Here’s Why XRP is Not Going to $10, $100 and $1,000 Soon Despite Inclusion in US Strategic Reserve

XRP may not immediately rally to unprecedented highs as many expect despite recent inclusion in the U.S. strategic reserve.

The crypto market experienced a rollercoaster ride over the weekend due to President Donald Trump’s announcement hinting at a potential U.S. strategic crypto reserve featuring Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

Bitcoin soared past $95,000 on Sunday, climbing from below $90,000, while XRP skyrocketed 34.27% to breach the $3 mark. However, Monday, March 3, delivered a brutal reality check as XRP plummeted 18.83%, marking its steepest single-day drop since the Terra collapse in May 2022. 

Market Manipulation?

Bitcoin and other coins also witnessed massive declines, with the firstborn crypto collapsing below $85,000 to currently trade at $84,211. Interestingly, this has sparked speculation of market manipulation, with industry pundit MMCrypto sharing this sentiment.

I VERY RARELY SAY MANIPULATION!

TODAY I SAY IT: MANIPULATION!!!!!!!!!

— MMCrypto (@MMCrypto) March 3, 2025

For context, pundits argue that market makers rarely sustain upward momentum when retail investors pile in. Instead, they often orchestrate sharp pullbacks to shake off weak hands before allowing a coin to resume its climb. 

This tactic ensures they maximize profits while thinning the herd. Back in October 2024, during a previous Bitcoin downtrend, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju observed a similar pattern, likening it to a Korean saying about buses departing only after passengers disembark. 

The recent XRP crash appears to mirror this strategy, suggesting that the weekend pump lured in optimistic traders, only for market makers to pull the rug on Monday, leaving many sidelined.

Industry leaders have long noted this phenomenon. Prevalent commentaries reveal a consensus among crypto experts that volatility serves as a tool to separate committed investors from speculators. Interestingly, Vandell Aljarrah, host of the Black Swan Capitalist, echoed this today.

Here’s something most retail investors fail to understand, crypto is one of the most controlled & manipulatedasset classes in existence.

Deep pockets, institutions, whales & insiders have been playing this game for years, using volatility to amass even greater wealth while the… pic.twitter.com/vO3GCSgh8x

— Vandell | Black Swan Capitalist (@vandell33) March 4, 2025

Could XRP Reach $10, $100 or $1,000?

Notably, despite Trump’s reserve proposal fueling bullish sentiment, these market conditions indicate that XRP will still face massive roadblocks on its path to astronomical gains. As a result, those who expect a smooth sail to targets like $10 or even ambitious goals such as $100 and $1,000 would only end up disappointed.

Optimists, however, see brighter days ahead for XRP due to several catalysts. The proposed U.S. crypto reserve could legitimize XRP as a government-backed asset. While the uptrend might not be a one-way push, this inclusion could boost investor confidence, leading to sustained gains.

Additionally, the Ripple lawsuit, a long-standing drag on XRP’s reputation, may be near a resolution. The SEC recently ended enforcement actions against major crypto firms like Coinbase and Kraken, prompting anticipation of similar moves for Ripple.

Furthermore, the SEC’s acknowledgment of 19b-4 filings for multiple XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) shows growing institutional interest. The launch of these ETFs is capable of triggering new capital inflows, contributing to price surges.

Yet, while these developments could push XRP to $10, they might not independently propel a rise to audacious targets like $100 or $1,000 in the near term. Even with a reserve inclusion, regulatory clarity, and ETF approvals, the journey to three or four-digit prices might still demand a major overhaul in the current market condition.