XRP News Today: SEC Withdrawal Rumors Fuel XRP Surge Toward Key Levels; BTC at $83K

SEC vs. Ripple: Appeal Speculation Intensifies

On Wednesday, March 12, speculation about an imminent conclusion to the SEC vs. Ripple case intensified. Fox Business News journalist Eleanor Terrett reported news from sources within the SEC, saying:

“Two well-placed sources tell me that the SEC vs. Ripple case is in the process of wrapping up and could be over soon.”

Judge Torres’ Injunction Relief Ruling in Focus

Terrett outlined the potential reason for the delay in the agency dropping its appeal, stating:

“My understanding is that the delay in reaching an agreement is due to Ripple’s legal team negotiating more favorable terms regarding the August district court ruling, which imposed a $125M fine on the company and included a permanent injunction preventing the company from selling XRP to institutional investors.”

On March 2, we reported that pro-crypto lawyer James ‘MetaLawMan’ Murphy speculated that Ripple was negotiating with the SEC, potentially looking to vacate several rulings from the Final Judgment.

He highlighted Judge Torres’ order requiring Ripple to comply with Section 5 of the Securities Act, saying:

“The Torres decision was unquestionably GREAT for XRP holders, BUT. The (a) finding of securities law violations and the (b) injunction (with attendant “bad boy” provisions) are not so great for Ripple.”

On March 12, Eleanor Terrett discussed the issues surrounding Judge Torres’ Final Judgment when considering the agency’s shift in stance toward crypto, stating:

“The argument, I’m told, is that if the new SEC leadership is wiping the enforcement slate clean for all previously-targeted crypto firms because it believes regulatory clarity will resolve the underlying issue, why should Ripple still be penalized? Accepting the Torres ruling as it stands would mean that Ripple is essentially agreeing to admit to wrongdoing — but now the SEC itself is seemingly unsure whether any wrongdoing occurred.”

Would Judge Torres Vacate the Injunction Relief Ruling?

Legal experts remain skeptical about Judge Torres vacating key rulings. Pro-crypto lawyer Bill Morgan noted that while Ripple could file a motion, the SEC would need to consent, which may not be enough to convince Judge Torres to vacate the injunction.

In the SEC vs. Binance and Lejilex cases, the parties requested stays until April, arguing the leadership changes and the Crypto Task Force may facilitate a resolution. Ripple could follow a similar approach. A Ripple filing, rubber stamped by the SEC, would signal an end to the case.

XRP Price Trends: Recovery Continues Amid Appeal Withdrawal Chatter

On Wednesday, March 12, XRP gained 3.13%, following Tuesday’s 7.44% rally, closing at $2.2398. XRP outperformed the broader crypto market, which advanced by 1.11%, taking the total market cap to $2.67 trillion. Investor hopes for an imminent end to the Ripple case drove XRP demand.

Key factors influencing XRP’s price outlook include:

• US Strategic Reserve Asset: A push for a multi-crypto reserve could boost market sentiment.
• SEC Appeal Strategy: If the SEC drops its appeal, XRP could surpass its all-time high of $3.55. However, prolonged legal uncertainty might drag prices below $1.50.
• XRP-Spot ETF Developments: ETF approval could trigger institutional inflows, potentially lifting prices toward $5. However, an ongoing appeal may delay the process.
• Macro Risks: Trade tensions and rising US inflation (producer prices) could push XRP toward the February low of $1.7938. Conversely, easing trade tensions and softer inflation could support a recovery toward $2.50.

Read expert analysis on what could drive XRP to new highs here.

Bitcoin Steadies as US Inflation Cools Amid Tariff Uncertainty

On March 12, the US CPI Report influenced bitcoin (BTC) demand amid rising global trade war risks.

The US annual inflation rate cooled from 3% in January to 2.8% in February, while the core inflation rate dropped from 3.3% to 3.1%. Softer-than-expected inflation data boosted hopes for a June Fed rate cut. However, BTC’s initial reaction was negative amid fears Trump’s trade policies could undo the Fed’s efforts to bring inflation toward its 2% target.

After the CPI Report, BTC fell to a session low of $80,616 before recovering, mirroring the Nasdaq’s response.

Jeroen Blokland, founder of the Blokland Smart Multi-Asset Fund, warned about inflation and tariff risks:

“A rapidly intensifying global trade war, where more countries retaliate against Trump tariffs when inflation is still around 3% (headline 2.8%, core 3.1%), is not really that comforting.”

US BTC-Spot ETF Market Sees Rare Inflows

Institutional investors reacted to the softer inflation number, possibly out of relief rather than in hopes of a sustainable drop toward the Fed’s target. According to Farside Investors, key ETF flow highlights on March 12 included:

• ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) had net inflows of $82.6 million, its first since March 3.
• Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) reported net inflows of $5.5 million.

Excluding flow data for iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO), the US BTC-spot ETF market reported $72.8 million in net inflows, breaking a four-day outflow streak.

BTC-spot ETF flows are critical for Bitcoin’s supply-demand balance and price trajectory. Extended net outflows have pressured BTC, which remains well below its record high of $109,312.

Bitcoin Price Scenarios: Key Levels to Watch

On March 12, BTC advanced by 0.92%, adding to Tuesday’s 5.50% gain and closed at $83,710. However, upside momentum was limited, with tariff concerns and uncertainty about US government bitcoin demand capping the upside.

Potential price scenarios:

• Bearish: Rising trade tensions, opposition to the Bitcoin Act, and continued BTC-spot ETF outflows could pull BTC toward $70,000.
• Bullish: Easing trade tensions, growing support for the Bitcoin Act, and renewed ETF inflow trends could push BTC toward $109,312.

Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the Bitcoin Act in December 2024, proposing the US government acquire one million BTC over five years, with a 20-year mandatory holding period.

Market Outlook: Catalysts Driving Crypto Trends

Several macro and regulatory factors will influence crypto demand in the coming weeks:

• SEC Appeal Decision: An SEC withdrawal from the Ripple appeal could trigger a broad crypto rally.
• US Tariff Policy & Inflation: Higher tariffs could lead to a more hawkish Fed stance, increasing recession fears.
• US Economic Data: US producer prices will influence the Fed path and crypto volatility.
• Strategic BTC Reserve: Lawmaker support for the Bitcoin Act could accelerate institutional adoption.
• BTC-Spot ETF Flows: Institutional demand remains a key driver of BTC price trends.

An SEC appeal withdrawal could fuel a bullish breakout for XRP and the broader market. However, long-term institutional confidence will depend on greater regulatory clarity in the US.

Stay updated with our latest insights here.