• XRP’s price dropped from $2.59 to $2.31, reducing its market cap by 12% and pushing it below Tether in rankings.
  • Ripple’s RLUSD token will complement, not replace, XRP in XRPL, targeting institutional users to enhance cross-border payment solutions.
  • XRP remains central to XRPL, supporting efficient forex transactions and benefiting from RLUSD’s integration to drive ecosystem growth.

XRP, once the third-largest cryptocurrency, has experienced a sharp decline, losing 12% of its market cap. Its price fell from $2.59 to $2.31 within 24 hours, pushing its valuation down to $131.42 billion.

Consequently, this drop caused XRP to slip behind Tether (USDT) in market rankings. The drop also coincided with a significant reduction in futures trading volume, which decreased from $32 billion to $16 billion, signaling reduced market activity.

Furthermore, the decline has been attributed to increased selling pressure and speculation tied to Ripple’s delayed RLUSD token launch. The delay has sparked discussions in the cryptocurrency community about potential impacts on XRP. Although some fear RLUSD could overshadow XRP, Ripple’s executives have emphasized that the new token complements XRP rather than replacing it.

Ripple Clarifies RLUSD’s Role in the XRP Ledger Ecosystem

Additionally, Ripple has reassured the community about RLUSD’s integration into its XRP Ledger (XRPL). According to Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz, RLUSD aims to enhance XRPL’s functionality while maintaining XRP as the system’s backbone.

Moreover, XRP plays a crucial role in the XRPL by enabling efficient, cost-effective cross-border transactions. Its auto-bridging capability simplifies currency conversions and reduces inefficiencies in traditional forex systems.Experts suggest that RLUSD will target institutional users, expanding Ripple’s ecosystem without undermining XRP’s position.

Notably, Ripple’s decentralized exchange and automated market maker pools on XRPL ensure stability and efficiency during volatile market conditions. These features reinforce XRP’s central role in supporting the ecosystem.

RLUSD’s Potential Impact on XRP and Market Dynamics

Intriguingly, Ripple Labs CEO Brad Garlinghouse has highlighted RLUSD’s strategic focus on institutional adoption. Once launched, RLUSD is expected to operate alongside XRP in enhancing cross-border payment solutions. 

Hence, this development could attract more users to the XRPL, potentially boosting XRP’s value over time. While analysts predict various outcomes for XRP, some anticipate a potential value increase, ranging from small gains to significant growth.

However, despite concerns about competition between XRP and RLUSD, Ripple maintains that the two assets serve complementary purposes. As XRP remains integral to the XRPL, RLUSD is positioned to introduce additional capabilities without disrupting the established system. Analysts believe this combination may strengthen the XRPL ecosystem, driving adoption and market interest.

Profile picture of Antonella Martin
Antonella Martin Posted by

Editor and Journalist

Antonella is a cryptocurrency and news writer who travels the world, finding inspiration in diverse cultures. She cherishes moments sitting on the beach, watching sunsets. Through her writing, Antonella explores the dynamic realm of cryptocurrency and delivers insightful news. Her work encapsulates both the excitement of finance and the serenity of nature's beauty.