XRP exhibited minimal price movement during Friday's trading session, maintaining a position close to $1.42. The digital asset experienced a tight trading band between $1.39 and $1.43 over the preceding 24 hours, reflecting a state of equilibrium as investors awaited key economic data and monitored regulatory developments. According to market data, XRP saw a marginal decline of just 0.01%. In contrast, Bitcoin registered a gain of 1.43%, while Ether experienced a slight dip of 0.10%.
Regulatory Spotlight Intensifies
Market attention remains fixed on Washington, where legislative progress could provide a significant catalyst for the digital asset sector. Ripple Chief Executive Officer Brad Garlinghouse has notably revised his forecast for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, expressing heightened confidence in its passage. Garlinghouse now estimates a 90% probability that the legislation will successfully navigate Congress before the end of April. This optimistic assessment stems from ongoing dialogues between cryptocurrency firms, banking institutions, and policymakers.
The CLARITY Act represents a pivotal market-structure bill designed to establish a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for digital assets. Industry participants have long advocated for such clarity to navigate the U.S. legal landscape effectively. However, negotiations have encountered a sticking point concerning provisions related to "yield" offerings by stablecoin issuers and platforms. These are payments distributed to holders of dollar-pegged tokens. A recent White House meeting involving key stakeholders, including Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, was described as constructive but did not resolve the existing deadlock.
Macroeconomic Data and Market Sentiment
The broader macroeconomic environment presents a critical backdrop for cryptocurrency valuations. Investors are keenly awaiting the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. This data, alongside a preliminary reading of fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is scheduled for release by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The market's reaction is likely to be dictated by the inflation print. A figure that comes in lower than economist forecasts could rejuvenate expectations for imminent interest rate cuts, a scenario historically supportive of risk-sensitive assets like cryptocurrencies. Conversely, a higher-than-anticipated reading would likely exert upward pressure on bond yields, potentially cooling investor appetite for volatile digital tokens. Recent market dynamics have seen the U.S. dollar charting its most significant weekly advance since October, fueled by a more hawkish posture from the Federal Reserve and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Imminent SEC Decision on Crypto ETF
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is approaching a critical juncture concerning digital asset investment products. A deadline of February 26 has been established for the regulator to decide on an application from NYSE Arca to list and trade shares of the T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF. This proposed exchange-traded fund would be actively managed and explicitly includes XRP among its basket of eligible assets. According to a Federal Register filing, the public comment period for this proposal concludes on February 23.
For investors seeking regulated exposure to XRP, existing products are already available. Franklin Templeton launched its Franklin XRP ETF, trading under the ticker XRPZ on NYSE Arca, in the latter part of 2025. The introduction of new products like the T. Rowe Price fund could further integrate digital assets into traditional finance portfolios.
Market Risks and Forward Outlook
Despite the cautiously optimistic tone, several risks persist. A breakdown in Washington negotiations over stablecoin yields, or a significant delay in the CLARITY Act's legislative timeline, could swiftly erode the policy support currently buoying market sentiment. Furthermore, an unexpectedly hot inflation report would place intense pressure on the market's prevailing expectations for monetary policy easing.
In the immediate term, trader focus is bifurcated between the impending PCE inflation and GDP data and the regulatory calendar. The sequence of events places the SEC's comment deadline on February 23 directly ahead of its decision date for the T. Rowe Price ETF filing on February 26. The convergence of macroeconomic indicators and regulatory milestones is set to define near-term price action for XRP and the broader digital asset market.
