XRP News Today: SEC’s Decision Nears—Will XRP Break $3 Again? US Tariffs Hit BTC

XRP Under Pressure – Appeal Strategy in Focus

XRP remains under pressure, trading well below its January 16 high of $3.3999 as investors consider the SEC’s appeal strategy in the Ripple case. The SEC filed its appeal-related opening brief on January 15, just days before Gary Gensler stepped down as Chair. Since then, US President Trump has appointed Commissioner Mark Ueyda as acting Chair, pending the confirmation of former Commissioner Paul Atkins.

Acting Chair Mark Uyeda has previously criticized the SEC’s enforcement actions against non-fraud crypto cases, stating:

“The Commission’s war on crypto must end, including crypto enforcement actions solely based on a failure to register with no allegation of fraud or harm. President Trump and the American electorate have sent a clear message. Starting in 2025, the SEC’s role is to carry out that mandate.”

Acting Chair Uyeda has also assigned crypto mum Commissioner Hester Peirce the leading role in the newly established Crypto Task Force.

Despite the absence of fraud or recklessness, the SEC has yet to withdraw its appeal, challenging the Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling.

Next SEC Closed Meeting: Could the Agency Decide on XRP’s Future?

The next SEC closed meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13. According to the Sunshine Notice Act, the agenda includes:

• Institution and settlement of injunctive actions
• Institution and settlement of administrative proceedings
• Resolution of litigation claims
• Other matters relating to examinations and enforcement proceedings

Notably absent from Thursday’s meeting will be Jorge Tenreiro, one of the agency’s top crypto litigators who recently transferred to an IT division. Tenreiro played a pivotal role in the Ripple case, and his departure may influence the SEC’s next stops. The closed meeting could allow SEC Commissioners to vote to continue or withdraw the appeal.

XRP Price Trends: SEC Appeal Strategy in Focus

On Sunday, February 9, XRP fell 1.04%, reversing Saturday’s 0.89% gain to close at $2.3945. XRP underperformed the broader market, which declined by 0.13% to a total crypto market cap of $3.1 trillion.

Uncertainty about the SEC’s appeal strategy remains an XRP headwind. Progress toward a US XRP-spot ETF market may hinge on whether the SEC continues with the appeal or withdraws it.

Key Price Scenarios:

• Bullish Case: If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could rally past its all-time high of $3.5505.
• ETF Catalyst: Approval of XRP-spot ETF may drive XRP toward $5 on increased institutional demand.
• Bearish Case: If the SEC proceeds with the appeal, XRP could slide below $1.50.

Expert Analysis: How will the SEC’s next move shape XRP’s future? Read more here.

BTC Faces Pressure Amid US Tariff Threats

Beyond the Ripple case, broader crypto markets face additional headwinds, particularly from US tariff policies impacting BTC.

On February 9, The Kobeissi Letter, a financial news outlet, reported that US President Trump plans a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports into the US. Additionally, Trump reportedly warned of reciprocal tariffs on certain nations, potentially effective on Tuesday or Wednesday. Reciprocal tariffs may depend on whether China imposes tariffs on selected US goods on February 10.

Wider sweeping US tariffs could elevate import prices, fueling inflationary pressures and potentially delaying Fed rate cuts. A more hawkish Fed rate path could weigh on risk assets, including BTC.

Fed Policy and BTC Volatility

On February 7, BTC slid from a session high of $100,216 to a low of $95,688 after hotter-than-expected inflation data. The Michigan Inflation Expectations Index jumped to 4.3% in February, up from 3.3% in January.

Friday’s numbers set the stage for the looming US CPI Report and Fed Chair Powell’s testimony on Capitol Hill on February 11. A pickup in inflationary pressures and a hawkish Fed Chair Powell could further pressure BTC and the broader crypto market.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Developments: A Game Change for BTC?

While tariffs and Fed policy remain key drivers, progress toward a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) will likely be crucial for BTC’s long-term supply-demand balance.

Hopes for a US SBR improved last week after the House for the US State of Utah passed an SBR Bill. Other US states eying an SBR include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

An increasing number of state-level SBR initiatives could boost the chances of a national SBR, driving sustained BTC demand.

Bitcoin Price Outlook

On Sunday, February 9, BTC slipped by 0.13% after edging 0.01% lower on Saturday, closing at $96,527.

Key Factors to Watch

• US Tariff Developments
• SBR Legislative Updates
• Fed Rate Expectations
• US BTC-Spot ETF Market Flow Trends.

Possible Scenarios:

• Bearish Scenario: Wider sweeping US tariffs, a hawkish Fed, and stalled SBR discussions could pull BTC toward $90,000.
• Bullish Scenario: A shift in US tariff plans, dovish Fed, and progress on a US SBR may drive BTC toward its all-time high of $109,312.

Market Outlook: Regulatory Developments in Focus

As investors assess recent price trends, two regulatory factors remain key for markets:

1. SEC’s appeal strategy in the Ripple case.
2. Progress toward a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Both developments could significantly influence institutional adoption and overall market sentiment.

Stay updated with our expert analysis of these developments and their implications for crypto markets. Explore the full analysis here.