XRP Price Prediction: XRP Bulls Target $3 as CME Futures Hype and SEC Resolution Fuel Breakout Hopes

XRP is back in the spotlight as bullish momentum rebuilds following a brief correction. After surging to a local high of $2.68 last week, XRP price has retraced to around $2.31, shedding nearly 5% in recent sessions.

Despite the pullback, technical indicators and growing market optimism suggest the token may be preparing for another push, potentially toward the $3 mark.

Notably, XRP has remained one of the top-performing digital assets in 2025, boasting an 11.4% year-to-date gain. This places it just ahead of Bitcoin’s 10.3% growth over the same period, reinforcing its bullish trajectory even in the face of short-term volatility.

CME Futures and Institutional Buzz Lend Support

One of the biggest catalysts behind renewed XRP price prediction optimism is the launch of XRP futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). The introduction of these contracts on May 19 is seen as a major milestone, providing institutional investors a regulated and cash-settled avenue to gain exposure to the Ripple-linked token.

XRP and Micro XRP futures are now live, offering new ways to trade and manage exposure to this top cryptocurrency. Source: CME Active Trader via X

“This move could mark a turning point for XRP,” noted crypto analyst Skerdian Meta. “CME’s involvement signals a maturing market infrastructure, which could attract institutional liquidity and help stabilize price movements.”

The launch includes both standard and micro XRP futures, covering 50,000 and 2,500 XRP per contract respectively. These instruments will be priced using the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, adding transparency and regulatory clarity to XRP trading — a factor that could significantly impact Ripple exchange adoption and Ripple market performance.

XRP Price Action: Bulls Defend Crucial Support

Despite recent bearish pressure, the value of Ripple has lingered at significant levels, including notably at the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA). Analysts cite $2.30 as a turning point, and the high volumes there indicate growing market interest. If this level supports, it could be used as a springboard for the subsequent rally.

XRP risks dropping to $2 if it fails to hold the crucial $2.30 support level. Source: Ali Martinez via X

Technically speaking, XRP remains significantly above the 200-day EMA—a good indication that its long-term trend remains intact. However, near-term indicators suggest caution. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has slipped below 40, and the MACD is still printing red bars, indicating that bulls have yet to reclaim control decisively.

A decisive break above $2.52 could open the door for a retest of $2.68 and potentially $3, while a fall below $2.26 would risk exposing XRP to deeper corrections toward $2.10 or even $1.91.

Ripple Lawsuit: A Lingering Shadow with Fading Impact

The current XRP lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to hang over Ripple XRP news. Over the last few days, Judge Analisa Torres rejected a joint motion to reduce Ripple’s civil penalty from $125 million to $50 million, reminding the market that legal proceedings have yet to be settled.

However, sentiment among investors appears more robust than during the early days of the litigation. The majority in the community are waiting for a clear resolution, which could entail XRP’s return to major U.S. exchanges and trigger institutional demand.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has already said, “We are dedicated to pursuing this case to its end because it’s not about Ripple—it’s about the future of crypto regulation in the U.S.”

Despite the recent judgment, analysts suggest that the SEC Ripple lawsuit can have a declining effect on price action unless there is a definitive and market-altering judgment given.

Broader Market Momentum Lifts XRP Outlook

Ripple’s fortunes, too, are being backed by the broader crypto market’s revival. Bitcoin reclaiming the $100,000 mark has generated risk appetite, spilling over into altcoins like XRP. On this front, Ripple crypto is riding a wave of bullish sentiment and speculative fervor.

XRP was trading at around $2.37, up 0.78% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: XRP Liquid Index (XRPLX) via Brave New Coin

In addition, Ripple expanded its global presence last month with the addition of new business clients in the UAE after receiving a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, backing Ripple’s price prospects for currency with actual usage, which is a key factor in long-term valuation.

XRP Price Prediction: $3 in Sight?

As XRP consolidates above the $2.30 zone, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic. A breakout above $2.60 could signal that bulls are regaining the upper hand, potentially triggering a move to test $3.

If XRP maintains its position within the daily channel, a breakout from the weekly triangle is likely next week, potentially triggering a significant price surge. Source: Elenigma080 on TradingView

While short-term technicals still reflect some weakness, the convergence of institutional support, global expansion, and a possible XRP lawsuit update could create the perfect storm for a renewed rally.

For now, all eyes are on key resistance at $2.52–$2.68. A break above this band, especially with volume confirmation, would likely validate bullish price forecasts.

Looking Forward: Cautious Optimism as Legal and Institutional Winds Shift

XRP stands at a crossroads. The convergence of CME futures hype, macro bullish sentiment, and the nearing end of the XRP SEC lawsuit may help turn recent losses into a temporary pause before another leg higher.

While risks remain, particularly if the SEC case drags on or legal outcomes disappoint, the fundamentals for Ripple are improving. With support holding and buyer interest returning, XRP could soon revisit higher levels. Whether that leads to a decisive breakout toward $3 will depend on how these narratives evolve in the coming days.