Recent data from blockchain analytics firm Kaiko paints an intriguing picture for XRP, the digital asset native to Ripple. Despite experiencing a 46% price decline from its July 2023 highs, XRP has seen a substantial improvement in liquidity over the past two months, surging by 50%, from $8 million to $12 million, as of early September.
This remarkable boost in market depth can be attributed to a pivotal United States court ruling in July that rejected the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) claims that XRP was an unregistered security. The ruling also debunked allegations that Ripple, the blockchain company heavily reliant on XRP for its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution, had illegally raised billions through their initial coin offering (ICO).
Kaiko’s data reveals that XRP’s market depth, a crucial metric for assessing the supply and demand of a digital asset at various price levels, has experienced a steady ascent. However, it’s worth noting that this 50% increase in liquidity has occurred amid a significant contraction in trading volumes and declining prices.
The surge in liquidity prompts the question of whether buyers now outweigh sellers at different price points. This aspect is vital for traders as it can shed light on the short to medium-term trajectory of XRP. A situation where buyers dominate indicates high demand, potentially supporting future price increases.
Analyzing XRP’s price action, it’s evident that the token experienced a rapid surge on July 13, surging by nearly 100% as it moved from $0.47 to $0.933. While optimism lingered regarding a potential continuation that could propel XRP above the $1 mark, prices have cooled off steadily over the past two months.
Currently, XRP is down 46% from its July 13 peak, trading in the zone reminiscent of early July 2023, with trading volumes maintaining an average level.
The future of XRP’s price remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the cryptocurrency is still confined within the range of the July 13 bullish surge. Based on volume analysis, there’s an opportunity for buyers to regain control, provided XRP prices remain above the July 2023 lows at approximately $0.45.
Moreover, XRP continues to grapple with a 70% decline from its April 2021 highs, indicating a prevailing bearish sentiment despite the recent uptick. This shift in opinion came after a significant drop in XRP’s value last year when it plummeted to around $0.30.
While Ripple secured a partial victory in the July ruling, boosting XRP prices, the SEC has expressed its intent to appeal. Nevertheless, growing consensus among analysts suggests that the two parties may settle before the case proceeds to trial. Such a development could further bolster XRP’s market performance.
Additionally, experts speculate that a settlement would be in the SEC’s best interest, as a trial could potentially involve Steven Nerayoff, an “Ethereum ICO Insider,” as a witness. Notably, Nerayoff recently claimed that Ethereum received preferential treatment during its ICO, adding an intriguing twist to the ongoing legal saga.
