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Early ASTEROID Buyers Made a Fortune—But This Unlucky Buyer Sold Few Days Before Its Pump at a $137 Loss

Elendu Benedict
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Early ASTEROID Buyers Made a Fortune—But This Unlucky Buyer Sold Few Days Before Its Pump at a $137 Loss

An early ASTEROID whale missed out on what should have been a financially life-changing event, paper handling his holdings before the recent rally.

Market intelligence platform Lookonchain called the investor “the unluckiest guy” they have ever seen, a description well suited to this case. Had the wallet held its ASTEROID token for a few more days, it would have turned its meager input into massive wealth, but he sold right at the time of a major breakthrough.

Key Points

  • 81 days ago, an address spent 0.2 Ethereum ($542) to buy 7.43 billion Asteroid Shiba.
  • On April 14, the address sold the entire ASTEROID holding for $405, realizing a $137 loss.
  • A few days later, the meme coin started moving, surging a staggering 530,450% in the past seven days.
  • The 7.43 billion ASTEROID stash would have been worth $2.2 million in today’s price, but the wallet paper-handed the token.
  • The token’s pump was not random but came from an indirect mention by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world.

What Happened

Lookonchain highlights that 81 days ago, the address “0x5811” spent 0.2 Ethereum ($542) to buy 7.43 billion Asteroid Shiba (ASTEROID), an Ethereum-based meme coin inspired by a Shiba Inu plush toy designed by 15-year-old cancer victim Liv Perrotto and intended for the Polaris Dawn space mission.

This transaction specifically happened on January 30, when the token still had seven zeroes. However, the coin did not impress as the whale had anticipated, with the hype stalling. 80 days later, on April 14, the address sold the entire ASTEROID holding for $405, realizing a $137 loss. But what happened next would leave the whale regretting this move.

Whale Sold ASTEROID Stash at Loss/Lookonchain
Whale Sold ASTEROID Stash at Loss/Lookonchain

A few days later, the meme coin started moving. According to CoinGecko, it has surged a staggering 530,450% in the past seven days, an explosive move that would have massively benefited the whale. 

Lookonchain noted that the 7.43 billion ASTEROID stash would have been worth $2.6 million at the time of its report. At the current price of $0.0002986, it would be worth $2.2 million.

What Actually Caused the ASTEROID Pump

Meanwhile, the token’s pump was not random but came from an indirect mention from Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and one of the most influential figures in the crypto sector. His vocal love for meme culture and dogs has often led to significant moves from canine-themed meme coins.

On April 17, a simple reply sent ASTEROID surging. Musk noted that he “will answer shortly” to a list of questions that the deceased Perrotto wrote, intending to ask the billionaire if she meets him. One of the questions was whether Asteroid, the Shiba Inu zero-g indicator she designed, would be SpaceX’s mascot.

Musk’s response, completely unrelated to the ASTEROID token, sent it surging. It rose over 600,000% in a few days, turning meager inputs into massive wealth. Unfortunately, this whale had sold what would have turned his $542 investment into millions.

Others Profited, Though

However, others gained massively from this rally. The Crypto Basic reported on a whale who turned $31,000 into $301,000. He held 4.61 billion in late 2024 and had held it in unrealized losses for over a year until the recent development turned things around.

Another user spent $21,600 to buy 8.02 billion ASTEROID in September 2024 and held it for over 580 days, during which his stash almost turned to zero. The recent pump has seen him make over $2 million.

XRP Up 20,450% In the Past 10 Years: Proponents Push Back Against Cardano Founder’s Recent Claims

Mark Brennan
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XRP Up 20,450% In the Past 10 Years: Proponents Push Back Against Cardano Founder’s Recent Claims

XRP proponents have pointed out the crypto asset’s impressive long-term performance following criticisms from the Cardano founder.

For context, the Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson recently criticized Ripple’s holdings and XRP’s tokenomics, arguing that the asset does not boast value appreciation for its holders.

Key Points

  • Charles Hoskinson argued that Ripple funds its operations by selling pre-mined XRP, leaving holders with no value appreciation.
  • Community members have pushed back against this claim, pointing out XRP’s historical performance.
  • XRP has increased 20,450% over the past decade despite recent price struggles.
  • The token has also outperformed traditional market indices like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ over five years.
  • XRP has gained 11x this cycle, while Cardano only sees a 6x increase within the same period.

Cardano Founder Questions XRP’s Value Model

Notably, Charles Hoskinson made his recent comments during an interview with Wendy O on The O Show, in which he questioned XRP’s value model.

He said Ripple holds a large pre-mined supply of XRP and sells some of it to fund its business, including acquisitions and other assets. To him, this allows the company to benefit while token holders do not benefit from any value appreciation.

Hoskinson also argued that XRP holders do not have legal ownership of Ripple’s assets and do not benefit from features like staking or revenue-sharing. He suggested that this was similar to how Tether works, as a single company captures most of the value while users hold a tradable asset tied to a network. 

He added that XRP can still see short-term price jumps from news or hype, but he believes those moves are not linked to long-term demand or steady value appreciation.

XRP Community Responds with Performance Data

Hoskinson’s comments triggered reactions from the XRP community, especially his claim that XRP has not shown meaningful price growth. Some users responded with historical data. One of them, researcher SMQKE, presented documents that confirmed XRP’s long-term performance.

For instance, one document suggested that XRP had risen by more than 10,000% over the past ten years. However, updated figures show that the token has gained over 20,000% in ten years. Specifically, XRP traded at $0.00681 at the end of April 2016 and now changed hands at $1.40, marking a 20,450% increase.

SMQKE also compared XRP’s performance with major stock indices. Notably, in April 2021, the S&P 500 stood at 3,992 points, while the NASDAQ Composite was at 13,414. 

Today, the NASDAQ has climbed to 24,468, an 82% increase, while the S&P 500 has reached 7,126, marking a 78% rise. Over the same period, XRP moved from $0.57 in April 2021 to $1.40, showing a 145% increase.

SMQKE also highlighted XRP’s performance over the past three years, noting that the token had gained 300% gains within this period. However, XRP’s recent declines have reduced this gain to 225%. While this is lower than the earlier estimate, it still represents a strong return.

XRP Against Cardano

SMQKE’s commentary came in response to a disclosure from a pseudonymous XRP community member, who countered Hoskinson’s claim by comparing XRP’s and Cardano’s performances over the current market cycle. 

The user pointed out that Cardano moved from a low of $0.21 to a high of $1.32, a 6x gain, but has since fallen back to around $0.24, close to where it started.

In comparison, XRP rose from $0.32 to $3.65, representing an 11x gain, and now trades around $1.43, still holding above its earlier levels. According to the community member, XRP surged more during the cycle and has also held its gains better than Cardano.

XRP’s Longer-Term Performance 

Meanwhile, Vandell Aljarrah, co-founder of The Black Swan Capitalist, also discussed XRP’s long-term growth in response to Hoskinson’s claims. According to him, XRP increased from about $0.0028 in 2014 to a peak of $3.64 in 2025, bringing in returns of roughly 129,900%.

Over a shorter timeframe, he also noted that XRP rose from $0.11 in 2020 to $3.64 in 2025, giving a 33x return in five years. Aljarrah said this kind of performance is much higher than what top hedge funds usually deliver. Despite this, he suggested that XRP could still see more growth in the future.

Market Updates: RAVE Token Crashes 98% Amid Manipulation, Alcoa Nears Bitcoin Mining Deal, Moody’s Flags Stablecoins as Low Immediate Threat to Banking System

Zabi
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Market Updates: RAVE Token Crashes 98% Amid Manipulation, Alcoa Nears Bitcoin Mining Deal, Moody’s Flags Stablecoins as Low Immediate Threat to Banking System

Latest Market Updates: As of 20th April 2026.

The crypto market saw sharp volatility and key industry developments on April 20, 2026. Notably, a dramatic collapse of the RAVE token, a major industrial deal involving Bitcoin mining, evolving stablecoins risks, and regulatory deadlock in Poland dominated headlines.

RAVE Token Collapse Triggers Exchange Investigations

The day’s biggest shock came from the RAVE token, which plunged after a wave of large transfers hit major exchanges.

Specifically, data from blockchain analytics firm Arkham revealed that nearly 23 million tokens were sent to Bitget in a short period, including two large batches worth approximately $24 million. Consequently, the influx triggered intense selling pressure, causing the token to lose over 98% of its value almost immediately.

Moreover, the broader decline was even more severe. Within just two days, the price dropped from $27.94 to around $0.53 as of this writing, according to CoinMarketCap.

Amid this turmoil, blockchain investigator ZachXBT called for formal probes into potential manipulation. In response, both Binance and Bitget confirmed they are reviewing trading activity.

Meanwhile, RaveDAO publicly denied any role in both the rapid rise and subsequent crash, attempting to calm market concerns.

Alcoa Moves Toward Bitcoin Mining Deal

In a separate development, industrial giant Alcoa is moving closer to a deal that highlights the growing intersection between traditional industry and digital assets.

According to Bloomberg, the company is nearing an agreement to sell its long-idle Massena East smelter to New York Digital Investment Group. CEO Bill Oplinger indicated the deal could be finalized by mid-2026.

The facility, which has been inactive since 2014 due to high operating costs, offers a key advantage: existing infrastructure. With built-in grid connections, substations, and transmission systems, it is well-suited for energy-intensive operations such as Bitcoin mining.

Additionally, access to hydropower from the New York Power Authority enhances its appeal. The potential sale underscores a broader trend of repurposing legacy industrial sites for digital-era applications.

Stablecoins Pose Limited Threat to Banks—For Now

Alongside these developments, attention has also turned to the evolving role of stablecoins in the financial system. Moody’s Investors Service maintains that, for now, they pose only a limited threat to traditional banks.

According to analyst Abhi Srivastava, the stablecoin market surpassed a $300 billion market cap by late 2025. However, its real-world adoption still lags behind conventional financial systems.

While stablecoins are gaining traction in payments and cross-border transactions, regulatory constraints, particularly in the United States, limit their competitiveness. For instance, the inability to offer yield reduces their attractiveness as alternatives to bank deposits.

Over time, however, the picture could shift. Increased adoption and growth of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) may gradually put pressure on banks, potentially leading to deposit outflows and reduced lending capacity.

These concerns, in turn, are already influencing policy debates. In particular, disagreements over yield-bearing stablecoins have contributed to delays in advancing the CLARITY Act in the United States.

Poland Fails Again to Pass Crypto Regulation

Meanwhile, Poland’s parliament has once again failed to override a presidential veto on a key crypto bill, falling short of the required majority for the second time since December.

The legislation aims to align Poland with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, introduced in 2024. President Karol Nawrocki has opposed the bill, citing concerns over regulatory burden, transparency, and the potential impact on smaller businesses.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk continues to support the measure, while Finance Minister Andrzej Domański has warned that further delays could leave investors exposed and increase the risk of fraud.

Consequently, Poland remains the only EU member state yet to implement MiCA, highlighting ongoing divisions over crypto regulation within the country.

Shiba Inu Hits Back After Pepe Targets SHIB in Grim Reaper Post

Lele Jima
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Shiba Inu Hits Back After Pepe Targets SHIB in Grim Reaper Post

A new conversation on X between the official accounts of Shiba Inu and Pepe has reignited rivalry within the memecoin communities. 

The posts mix humor and subtle jabs, showing the ongoing battle for attention and market position. It also highlights how memecoins rely more on social media buzz and culture than on technical strength.

Key Points

  • Shiba Inu and Pepe reignited their rivalry over the weekend through a series of posts on X.
  • Pepe shared a stylized “Grim Reaper” image depicting its mascot targeting rival meme coins, with SHIB positioned as the next door.
  • Shiba Inu responded with a GIF, suggesting PEPE’s ambitions are out of sync with current market realities.
  • Meanwhile, both tokens have recently been overtaken by MemeCore, which now ranks as the second-largest meme coin.

SHIB and PEPE Clash on X

Over the weekend, the official Pepe account shared a post showing its frog mascot as a Grim Reaper walking past doors labeled with rival memecoins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.

The image suggests Pepe aims to conquer its competitors. It hints that Shiba Inu is the next, after taking on coins like BONK and TRUMP, with the caption “Jobs not finished” pointing to ongoing momentum.

In response, Shiba Inu’s X account shared a GIF of a man crying and drinking under red lighting, appearing stressed and sweaty. The post suggests that Pepe’s expectations may not match the current market reality, leading to frustration.

Shortly after, Pepe fired back, dismissing the response as unrelated and lacking substance. It also posted an image referencing “copium,” a meme term commonly used to describe attempts to cope with setbacks or disappointment.

Pepe and Shiba Inu Rivalry Accelerates

Although the exchange appears humorous, it reflects a deeper competition for investor attention and perceived dominance within the memecoin sector. Notably, both tokens have remained rivals since Pepe entered the market in 2023. Since then, Pepe has repeatedly approached Shiba Inu’s position but has yet to surpass it.

Currently, Pepe is valued at approximately $1.53 billion, while Shiba Inu is valued at around $3.51 billion, roughly $2 billion higher.

MemeCore Surpasses Pepe and Shiba Inu to Become Second Biggest Meme Coin

However, the competitive landscape has shifted. Earlier this year, MemeCore disrupted the rankings by overtaking both tokens to become the second-largest memecoin.

MemeCore has delivered significant growth, climbing from about $1.57 at the start of the year to over $4.66 during the weekend, representing a surge of nearly 197%.

Although the price has since corrected to around $3.43, M still commands a market cap of approximately $4.44 billion. As a result, Shiba Inu and Pepe now rank third and fourth, respectively, intensifying their ongoing battle for dominance.

Meme Coin Rankings
Meme Coin Rankings

XRP Now Following Silver’s Wedge Trajectory; Here’s the Upside Target

Mark Brennan
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XRP Now Following Silver’s Wedge Trajectory; Here’s the Upside Target

Market data indicates that XRP may now be following the bullish trajectory observed by silver that led to the precious metal’s latest all-time high.

For context, silver (XAG) witnessed a multi-year symmetrical triangle after it dropped from the previous peak of $49.8 per ounce in 2011.

However, following a breakout above this triangle, a momentum build-up ensued, eventually pushing prices to a new all-time high of $121 earlier this year. XRP seems to be following a similar pattern, targeting an $8 peak.

Key Points

  • After its multi-year symmetrical triangle breakout, silver soared 450% to a new all-time high of $121.
  • XRP also broke out of a similar multi-year symmetrical triangle in November 2024.
  • After reaching $3.4 in July 2025, XRP now trades within a falling wedge structure, building upside momentum.
  • Silver previously saw a 3-wave pattern, with Waves 1 and 2 building momentum, and Wave 3 leading to the $121 peak.
  • XRP currently trades within a similar Wave 2, and the bullish Wave 3 could take prices to $8.

Silver’s Triangle Breakout and Upside Push

Wolverinos, a pseudonymous market technician, pointed out this similarity in his latest TradingView analysis. Notably, despite its recent price struggles on the back of the U.S.-Iran conflict, silver maintains an 11.47% gain this year after soaring by an impressive 147% in 2025.

This builds on a previous breakout from its multi-year symmetrical triangle. Specifically, this triangle formed after silver collapsed from the $49.8 peak in April 2011. After the pullback, silver saw persistent bearish pressure, eventually dropping to $11.6 by March 2020 amid a multi-year underperformance. 

Silver 1W Chart Wolverinos
Silver 1W Chart | Wolverinos

After the $11.6 low, silver slipped into an Elliott Wave structure, with a rebound to $30 by February 2021 marking the first wave, and a pullback to $17.55 in September 2022 representing Wave 2. Notably, Wave 3 began from here, leading to a breakout from the triangle in March 2024 and eventually pushing prices to the ATH of $121 by January 2025.

XRP Following the Same Trajectory

Interestingly, XRP seems to be following silver’s trajectory but at a smaller scale. Notably, XRP also slipped into a multi-year symmetrical triangle after it dropped from the previous high of $3.31 in January 2018. From here, it saw steep declines and continued to underperform.

XRP eventually broke above the triangle formation during the November 2024 rally inspired by President Donald Trump’s victory. While silver’s Elliott Wave structure, which resolved within a falling wedge, played out inside the triangle, XRP’s structure emerged outside the triangle.

XRP 1W Chart Wolverinos
XRP 1W Chart | Wolverinos

Specifically, after the November 2024 breakout, XRP’s price action followed an Elliott Wave structure, with Wave 1 pushing prices to the $3.6 peak in July 2025. From here, the Wave 2 led to a pullback, and XRP has continued to trade within this corrective phase, down 61% from the $3.6 high at the current price of $1.40.

The Upside Target for XRP

Wolverinos’ chart shows that XRP’s Elliott Wave structure has resulted in a falling wedge pattern, especially the Wave 2 correction. The market analyst suggested that this falling wedge points to a build-up of bullish momentum, similar to what the market observed with silver from 2021 to 2024.

Data indicates that the current Wave 2 correction may now be close to an end, and the imminent Wave 3 could bring the much-needed recovery push. Wolverinos suggests that XRP’s target for the Wave 3 upsurge sits at $8, representing a 471% increase from current prices. 

According to him, XRP still trades above the support relative to the April 2021 peak. Nonetheless, he argued that the asset does not face much resistance to its upward push. The analyst suggested that once XRP breaches the falling wedge, the only direction is up. He expects the upward push to occur this year, possibly in Q2.

American Financial Advisory Firm Shares Two Reasons XRP Could be a Good Buy Before 2027

Mark Brennan
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American Financial Advisory Firm Shares Two Reasons XRP Could be a Good Buy Before 2027

The Motley Fool, an American financial advisory firm, says the XRP downturn could present an opportunity for investors ahead of 2027.

XRP has gone through a tough period, falling 22% since the start of the year and dropping 52% from October 2025, when the current downtrend began. With this decline, The Motley Fool has explained why XRP could still be worth considering before 2027.

Key Points

  • XRP has collapsed 22% year-to-date, currently sitting at $1.43 as the months-long downtrend persists.
  • The Motley Fool shares two reasons this downturn may present an opportunity for investors to procure XRP before 2027.
  • The first reason focuses on how Ripple is changing its strategy toward a broader ecosystem development.
  • For the second reason, The Motley Fool mentions XRP’s growing institutional adoption.

XRP Downturn Presents Opportunity

In a report, The Motley Fool pointed out that XRP has struggled throughout 2026. Notably, from the $3.6 high attained last summer, the token has lost more than 60% of its value.

The report suggests that this drop may create an opportunity. For investors who have been waiting for prices to come down, this could be the moment to take a closer look, The Motley Fool said. It then highlighted two main reasons behind its outlook.

Ripple’s Push Toward a Broader Ecosystem

The first focuses on how Ripple is changing its strategy. In the past, Ripple mainly tried to set up XRP as an alternative to traditional cross-border payment systems like SWIFT. Since its creation in 1973, SWIFT has handled trillions of dollars in daily transactions, along with other major payment networks.

However, getting banks to move away from a trusted and widely used system has not been easy. While Ripple has gained some institutional partners, it has not achieved large-scale adoption as a direct replacement for SWIFT.

As a result, Ripple has started focusing on building a more diverse ecosystem. Instead of relying on a single use case, it is expanding how its technology can be used by connecting with other decentralized projects. 

One major step in this direction was the launch of XAO DAO in June 2025, a community-led initiative that funds projects built within the ecosystem. 

XRP Institutional Adoption Gains Momentum Amid Regulatory Clarity

The second reason rests on institutional adoption. The report explains that Ripple’s ecosystem may finally solve one of its biggest challenges: getting large financial institutions on board. These institutions usually prefer systems that are already proven and widely used, rather than new ideas that have not been tested at scale.

Ripple’s ecosystem could meet these needs by presenting multiple layers, such as systems that help prevent fraud and financial crime. It could also support traditional financial products like ETFs moving onto blockchain networks. 

Moreover, regulation has also started to improve. For instance, Ripple has settled its long-running case with the U.S. SEC, which began in December 2020. The case reached an agreement in May 2025, with the court dismissing the appeals in August 2025. 

At the same time, new laws have emerged in the U.S. Specifically, the report called attention to the GENIUS Act, passed last year, and ongoing work on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. The Clarity Act passed the House in July 2025 and has continued through Senate discussions at press time, with further progress expected later that month.

These developments show that regulators are starting to put clear rules in place. While it is still uncertain how well Ripple will carry out its plans, the report notes that if it gains momentum in 2026, XRP’s current price could be one of the last chances to buy the token at a reasonable level before 2027.

XRP Set for Repricing, Analyst Says the Greatest Wealth Transfer Is About to Happen

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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XRP Set for Repricing, Analyst Says the Greatest Wealth Transfer Is About to Happen

An analyst from the YouTube channel Money Rules – Investing Tips has shared an ambitious outlook for XRP.

He recently argued that the digital asset may be on the verge of a major repricing event as institutional momentum builds across the crypto market.

Key Points

  • XRP may be nearing a major repricing event as institutional demand and adoption continue to build across the crypto market.
  • Analysts cite improved U.S. regulatory clarity as a key driver that could unlock broader institutional participation in XRP.
  • Bitcoin and Ethereum’s projected growth could push XRP far beyond its current $1.5 level in a strong market cycle.
  • AI forecasts and analyst views align, suggesting XRP could reach $7–$42 amid a potential wealth transfer phase.

XRP “Repricing” Narrative

According to the analyst, the idea that XRP could be repriced in the near term is not new. Instead, it is now gaining stronger backing from institutional voices.

He points to comments from Zach Pandl, Head of Research at Grayscale Investments, who suggested that XRP could undergo a significant valuation shift in a relatively short time.

The reasoning centers on what the analyst describes as a mismatch between current prices and real-world adoption. As accumulation by large institutions increases and use cases expand, he believes XRP and other major cryptocurrencies remain undervalued.

Regulation and Institutional Adoption Driving Momentum

Another key factor behind this outlook is the evolving regulatory environment in the United States. The analyst highlights growing alignment between the U.S. SEC and the CFTC, suggesting that clearer rules could unlock stronger institutional participation.

Specifically, both regulators recently issued a joint taxonomy describing major crypto assets like XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum as digital commodities. This marks a clear shift from earlier positions that labeled XRP a security.

Meanwhile, the analyst also references expectations around the proposed Clarity Act. Many in the industry believe it could pave the way for large-scale adoption of assets like XRP in cross-border payments and financial infrastructure.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Set the Stage

While XRP is a central focus, the analyst places it within a broader market shift led by Bitcoin and Ethereum. He notes that institutional activity has surged, with firms increasing exposure and launching new investment products.

The recent success of Bitcoin ETFs, especially those from BlackRock and Fidelity Investments, is seen as a turning point. He also points to a new ETF launch by Morgan Stanley, which analysts believe could further accelerate Bitcoin’s trajectory.

Based on this, some projections place BTC as high as $250,000. At the same time, Ethereum is seeing strong expectations tied to tokenization and stablecoin growth, with some analysts forecasting a potential base price around $10,000.

An environment where Bitcoin reaches $250,000, and Ethereum hits $10,000, implies that XRP’s price could be far beyond its current $1.5 level.

AI and Market Predictions Align

Interestingly, the analyst claims that artificial intelligence models are reaching similar conclusions as human analysts. He references an AI system developed by Alibaba that reportedly aligns with market predictions for 2026.

Notably, the Alibaba AI believes XRP’s price could exceed $7 or even reach as high as $42. This places XRP’s market capitalization between $400 billion and $2.52 trillion.

“Greatest Wealth Transfer”

The analyst frames the current moment as a potential “wealth transfer,” where early adopters of crypto assets could benefit significantly as prices rise. He warns that as valuations increase, late entrants may find themselves priced out, similar to how many retail investors missed earlier Bitcoin rallies.

In this scenario, XRP reaching double-digit prices is possible due to institutional demand, regulatory clarity, and global adoption.

Despite recent macroeconomic uncertainty, the analyst emphasizes that the steady flow of positive developments signals growing confidence in the crypto sector.

He concludes that the coming months could bring sharp price movements across the market. Accordingly, XRP is one of the key assets to watch if the anticipated repricing narrative plays out.

Cardano Founder Confirms XRP DeFi Still Coming

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Cardano Founder Confirms XRP DeFi Still Coming

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has said that plans to bring XRP to Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem are still moving forward.

The conversation began when Big Pey, a well-known Cardano content creator, asked about the status of plans for XRP DeFi on Cardano. This question comes as Solana has successfully welcomed XRP into its DeFi ecosystem.

Now, Cardano proponents are wondering when a similar initiative will unfold, considering previous discussions about XRP and Cardano DeFi. In particular, an X user directly tagged Hoskinson to ask whether the integration was still happening.

Key Points

  • Charles Hoskinson confirms XRP DeFi is still planned for Cardano, despite ongoing questions around decentralization.
  • The discussion gained traction as Solana successfully launched wXRP, integrating XRP into its DeFi ecosystem.
  • Hoskinson’s remarks on XRP governance sparked fresh debate between Cardano and Ripple communities.
  • While Solana moves ahead with adoption, Cardano’s XRP DeFi integration remains under development.

Hoskinson Responds to XRP DeFi Questions

Hoskinson responded affirmatively, saying “yes,” confirming that XRP DeFi is still expected to come to Cardano.

Meanwhile, he added that if criticism of a single individual’s conduct or lobbying efforts can disrupt the XRP ecosystem, then it raises questions about how decentralized it truly is.

His comment has sparked renewed debate between the Cardano and XRP communities, given the history of tension between the two ecosystems.

Solana Adds Fuel With wXRP Launch

The discussion comes at a time when Solana is rapidly integrating XRP into its DeFi ecosystem.

Solana recently announced that XRP is now live on its network via wrapped XRP (wXRP), enabled by infrastructure providers such as Hex Trust and LayerZero.

The wrapped asset is backed 1:1 with XRP locked on the XRP Ledger, allowing users to move liquidity into Solana-based applications. This opens up use cases like trading, yield generation, and memecoin participation across Solana DeFi platforms.

Solana Exec Buys XRP

Adding to the momentum, Solana executive Vibhu Norby revealed he purchased $10,000 worth of XRP on Solana, acquiring over 6,500 wXRP.

He pointed to the growing opportunities around XRP in DeFi, including yield strategies and trading. Meanwhile, Norby noted he would speak further on the topic at an upcoming XRP-focused event in Las Vegas.

Ongoing Tensions Between Cardano and Ripple

This latest exchange also fits into a popular pattern of disagreements between Hoskinson and Ripple leadership.

Earlier this year, Hoskinson publicly criticized Brad Garlinghouse over his support for the Clarity Act. While Garlinghouse argued that the bill provides regulatory certainty, Hoskinson warned that accepting imperfect laws could give regulators too much power.

The disagreement drew mixed reactions across the crypto community. Some back Hoskinson’s stance, while others defend Ripple’s push for imperfect regulation following its long legal battle with the U.S. SEC.

XRP’s Expanding Role Across Chains

As XRP continues to expand beyond its native network, competition between ecosystems like Cardano and Solana to attract XRP liquidity is becoming more visible.

While Solana already has wXRP live and gaining traction, Cardano’s integration remains in development. However, Hoskinson’s latest comments suggest it is still on the roadmap.

Cardano Founder Explains Why Midnight and NIGHT Differ Fundamentally From Ripple and XRP

Lele Jima
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Cardano Founder Explains Why Midnight and NIGHT Differ Fundamentally From Ripple and XRP

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson contrasts Midnight (NIGHT) with Ripple and XRP, arguing that the two models differ fundamentally in how value is created and distributed. 

Hoskinson made this known during a recent interview with Wendy O on “The O Show.” His commentary centers on ownership, token utility, and whether network growth directly benefits token holders. 

Key Points 

  • Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson argues that Midnight (NIGHT) and XRP differ fundamentally in value creation and distribution. 
  • He argues Ripple uses XRP sales to generate capital for external investments and acquisitions, but XRP holders never benefit from this model. 
  • Hoskinson compares Ripple’s model to Tether’s, where value accrues mainly to a central entity. 
  • His comments have reignited tensions with the XRP community, raising the prospect of renewed disputes with figures like Brad Garlinghouse. 

XRP Holders Don’t Benefit From Ripple’s Value Creation Model 

Speaking in response to questions about XRP’s recent momentum, Hoskinson acknowledged the token’s visibility but challenged the underlying structure supporting its growth. 

He claimed that Ripple retains significant control over XRP supply and uses the token as a mechanism to generate capital, which it then deploys into external ventures such as acquisitions and new business lines. 

According to him, this model creates a disconnect between XRP holders and Ripple’s broader financial success. While the company expands its footprint through moves like acquiring firms such as Hidden Road or launching new products, he argues that XRP holders do not gain ownership rights or direct financial exposure to those developments. 

He further pointed to the absence of staking or yield mechanisms as evidence that XRP’s value proposition is not designed to redistribute returns to holders. Instead, he likened the structure to Tether, in which a centralized entity captures most of the economic upside while users primarily benefit from access to the network. 

Midnight Is Radically Different 

In contrast, Hoskinson described Midnight and its NIGHT token as “radically different,” suggesting a model where tokenomics are more closely aligned with user participation.  

For context, the Midnight Foundation allocated the total supply to users across eight blockchains, including Cardano and XRP. However, only a few of these tokens were claimed by eligible beneficiaries who held at least $100 of the supported tokens on the snapshot date. 

This differs from XRP, where around 80% of the pre-mined 100 billion supply was distributed to Ripple.  

Fresh Hostility Between Hoskinson and XRP Community Looms 

His recent commentary has reignited criticisms from some XRP proponents who suggest that Hoskinson is merely obsessed with Ripple and XRP. Both have been at loggerheads for several years, particularly during the peak of the Ripple lawsuit, but only resolved the differences after Donald Trump’s re-election. 

Following the reconciliation, Hoskinson suggested several initiatives to mend fences, including supporting XRP on the Lace wallet and XRP DeFi. 

However, the relationship between him and XRP proponents began to deteriorate again after he accused Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse of supporting the Clarity bill that makes XRP and other established tokens winners, while newer projects are automatically classed as securities. 

His recent commentary about how NIGHT differs from XRP has reignited discussions that another lengthy dispute might be around the corner. 

Another Major XRP Rally About to Start, Analyst Predicts XRP’s Next Stop

Abdulkarim Abdulwahab
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Another Major XRP Rally About to Start, Analyst Predicts XRP’s Next Stop

A widely followed market analyst has suggested that XRP may be on the verge of another major rally.

The analysis points to a chart setup that resembles past breakout phases. Notably, this observation gains traction as XRP has entered a new bullish phase, with the price reclaiming $1.40 for the first time in weeks. At press time, the coin is up 2.5% over the past day and 7.61% over the past week.

Key Points

  • XRP reclaims $1.40, entering a bullish phase as analysts point to a setup similar to past breakout cycles.
  • Crypto Catalysts says momentum is building, with $5 as the next key target if current trends hold.
  • Fractal patterns suggest a repeat of past rallies, though today’s market conditions differ significantly.
  • A $32 prediction sparks debate, as it would require a massive 2,100% surge and a trillion-dollar valuation.

Major XRP Rally About to Start

The analyst, known on X as Crypto Catalysts, stated that “another rally is about to start.” He added that once momentum builds, the next key target could be $5.

The shared weekly chart highlights a long-standing resistance zone between $3.00 and $3.60, which has historically capped upward moves. XRP previously surged into this region during its 2024 and 2025 rallies but struggled to maintain momentum above it.

Now, price action has stabilized just above a lower support zone around $1.30. This level currently forms the base for the ongoing move higher, with XRP trading at $1.44.

The chart also includes a projected path showing XRP reclaiming the $2 range before accelerating toward new highs.

Source: Crypto Catalysts on X
Source: Crypto Catalysts on X

Fractal Patterns Suggest Repeat of Past Cycle

Notably, the analyst’s outlook is partly based on a recurring market structure known as a fractal. Similar patterns in the past have seen XRP consolidate for extended periods before breaking out significantly.

If this structure plays out again, the move toward $5 would represent a major expansion phase, similar to previous bull cycles in which XRP’s price saw rapid upside in a short time. For instance, XRP traded at $0.50 in early November 2024; by the following month, the price was above $2, and by January 2025, it reached $3.

Meanwhile, market conditions then and now are vastly different. Previously, XRP rallied on easing regulatory pressure, Donald Trump’s election victory, and Bitcoin’s record move into six-digit territory.

Notably, from its current position, reaching the $5 target would require a 247% price surge. The largely cautious market sentiment makes such a move appear ambitious, as XRP still faces several resistance levels to overcome.

However, Crypto Catalysts is not the only analyst with a bullish outlook on XRP.

Trader Targets $32 Based on XRP’s 2017 Pattern

Trader CryptoCupra says the current setup mirrors XRP’s pre-2017 surge and could send prices to $32 within 90 days. However, many in the community remain skeptical, noting that similar fractal predictions have repeatedly failed.

For XRP to reach $32, it would require a 2,100% rally and a market cap above $1.95 trillion, making the forecast highly ambitious. In the near term, key levels to watch are $2 and $3 before any move toward new highs.

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