Why is XRP rising today…Rakuten payment integration·ETF inflow impact

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XRP has gained upward momentum not just from a simple rebound, but from a simultaneous expansion of real-world use and an inflow of institutional funds.

According to cryptocurrency market data aggregator CoinMarketCap, as of April 17th (local time), XRP (Ripple) recorded a 1.96% increase over 24 hours, reaching $1.44, showing a relatively strong upward trend amidst an overall positive market flow. This rise is interpreted as a movement reflecting structural demand changes rather than short-term supply and demand.

The biggest catalyst is the integration of XRP into Japan's Rakuten payment ecosystem. Rakuten Wallet included XRP in its payment and point conversion system, connecting it to approximately 44 million users and over 5 million merchants. This serves as an opportunity to expand XRP from a mere investment asset to a real-world payment network, establishing a foundation for continuous demand creation.

The inflow of institutional funds also supported the rise. On April 15th alone, $17.11 million flowed into the US XRP spot ETF, marking the largest influx in approximately 11 weeks. Simultaneously, in the futures market, trading volume exceeded $4 billion, and short position liquidations amounted to $5.33 million, significantly surpassing long liquidations of $2.44 million, accelerating the rise through a short squeeze (buying pressure that occurs to close or cover short positions).

Technically, a short-term upward structure is maintained. XRP continues its upward trend based on the $1.4220 support level, with the main resistance level presented at $1.4650. If this level is broken, the possibility of retesting $1.50 opens up. Conversely, if it falls below $1.4220, the possibility of retesting the $1.38 support level remains.

A future variable is regulation. The US cryptocurrency market structure bill, the CLARITY Act, is scheduled for Senate review, which is considered a key event that could increase short-term volatility. The media analyzed that XRP has currently entered a 'complex upward structure' where expanded real-world use, institutional demand, and derivatives market supply and demand are simultaneously intertwined, and further increases will be determined by whether resistance is broken.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*