirement accounts, financial advisors, and asset management firms. The approval of such a product would open doors for institutional adoption while enhancing market liquidity.
As regulatory clarity deepens and institutional investment channels continue to expand, XRP is well-positioned to solidify its role as one of the leading digital assets in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Enhanced market confidence, favorable legislation, and growing institutional attention place XRP firmly on the path to sustained growth and mainstream adoption.
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