CME Launches XRP Futures ETFs, Hits $6M Day One

Key Takeaways
- On May 19, 2025, the CME Group launched XRP Futures ETFs for the first time.
- Trading volume reached nearly USD 6 million on the very first day.
- XRP Futures ETFs are currently outperforming Ethereum-based products in trading activity.
- Institutional interest in XRP is rising significantly – Spot ETFs may follow soon.
- The SEC continues to delay decisions on crypto ETFs, including those for XRP.
Strong Start for XRP Futures ETFs
On May 19, 2025, the CME Group launched XRP Futures ETFs for the first time. On the very first trading day, the product reached a trading volume of approximately USD 6 million. Notably, XRP ETFs outperformed comparable Ethereum futures products in terms of activity. This suggests growing institutional interest in Ripple (XRP).
Details on Trading Volume
According to CME data, four standard contracts were traded on the first day. Each of these contracts covers 50,000 XRP, equating to a volume of about USD 480,000 at an average price of USD 2.40. Additionally, 106 micro contracts were traded, each representing 2,500 XRP. These accounted for more than USD 1 million of the trading volume.
The distribution shows that both large institutional investors and smaller market participants are actively entering the XRP market.
Spot ETFs Are Getting Closer
Despite continued delays from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), expectations are rising that XRP Spot ETFs will be approved soon. Spot ETFs track the actual price of the underlying asset – unlike Futures ETFs, which are based on futures contracts.
Nate Geraci, President of ETF Store, expressed optimism on the platform X (formerly Twitter): the launch of XRP Spot ETFs is only a matter of time. He points to the significance of the CME Group’s already CFTC-regulated XRP Futures. The CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) is the U.S. agency responsible for regulating commodity futures trading.
Market Sentiment Remains Positive
Optimism is also evident on the decentralized prediction platform Polymarket. There, the likelihood of XRP Spot ETF approval is currently rated at 83%. This indicates strong confidence among market participants in an upcoming decision.
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The next important deadline is June 17, 2025. On this date, a decision is expected on asset manager Franklin Templeton’s application. The outcome could serve as a key catalyst for the entire crypto market.
Price Development and Market Interest
Alongside the ETF launch, the price of XRP rose by 1.33% to USD 2.33. Open interest – the total volume of outstanding contracts – reached USD 4.69 billion. This metric highlights the strong level of engagement by market participants in the XRP derivatives market.
Our Assessment
The launch of XRP Futures ETFs by the CME Group is a clear signal: institutional investors are once again focusing on Ripple. The strong first-day trading volume and the above-average performance compared to Ethereum futures speak for themselves.
If this trend continues, the approval of an XRP Spot ETF is quite realistic. While the SEC remains hesitant, the regulatory foundation provided by the CFTC and growing market interest could tip the scales.
As an investor or observer of the crypto market, it’s worth keeping a close eye on XRP. The coming weeks could prove pivotal.
Sources
- CME Group
- Polymarket
- X (formerly Twitter) – Nate Geraci