XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) ended the final full week of 2025 with strong investor demand, even as the token’s price continued to lag.
According to weekly data, XRP spot ETFs recorded $64 million in net inflows, the highest among major crypto ETFs during the period. By comparison, Ethereum spot ETFs saw $102 million in net outflows, while Solana ETFs attracted $13.14 million, with all listed SOL funds posting gains.
Despite the strong inflows, XRP has remained stuck below the $2 mark, raising a question among investors: if so much money is flowing into XRP ETFs, why isn’t the price moving higher?
Why ETF Inflows Don’t Always Mean Instant Price Gains
Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan recently explained how the ETF buying process works behind the scenes.
When an XRP ETF receives inflows, fund managers do not buy tokens directly on public exchanges. Instead, they purchase XRP over the counter (OTC) from large institutional market makers such as Jane Street, Susquehanna, Goldman Sachs, and others.
These firms compete to offer the lowest possible price for large orders. Once a deal is agreed, the market maker then goes into the broader market to source the XRP and delivers it to the ETF’s custodian.
In simple terms, the buying does impact the spot market, but it happens indirectly and gradually, not through visible exchange orders that immediately push prices higher. This process can reduce short-term price spikes, even during periods of heavy inflows.
Technical Pressure Still Weighs on XRP
While ETF demand remains strong, technical analysts warn that price action is sending mixed signals.
XRP is on track for what could be its first monthly close below a key support level this year. Analysts say the token needs to close above $2.08 by month-end to maintain a bullish structure.
“If in doubt, zoom out,” one analyst said, adding that price action remains the final judge of market strength.
