Ripple Price Surges Nearly 20% Amid Speculation of Major U.S. Exchange Listing

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The Ripple (XRP) token has seen a dramatic surge in value, climbing nearly 20% within a single day, sparking widespread speculation across the crypto community. This sudden spike—driven largely by rumors of a potential listing on a major U.S. cryptocurrency exchange—has reignited investor interest in one of the most debated digital assets in the market.

According to CoinMarketCap, XRP reached an intraday high of $1.08 on March 5, representing a sharp increase from the previous day’s levels. While prices have since settled around $1.03—a still-impressive gain of nearly 9% over 24 hours—the momentum behind this rally is unmistakable. Notably, no official announcements were made by Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, suggesting that market sentiment and speculation are the primary drivers.

Coinbase Listing Speculation Fuels Market Momentum

One of the strongest catalysts for the price surge appears to be growing speculation that Coinbase, one of the largest and most influential cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States, may soon list XRP for trading.

Although Coinbase has not confirmed any such plans, the mere possibility has been enough to trigger a wave of buying activity. CNBC reported that investors are closely watching for signs of regulatory clarity or exchange support, both of which could pave the way for broader institutional adoption.

In response to mounting rumors, Coinbase retweeted a blog post from January outlining its asset listing policy. The post emphasized that "Coinbase has not decided to add any new assets" and warned that "any statement to the contrary is untrue and unauthorized." Despite this disclaimer, market participants remain optimistic.

👉 Discover how leading digital asset platforms evaluate new token listings and what it means for XRP’s future.

Korean Investors Drive Trading Volume Surge

While global interest in XRP is rising, South Korean investors are playing an outsized role in the current rally. Data from CoinMarketCap shows that four of the top ten exchanges by XRP trading volume are based in Asia, with South Korea at the epicenter.

At Bithumb—one of South Korea’s largest crypto exchanges—daily XRP trading volume increased by approximately 30% during the surge. This aligns with broader trends showing strong retail participation in digital assets within the country.

A recent survey by a South Korean market research firm found that as of January 2025, the nation had 5.09 million active cryptocurrency users, representing 65.6% of its total stock market investor base. This deep penetration of crypto into mainstream finance underscores why regional demand can significantly influence global price movements.

Institutional Adoption Adds Long-Term Credibility

Beyond short-term speculation, there are fundamental factors supporting XRP’s value proposition. Several financial institutions have already integrated Ripple’s blockchain technology into their cross-border payment systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing transaction costs.

For example, RippleNet—a global payments network powered by XRP—has been adopted by banks and payment providers in over 30 countries. These real-world use cases provide tangible utility beyond pure speculation, offering a foundation for sustainable growth.

James Song, CEO and founder of blockchain startup ExsulCoin, noted that "the combination of exchange speculation and actual enterprise adoption has created a perfect storm for speculative enthusiasm." He added that while short-term volatility is expected, the underlying technology continues to gain traction.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Ripple (XRP) price increase so sharply?

The sharp increase in XRP’s price was primarily driven by market speculation that Coinbase may list the token for trading. Although unconfirmed, such news often triggers rapid buying activity due to Coinbase’s reputation and regulatory compliance, which lends legitimacy to listed assets.

Is there any official confirmation about XRP being listed on Coinbase?

No. Coinbase has not announced any plans to list XRP. In fact, the company reiterated its official stance via a retweeted blog post stating that no decisions have been made regarding new asset additions and that unauthorized claims should not be trusted.

Why are South Korean investors so influential in the XRP market?

South Korea has one of the highest concentrations of retail cryptocurrency investors globally. With over 5 million active users and strong exchange infrastructure, local trading volumes can significantly impact global prices—especially for mid-cap tokens like XRP.

Does Ripple’s technology have real-world applications?

Yes. Ripple’s blockchain solutions, particularly RippleNet, are used by numerous banks and financial institutions for fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have adopted these systems to improve remittance efficiency.

Could regulatory issues still affect XRP’s future?

Potentially. Although the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit against Ripple has seen some favorable rulings for the company, legal uncertainty persists. Any future regulatory decisions could impact exchange listings and investor confidence.

Is now a good time to invest in XRP?

As with any cryptocurrency investment, timing depends on individual risk tolerance and market analysis. While current momentum is positive, investors should consider both speculative trends and long-term fundamentals before making decisions.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for XRP?

The recent rally highlights how quickly sentiment can shift in the crypto markets—especially when speculation meets real-world utility. While the absence of an official Coinbase listing announcement tempers expectations, continued institutional adoption and strong international demand suggest that XRP remains a key player in the digital asset landscape.

Market analysts suggest monitoring two key indicators going forward:

If either Coinbase or another top-tier U.S. platform announces XRP support, it could trigger a new phase of growth—one backed not just by hype, but by expanded access and liquidity.

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As always, investors are encouraged to conduct thorough research and assess their risk profiles before entering volatile markets. With blockchain technology continuing to mature and reshape global finance, assets like XRP sit at the intersection of innovation and opportunity.