XRP futures contracts began trading on CME Group’s derivatives platform on May 19, recording over $15.6 million in volume across standard and micro contracts. The launch positions CME ahead of competitors like dYdX and close to BitMEX and HTX in daily trading volume. The cash-settled contracts, benchmarked to the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, cater to both retail and institutional traders. CME’s decision follows the CFTC’s classification of XRP as a commodity, and analysts suggest this development could increase the likelihood of a spot XRP ETF approval in the US, with eight such ETFs already awaiting SEC approval.
about XRP Futures Hit $15M on CME, Boosting ETF HopesCME
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekXRP Futures ETF Could Boost Institutional Demand
The XRP futures ETF filing by CME Group has sparked optimism about institutional demand for XRP, despite lingering uncertainties from the Ripple-SEC lawsuit. Legal expert Bill Morgan highlights the significance of cash-settled futures contracts in boosting XRP adoption. While Brazil has already launched the first XRP ETF (XRPH11), the SEC’s stance on U.S. approvals remains unclear. XRP’s price has dipped to $2.31 amid selling pressure, with analysts divided on its short-term trajectory—some predicting a drop to $2, while others foresee a potential 5x rally based on bullish technical indicators. The Ripple-SEC lawsuit continues to cast a shadow, though Ripple maintains confidence in its legal victories.
about XRP Futures ETF Could Boost Institutional DemandCME Launches XRP Futures: Key Details & Market Impact
The CME has introduced XRP futures contracts, marking a significant step in institutional crypto adoption. The cash-settled derivatives come in standard (50,000 XRP) and micro (2,500 XRP) sizes, with trading available on CME Globex and ClearPort. While the launch follows Judge Torres’ rejection of a Ripple-SEC settlement motion, XRP’s price remains stable with a 12.1% monthly gain. Fee structures vary by participant type, and contracts will be listed monthly and quarterly. The products arrive despite lingering regulatory questions about XRP’s status.
about CME Launches XRP Futures: Key Details & Market ImpactBitcoin at $103K: $175K Moon Mission or CME Gap Trap?
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $103,000, with analysts split on its future trajectory. Egrag Crypto boldly predicts a surge to $175,000, citing historical EMA breakouts and a 10X extension from 2017’s peak. However, Daan Crypto Trades highlights weekend stagnation and low volatility, suggesting limited movement for now. A critical unfilled CME gap between $91,970 and $92,520 looms, with some traders believing BTC must revisit this zone before any significant upward movement. While Egrag anticipates a rally through $130,000-$140,000 Fibonacci levels before a correction, the market remains uncertain. BTC is currently 4.9% below its January all-time high, slightly outperforming the broader crypto market’s recent dip. The next move—whether a moonshot or a gap fill—will be decisive for Bitcoin’s short-term trend.
about Bitcoin at $103K: $175K Moon Mission or CME Gap Trap?Ethereum Futures Open Interest Surges 50% as ETH Tops $2K
Ethereum futures open interest surged 50% from $20.77 billion to $31.16 billion between May 1 and May 15, 2025, following ETH’s breakout above $2,000. Retail-heavy exchanges like Binance and Bybit saw strong inflows, while CME’s institutional activity declined slightly. The rapid OI growth, outpacing spot volume increases, raises concerns about market fragility, as excessive leverage could trigger sharp liquidations if ETH fails to hold the $2,000 support level. Traders appear to be reacting to price momentum rather than anticipating it, with futures positioning now a key factor in Ethereum’s near-term trajectory.
about Ethereum Futures Open Interest Surges 50% as ETH Tops $2KCME Group to Launch XRP Futures, Boosting Institutional Crypto Trading
The CME Group announced the launch of XRP futures, joining its existing suite of crypto derivatives like Bitcoin and Ethereum futures. Scheduled for May 19, the XRP futures will come in two contract sizes—2,500 XRP (micro) and 50,000 XRP (standard)—and will be cash-settled based on the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate. The move is seen as a step toward potential XRP ETF approval, with firms like Bitwise and Franklin Templeton already in the race. Despite recent price gains, XRP trading volume has declined, raising questions about market sentiment ahead of the futures launch. Regulatory approval from the CFTC is still pending.
about CME Group to Launch XRP Futures, Boosting Institutional Crypto TradingUS Inflation Cools to 2.3% in April, Bitcoin Holds Steady
The latest US inflation data for April revealed a 2.3% year-over-year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), slightly easing from previous months. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, held steady at 2.8% annually. Energy prices fell 2.4%, contributing to the softer headline reading, while shelter and food prices saw modest gains. The Federal Reserve has maintained steady interest rates since July 2023, awaiting clearer signs of inflation persistence. Market reactions were muted, with Bitcoin trading near $103,000, showing minimal volatility. The data provides policymakers a brief window to assess underlying inflation trends before potential tariff distortions take effect.
about US Inflation Cools to 2.3% in April, Bitcoin Holds SteadyBitcoin Hits $100K Amid Record Derivatives Activity
Bitcoin’s recent surge above $100,000 was powered by unprecedented derivatives activity, including a 57% rise in open interest and extreme funding rates exceeding 1%. A $585 million short squeeze on May 8 acted as the immediate catalyst, propelling Bitcoin to $103,285. However, the rally’s reliance on leverage rather than spot demand raises concerns about fragility, as unsustainable funding rates and crowded longs could trigger a sharp correction if momentum stalls. While ETF inflows provided modest support, offshore derivatives markets dominated the move, mirroring past leverage-driven rallies and retracements. The market now faces a critical juncture: either spot demand accelerates to stabilize prices, or a deleveraging cycle could reverse gains swiftly.
about Bitcoin Hits $100K Amid Record Derivatives ActivityXRP’s Bullish Future: Not Dead, Just Loading
XRP, Ripple’s native token, has faced volatility post-US elections and the prolonged SEC lawsuit, but analyst John Squire argues it’s far from dead. Squire highlights RippleNet’s global adoption in over 55 countries, partnerships with major financial institutions, and the upcoming launch of XRP futures by CME. Despite the SEC’s delays on ETF applications, institutional interest is surging, with whales accumulating $2 billion worth of XRP in April alone. Squire also points to bullish technical indicators, suggesting XRP could be gearing up for a significant rally. The asset’s resilience and institutional backing position it as a strong contender in the crypto market.
about XRP's Bullish Future: Not Dead, Just LoadingBitcoin Shows Resilience at $95K, Bullish Signals Emerge
Bitcoin is holding strong around $95,000, showing signs of recovery after a volatile April. A bullish engulfing candlestick on the CME Futures chart suggests potential upward momentum, though a decisive break above $96,000–$100,000 is critical for sustained gains. Analyst Tony ‘The Bull’ Severino notes that his proprietary ‘Raging Bull’ indicator has flashed a bullish signal on CME Futures, but not yet on the spot BTC/USD chart, adding complexity to the outlook. Institutional interest appears to be growing, but confirmation from weekly or monthly closes is needed to validate the bullish trend. Failure to break key resistance levels could stall the current momentum.
about Bitcoin Shows Resilience at $95K, Bullish Signals EmergeCME to Launch XRP Futures, Boosting Institutional Access
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) announced the launch of XRP futures contracts on May 19, offering two contract sizes: a micro contract (2,500 XRP) and an exchange-traded contract (50,000 XRP). These cash-settled futures will use the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, calculated daily at 4:00 p.m. London time. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse praised the move as a crucial step for XRP’s market expansion, especially as the SEC lawsuit nears resolution. The launch could accelerate the approval of XRP ETFs, with firms like Franklin Templeton and Bitwise already filing applications. XRP’s market performance remains strong, trading at $2.20 with a 24-hour volume of $3.3 billion, reflecting investor optimism.
about CME to Launch XRP Futures, Boosting Institutional AccessCrypto Weekly: Bitcoin Boom, XRP Futures & Market Shifts
The crypto world saw major developments this week. MicroStrategy’s $50B Bitcoin holdings have spurred a new $3B consortium led by Cantor Fitzgerald, Tether, and SoftBank to replicate its strategy. US regulators officially ended ‘Operation Choke Point 2.0,’ lifting restrictive crypto policies. CME announced XRP futures, signaling growing altcoin demand and potential ETF approvals. SPAR Zug began accepting Bitcoin via Lightning Network, though adoption challenges persist. Markets stabilized after Trump softened tariff policies, with Bitcoin recovering 22% to $90K+. These shifts highlight institutional momentum, regulatory relief, and retail experimentation in crypto.
about Crypto Weekly: Bitcoin Boom, XRP Futures & Market Shifts