XRP Reclaims Top 100 Global Assets—Could AI and ETFs Drive It Beyond $5?

XRP, the digital currency connected with Ripple, has regained its position among the top 100 global assets by market value. Its total market capitalization recently crossed $170 billion, placing it alongside some of the world’s most valuable commodities and companies. The token traded at $3.18 on September 13 after an 8% rise from earlier daily lows. This growth came after weeks of heavy trading activity, especially from institutions that added significant volume.  The recovery marks the end of a turbulent summer for XRP. During this time, it moved past traditional financial products such as silver futures and several regional bank stocks in terms of value. This achievement shows that XRP is once again being taken seriously as a major digital asset.

Ripple’s new stablecoin, RLUSD, is also showing early success. RLUSD has already locked in $450 million in liquidity. This has helped stabilize trading pairs in decentralized finance (DeFi) and attracted investors who are seeking returns through yield farming.

Speculation around an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) is fueling much of the excitement. Rex-Osprey is preparing to launch the first U.S. spot ETF for XRP this week. Analysts believe that if the fund attracts inflows similar to Bitcoin’s ETF debut, XRP could reach $5 before the end of the year. Forecasts suggest the first month alone could bring between $150 million and $20 billion in investments.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are also projecting ambitious price targets. Grok, an AI model developed by xAI, estimates XRP could trade between $50 and $100 by 2035 if it is included in all major ETF baskets. Such projections are based on the idea that XRP could eventually support a multi-trillion-dollar market cap by providing real-world financial services. Ripple executives highlight the token’s real-world use case as a key advantage. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse explained that XRP’s speed and low cost make it ideal for cross-border payments and asset tokenization.

Recent regulatory developments have also helped XRP’s outlook. Settlements between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and companies like Gemini, as well as pauses in certain investigations, have reduced uncertainty for the wider crypto market. These shifts create room for more altcoin ETFs to enter the U.S. market.

Still, challenges remain. Large investors, sold about $800 million worth of XRP in August, raising concerns about selling pressure. XRP’s current market cap is still 70% below its 2018 peak, and resistance at $3.10 has proven difficult to break. Critics also point to the fact that over 40% of XRP’s supply remains locked in Ripple’s escrow system, which could be released gradually and weigh on prices.

Ripple has also strengthened partnerships with traditional financial institutions. Its extended custody deal with BBVA in Spain aims to make it easier for European customers to trade and hold XRP. These services allow euro-to-XRP transactions in under a second, giving the network a strong edge in efficiency. In addition, researchers at the Ethereum Foundation recently noted XRP’s ability to connect with artificial intelligence projects, suggesting it could play a role in settling payments in AI-powered systems.

Technical indicators suggest XRP still has room to grow. Support levels are holding at $2.80, while the relative strength index (RSI) sits at 57, leaving space for further upward movement. If ETF approvals for XRP and other tokens move forward, analysts expect the price could test $4.50 by October. Conservative models  suggest XRP could reach $7.35 by 2030, growing steadily over the years. However, ETF-driven demand could push prices higher much sooner.

Can XRP Reach $5 in 2025?

XRP’s return to the global top 100 assets is a milestone that highlights both renewed investor confidence and the growing utility of the token. Its blend of payment use cases, ETF momentum, and AI-driven forecasts has created strong optimism around its future. Still, risks remain, including supply releases from Ripple’s escrow and the possibility of large holders selling into rallies. Regulatory clarity will also play a big role in shaping XRP’s path. For now, XRP’s position looks stronger than it has in years. If ETF inflows materialize and adoption in payments continues, the $5 target for 2025 is not only possible but within reach.