XRP Surges Past Bitcoin as Institutional Investor Class Emerges

Ripple's XRP token has surged 46% in a week where Bitcoin gained roughly 21%, sparking debate about whether the token is entering a new phase of its market cycle.

This trend, according to expert Mickle, suggests that crypto has moved through distinct phases, with the current one driven by sophisticated capital seeking real-world utility rather than retail speculation.

The traditional investor profile for XRP is also shifting, with many being older and having prior experience across other asset classes, leading to more deliberate investment decisions rather than short-term price speculation.

Mickle points to Ripple's global licensing footprint as a key factor in positioning XRP ahead of the next market cycle, alongside the company's efforts to integrate with traditional financial infrastructure under a regulatory-first approach.