XRP Faces Stagnation Despite Bitcoin Surge, Investor Claims
According to value investor Mike Alfred, XRP, the native currency of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), is predicted to remain stagnant at around $0.60 even if Bitcoin reaches $250,000 for the first time. Alfred argues that while XRP is not a scam like some other cryptocurrencies, there are concerns about its underlying mechanism, stating that it functions primarily as a “token printing scheme” that benefits founders and insiders. This excessive token minting over the years has caused XRP to flatline in terms of value.
The Roles of XRP and Ripple in the Crypto Ecosystem
It’s important to distinguish between XRP and Ripple in the crypto ecosystem. XRP serves as the fuel for the XRPL, while Ripple focuses on developing solutions to streamline cross-border transactions and address banking challenges. One such solution is On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), which utilizes XRP for quick and affordable transactions, competing with traditional systems like SWIFT. However, the adoption of ODL has not been as widespread as expected. Additionally, Ripple is currently engaged in a legal battle with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Legal Battle with SEC
In July 2023, a U.S. judge ruled that XRP distributed to retailers could not be classified as unregistered securities. However, the SEC appealed this ruling, and the case is still ongoing. Recently, the SEC requested a deadline extension for their opening brief, which Ripple’s lawyers accepted. The regulator cited the need for further review of newly produced documents.
XRP Price Stagnation amid Bitcoin Rally
Currently, XRP is experiencing downward pressure and is priced below $0.60. Despite this, the XRP community remains optimistic. However, the coin has faced challenges primarily due to regulatory uncertainty. On the other hand, Bitcoin has been surging and is approaching all-time highs. The influx of capital through approved spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the upcoming reduction in miner rewards have contributed to this upward trend.
XRP Price Analysis
The immediate major resistance for XRP is around $0.85, a level that was tested during a price spike in mid-July 2023. Conversely, the coin has support levels at around $0.40 and $0.45. The reaction at these support zones will be crucial in determining whether bears dominate or if there are attempts to push the coin up.
Conclusion
According to investor Mike Alfred, XRP is not a scam but is unlikely to experience significant growth in value. Despite its role as the native currency of the XRPL and Ripple’s efforts to streamline cross-border transactions, XRP has remained stagnant due to concerns about its underlying mechanism and excessive token minting. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to rally, driven by increased capital influx and anticipation of reduced miner rewards. It remains to be seen how XRP will fare in the future amidst ongoing regulatory battles and market dynamics.
Hot Take: XRP’s Future Amidst Uncertainty
Mike Alfred’s prediction about XRP’s stagnant value despite Bitcoin’s surge raises important questions about the long-term prospects of XRP. While it may not be classified as a scam, concerns about its underlying mechanism and token minting practices continue to hinder its growth potential. As Ripple fights its legal battle with the SEC and regulatory uncertainty persists, XRP faces an uphill battle to gain traction in the market. Only time will tell whether XRP can overcome these challenges and establish itself as a significant player in the crypto ecosystem.