✏ XRP History: From Payment Token to Crypto Powerhouse XRP was launched in 2012 as a fast and inexpensive tool for cross-border payments. Unlike BTC, all 100 billion tokens were issued immediately, and the XRP Ledger was originally designed for speed and minimal fees. The project is closely linked to Ripple Labs — a fintech company that promotes XRP as a bridge between fiat currencies for banks and payment systems. This is what made XRP a "banking" asset and a source of ongoing debates about centralization. Key price milestones: • 2013–2014: <$0.01 • 2017–2018: growth above $3 • 2020–2024: pressure due to SEC lawsuit • 2025: new ATH around $3.65 after the SEC case is resolved The SEC lawsuit became the main obstacle to growth: delistings, uncertainty, and declining trust. After settlement in 2025, XRP returned to the focus of institutional investors. Today, XRP is one of the largest crypto assets by market capitalization, with a clear role: infrastructure for global payments. This is a story not about ideology, but about integrating crypto into traditional finance.

A military action erupted yesterday, causing some people to feel very anxious and uneasy. Especially users holding positions in the market, whether spot or futures, are very sensitive to all news. We cannot elaborate on military matters, but everyone needs to have their own judgment about the impact on the crypto circle. First of all, Venezuela itself is not a major holder of cryptocurrencies; even if such a country falls, the impact on the crypto world would not be significant. The market that can be affected first and foremost is definitely the country's own energy resources; there's no need to scare ourselves with panic. The current upward trend is not something a small country can influence. Only a few countries can influence the trend of the crypto market: the US, Japan and South Korea, Russia, and the EU system. As long as there is no ongoing war and no impact on the global pattern, there won't be too much negative pressure. On the contrary, after this incident, the first reaction from Lao Cui is that the appreciation of dollar assets has become a trend. Mostly warnings, but I fear more and more small countries will express their stance, and pro-US countries will increase. From a personal perspective, at least it makes it easier for the US-led crypto market to gain legitimacy among small countries. This is probably the reason for today's crypto market rally. Some friends also cited last year's Israel-Palestine conflict and Israel-Iran conflicts as examples, but these are different concepts. First, these countries, especially Israel and Iran, are systems that accept cryptocurrency payments. In other words, they themselves hold crypto assets. Russia and Ukraine are the same; such turmoil can directly impact the crypto circle. Because everyone cannot judge whether they will abandon their cryptocurrencies to exchange for other resources, there will be a lot of market sentiment during this period. For example, at the end of 2024, Lao Cui once mentioned that a batch of Bitcoin in China would be liquidated. From December to March 2025, a new low was formed. Compared to the market cap of the crypto circle, it doesn't really move the overall market much. But for countries of this size, everything they do is traceable. Moreover, this year, the explicit ban on the crypto market is the main reason that can influence the crypto market. As users in the crypto circle, we must stay objective. The US demonstrates strength, and the assets that profit are mainly US assets. The current crypto market is also part of that. Since you have already chosen to stand with the crypto circle, then just focus on US measures. The most crucial data is actual figures: the US currently holds over $30 billion in crypto assets, with 97% of holdings in BTC. These are state accounts, not Trump’s private assets. As we enter January, you only need to watch two data points: one is the non-farm payroll data on the 9th, and the other is the CPI on the 13th. Currently, it looks like there is no longer a possibility of rate cuts in January. We can only wait for these two data releases to estimate the US inflation data for the past year. The only uncontrollable factor is October’s data, so at least a 1% downward revision is expected. The biggest issue is employment rate. Based on the leaked data, the US’s employment strategy for 2025 has failed. This is the strongest evidence supporting a rate cut in the first half of the year. Additionally, the latest Fed officials’ statements indicate that Powell may cut rates again later this year; this seems to favor rate cuts, but in reality, it’s delaying. From his words, it’s clear that rate cuts are unlikely in the short term. The only hope might be postponed until March or later, so we shouldn’t expect too much from rate cuts. At this point, perhaps for those shorting, it’s an opportunity. Don’t think that you can’t short in a bull market; that’s a misconception. Users with small positions or insufficient funds should seize the oscillation range to profit. The current market rally won’t be instant; there will be some retracement depth. The market is likely to fluctuate around hitting new highs, and before a full breakout, there will be a deep dip, possibly causing over 70% of long positions to be liquidated before a rally. So whether you’re shorting or longing, you can take advantage of this shakeout to build positions or exit. Looking at the overall market, XRP’s four-hour inflow is second only to BTC, followed by DOGE. The growth is mainly in these two coins. Currently, SOL’s performance is somewhat weak, but it shows signs of hitting new highs. For small-cap coins like these, those wanting to enter should wait for a pullback after the rally. A7 Summary: Overall, the trend remains unchanged, and there’s not much need to fuss. At least this year’s spot market performance will be better than in 2025. Everyone needs to be patient. For futures traders, Bitcoin is showing signs of stabilizing around 91,000. Ethereum has also formed a new trend, likely aiming for a new high. The next resistance level was shared yesterday—just keep watching for new highs. Bitcoin’s next key resistance is around 94,950, and Ethereum around 3,600. Breaking through these levels would essentially mark the return of a bull market. If it fails to break through, the market may continue to oscillate for a while. The rate decision is far off; it will be announced on the 29th, so avoid that date!