The XRP price stands at a pivotal moment, with less than 48 hours left in May to potentially fulfill a long-standing historical trend. Historically, May has been one of the most bullish months for XRP, and market watchers are closely monitoring whether the asset can uphold its legacy in 2025. While it’s unlikely to replicate its explosive 378.1% surge from May 2017, investors remain hopeful that XRP can at least achieve its average monthly performance — a 25.1% gain — before the month concludes.
As of now, XRP is trading at $2.17, down 4.73% over the past 24 hours after peaking at $2.29. Despite this short-term pullback, trading volume has surged by 37.13% to $3.64 billion, signaling sustained investor interest and market activity. This level of engagement suggests that confidence in XRP remains strong, even amid volatility.
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If XRP manages to climb 25.1% from its current price, it would close May at approximately $2.72 — a psychologically significant level that could reignite broader bullish momentum heading into June.
Can XRP Deliver Its Historical May Performance?
Historical data from Cryptorank highlights that May has consistently delivered positive returns for XRP holders. The standout year was 2017, when the asset surged 378.1% during the month, fueled by the broader crypto bull run and increasing adoption narratives. Since then, average May returns have settled around 25.1%, a figure that now serves as a benchmark for investor expectations.
While the macroeconomic and regulatory environment in 2025 differs significantly from past cycles, the recurrence of seasonal strength provides a compelling narrative. Achieving a 25.1% increase from $2.17 would require a decisive breakout above key resistance levels, particularly the stubborn **$2.60 barrier**, which has repelled multiple attempts in recent weeks.
Market structure suggests that while retail participation remains active, institutional positioning is still cautious — a dynamic that could change rapidly if upcoming catalysts gain traction.
Open Interest Decline Signals Trader Caution
Despite elevated trading volume, open interest in XRP futures has declined by 10.69% over the past 24 hours. This indicates that traders are hesitant to take on new leveraged positions, possibly due to uncertainty around short-term price direction.
Currently, total open interest stands at 1.93 billion XRP, valued at approximately $4.15 billion. Data from CoinGlass shows that exchanges like Bitget, Binance, and Bybit hold the largest shares of open contracts:
- Bitget accounts for 28.86% of total open interest ($1.20 billion across 556.99 million XRP).
- Binance follows with $750.41 million (349.26 million XRP).
- Bybit holds $686.26 million (319.07 million XRP).
This distribution reflects concentrated but cautious sentiment among major trading platforms. The reluctance to build larger positions may stem from XRP’s repeated failure to sustain prices above $2.60 — a level that has acted as both support and resistance throughout May.
The decline in open interest does not necessarily signal bearishness but rather a wait-and-see approach as market participants assess whether recent developments will translate into sustainable price action.
Ecosystem Growth Fuels Long-Term Confidence
Beyond short-term price movements, fundamental developments within the XRP ecosystem are building a foundation for long-term growth and institutional adoption.
One of the most significant recent announcements comes from Webus International, a Chinese AI-driven mobility company, which committed $300 million to integrate XRP for international payments related to its chauffeur services. This move underscores XRP’s utility in real-world cross-border transactions — one of Ripple’s core value propositions.
Additionally, VivoPower, a firm backed by Saudi Royal Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, has expressed strategic interest in accumulating XRP as part of its digital asset reserves. Such high-profile interest adds credibility and signals growing recognition of XRP as a viable treasury asset.
Further reinforcing this trend, Hyperscale Data acquired $10 million worth of XRP as part of its preparations for launching a blockchain-based lending platform in Q3 2025. This strategic acquisition highlights confidence in XRP’s infrastructure and scalability for enterprise-level financial applications.
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These developments collectively point to increasing institutional validation — a crucial step toward broader financial integration and sustained demand.
XRP Futures ETF Boosts Institutional Outlook
The recent launch of an XRP futures ETF on Nasdaq has further elevated market sentiment. Although the product is based on futures contracts rather than direct spot exposure, it provides regulated access for institutional investors who may otherwise avoid crypto markets due to custody or compliance concerns.
ETF approvals often precede increased capital inflows, especially when paired with improving liquidity and clearer regulatory frameworks. With growing anticipation around potential spot ETF approvals in the future, the current futures-based product could serve as a bridge for mainstream adoption.
Should institutional buying accelerate in response to these developments, XRP could see renewed upward pressure — potentially pushing it toward the $2.72 target before June begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is XRP’s average historical return in May?
A: Based on historical data, XRP’s average monthly gain in May is 25.1%, making it one of the strongest months for the asset over the past decade.
Q: Why is open interest declining despite high trading volume?
A: Declining open interest suggests traders are closing leveraged positions rather than opening new ones, reflecting caution amid price uncertainty — especially near key resistance levels like $2.60.
Q: How could the XRP futures ETF impact price?
A: The ETF provides institutional investors with regulated exposure to XRP price movements, potentially increasing demand and improving market liquidity over time.
Q: What price target is expected if XRP hits its May average?
A: A 25.1% increase from the current price of $2.17 would bring XRP to approximately **$2.72** by month-end.
Q: Are there any major upcoming catalysts for XRP?
A: Yes — continued ecosystem expansion, strategic corporate acquisitions, and growing institutional interest (including ETFs) are key drivers to watch in Q2 and Q3 2025.
Q: Is XRP likely to surpass its 2017 rally performance?
A: While a repeat of the 378.1% surge in May 2017 is highly unlikely under current market conditions, achieving its historical average remains a realistic near-term goal.
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Conclusion
XRP stands at a crossroads as May draws to a close. While short-term technical indicators show hesitation — particularly in futures markets — underlying fundamentals suggest growing strength in adoption and institutional interest.
With trading volume rising and strategic investments pouring into the ecosystem, the conditions are ripe for a late-month breakout. Whether XRP closes at $2.72 or not, the momentum generated by real-world use cases and financial innovation may prove more impactful than any single price milestone.
For investors, the coming days will be critical in determining whether history repeats itself — or if XRP is laying the groundwork for an even stronger run in the months ahead.
Keywords: XRP price, XRP futures ETF, XRP May performance, Webus International, Hyperscale Data, VivoPower, institutional adoption, cryptocurrency investment