XRP Quietly Builds Momentum as Tether’s Market Cap Comes Into View

In a market dominated by Bitcoin headlines and Ethereum upgrades, XRP is scripting a quieter — but potentially historic — comeback.

Without much fanfare, it’s creeping up the crypto ranks, now just behind Tether in total market capitalization.

This time, though, it’s not supply expansion or flashy partnerships fueling the rise. It’s something far more compelling: organic price growth.

While Bitcoin consolidates and Ethereum treads water, XRP has quietly surged nearly 9% in just one week. That move brought its valuation to $133 billion — within reach of Tether’s $148 billion.

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Unlike Tether, which grows through issuance to meet demand for dollar-pegged liquidity, XRP gains traction when traders push the price higher. That distinction matters. It signals rising interest rather than utility for stability.

XRP’s trading behavior reflects this shift. Its daily volume remains strong, and most orders lean bullish. Meanwhile, Tether’s market shows more sell pressure than buy interest. In short: XRP is being bought; Tether is being moved.

Tether may remain the go-to for stability, but it doesn’t move markets. XRP, on the other hand, has always carried the weight of big ambitions — global transfers, real-time settlement, and recently, the end of a long legal battle.

This possible climb back into the top three isn’t just a win for Ripple or its community. It’s a sign that utility and adoption are beginning to matter again in a market full of speculation.

As the dust settles from months of sideways action in Bitcoin and Ethereum, XRP could quietly become one of 2025’s biggest surprises.

Alexander Stefanov