Altcoins update: XRP ETFs hit $1B in inflows; whales offload Ethereum

  • XRP-linked ETFs have surpassed $1B in net inflows, defying broader market dips.
  • Ethereum sees significant downward pressure amid whale exits.
  • Broad markets remain deteriorated due to liquidity crunches.

Cryptocurrencies extended their weakness on Tuesday, with Bitcoin sliding toward $85K.

The value of all digital assets has declined by 3% over the past day to $2.96 trillion.

Sentiments are deteriorating daily due to thin liquidity, as even fundamentally healthy projects are failing to sustain prolonged upsides.

Amidst the gloomy outlook, investors are becoming more defensive, with institutional players reducing exposure as they rotate to narratives dominating the current landscape.

This divergence is visible in leading altcoins, XRP and Ethereum, in this case.

Let us explore further.

XRP spot ETF inflows hit $1B mark

Ripple’s token is recording a rare enterprise win amid broad market declines.

According to SoSoValue data, XRP-linked exchange-traded funds have hot $1 billion in cumulative inflows.

That marks a crucial milestone for a product that launched on November 13.

Notably, XRP ETFs have recorded consistent daily inflows since their debut.

The substantial inflows, within a short timeframe, indicate that expert investors are narrowing their focus and not exiting crypto altogether.

XRP’s compliant ETF structure makes it appealing for institutions seeking cryptocurrency exposure without handling operational risks or custody.

Most importantly, the inflows suggest a long-term positioning strategy, rather than chasing near-term price fluctuations.

Why is XRP standing out

XRP’s institutional attractiveness lies in its improved regulatory clarity and clear use cases.

Narratives matter the most during bearish sessions.

Indeed, traditional investors will justify a payment-focused blockchain ecosystem faster than highly speculative or experimental narratives.

Moreover, ETFs are crucial for enterprises looking to manage risk as they offer transparency, compliance, and liquidity.

These features are valuable during unstable markets and have helped XRP-related products absorb pressure as rivals endure outflows.

Meanwhile, XRP is trading at $1.92 after losing 7% the previous week.

ETH hit by large-scale selling

While the XRP community cheered staggering inflows, Ethereum is encountering immense selling pressure as large-scale holders reduce their exposure.

According to Lookonchain, BlackRock has deposited 47,463 ETH, valued at approximately $140 million, to Coinbase Prime.

Markets have interpreted the transaction as a preparation to sell.

At the same time, the Konstantin Lomashuk-linked wallet sold 14,585 tokens, worth roughly $42.71 million, today, when ETH changed hands at $2,928.

Also, Lookonchain revealed two whales that dumped Ethereum worth around $40.82 million, 14,000 tokens early today.

The magnitude and timing of these transfers have intensified bearish sentiments around the largest altcoin.

These transactions coincide with an already fragile market, amplifying downward momentum for ETH prices.

Ethereum is trading at $2,928 after losing 3% and 6% the past day and week.

 

 

The post Altcoins update: XRP ETFs hit $1B in inflows; whales offload Ethereum appeared first on CoinJournal.

Ripple expands RLUSD stablecoin to Ethereum Layer 2 networks

  • The firm has started testing RLUSD on leading Ethereum L2 platforms.
  • The launch reflects the growing demand for regulated stablecoins.
  • RLUSD will go live on L2s after authorization by New York regulators.

The cryptocurrency industry is gradually moving toward a world where no single platform dominates.

Rather than being locked in one blockchain, users, institutions, and developers want cross-chain transfers based on demand and opportunities.

Meanwhile, stablecoins remain at the center of this transaction as they have proven to be the entry point for new players navigating the on-chain economy.

Ripple seems to acknowledge this reality.

According to today’s, December 15, announcement, the blockchain company confirmed it has started testing stablecoin RLUSD on multiple Ethereum L2 platforms.

The experiment marks a crucial move towards the asset’s public debut, scheduled for 2026 after regulatory approval.

Meanwhile, the current testing phase will occur across Base, Unichain, and Ink, leveraging Wormholde’s interoperable infrastructure for streamlined movement between different networks.

Commenting on the latest move, Ripple’s Stablecoin SVP Jack McDonald acknowledged stablecoins as the gateway to decentralized finance and institutional adoption.

He added:

 RLUSD is designed from the ground up to be the trusted, liquid medium necessary for users to seamlessly enter, interact with, and exit the entire digital asset economy. By launching RLUSD, the first US Trust Regulated stablecoin on these L2 networks, we are not just expanding utility; we are setting the definitive standard where compliance and on-chain efficiency converge.

Why do L2 platforms matter?

Layer 2 networks have proven to be some of the busiest avenues in the cryptocurrency sector.

These blockchains are faster, cheaper, and more practical for day-to-day usage than the primary Ethereum network, which faces challenges like congestion and costly transactions.

Therefore, L2s have emerged as the perfect homes for decentralized applications, on-chain services, and digital payments.

By launching RLUSD into these platforms, Ripple is tapping into the potential where real user activity is happening.

Notably, Optimism will serve as the initial entry, with access linked to platforms like Unichain, Ink, and Base.

Such an approach allows Ripple’s stablecoin to grow alongside solid user activity.

Meanwhile, Ripple is working with Wormhole and its NTT (Native Token Transfers) standard.

With this setup, RLUSD can move between different chains while remaining a consistent, single token.

Ripple controls the stablecoin’s issuance, whereas users enjoy flexibility across multiple platforms.

The announcement added:

Leveraging Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard allows Ripple to maintain native issuance and control of RLUSD while providing the security and flexibility of on-chain liquidity movement across these new ecosystems.

Strengthening XRP’s ecosystem

RLUSD’s strategic expansion also bolsters the overall XRP ecosystem.

Stablecoins are crucial in trading, digital payments, and liquidity, and Ripple is pushing its stablecoin where demand already exists.

XRP is hovering at $1.93 after dropping 3% the past 24 hours.

Its performance reflects the overall market sentiments.

The cryptocurrency market remains deteriorated, as Bitcoin struggles below $90K, now trading at $87.7K.

The post Ripple expands RLUSD stablecoin to Ethereum Layer 2 networks appeared first on CoinJournal.

Uniswap price outlook as Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin offloads UNI tokens

  • Ethereum co-founder has sold 1,400 UNI coins, alongside KNC and DINU tokens, for 16,796 USDC.
  • The transaction comes as bears dominate the broader market.
  • UNI bulls should hold prices above $5 to support short-term recoveries.

Cryptocurrencies display bearishness as Bitcoin wavers below $90,000, currently trading at $89,800.

Amidst the pessimistic sentiments, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin sparked the altcoin community by reducing his crypto holdings, including 1,400 UNI coins (according to Arkham data).

Alongside Uniswap, Buterin has also dumped 10,000 KNC and 40 trillion DINU tokens, netting 16,796 USDC.

While the transaction might seem modest in dollar amount, any transfer from a top figure like Buterin often gains traction due to its psychological impact on investors and the community.

Is this a routine portfolio adjustment or a lack of conviction in UNI’s short-term performance?

Generally, transactions from leading crypto influencers create notable temporary volatility, prompting quick actions from traders.

Broad market context: bears dominate

Vitalik has reduced exposure to Uniswap as the overall market remains deteriorated.

Cryptocurrencies have been under immense selling pressure lately, with bullish news sparking short-lived gains, only to be followed by significant dips.

Faded liquidity has limited price rallies even after key updates like rate cuts.

Uniswap, as a leading DeFi token, tends to mirror broader sentiments, and high-profile dumps can catalyse significant short-term price fluctuations.

Thus, attention has shifted to native UNI’s performance, and of course, what to expect in the near term.

UNI price outlook

Vitalik Buterin’s selloff coincides with UNI price underperformance.

UNI wavers at $5.40 after a slight 0.87% decline over the last 24 hours.

The digital token showcases a notable post-rally retracement followed by extended consolidations.

UNI price rallied toward $9.8 – $10 in early last month before prolonged downtrends.

The momentum faded amid intensified broader selling pressure, compressing Uniswap’s price into a constricted range.

The UNI price faces its first crucial resistance at $5.80-$6.00, beyond which buyers can extend to $6.50.

Adequate trading volumes will push the alt towards $7.50 and possibly $8.50.

That would mean a nearly 60% upside from Uniswap’s current market price.

On the other hand, UNI boasts a reliable support at $5.10 – $5.20.

Failure to hold this region could trigger dips below $5.00, invalidating the potential upside.

Persistent bearishness might send Uniswap toward $4.50 and the $4.00 support level.

Prevailing broader sentiments and exit from influential individuals like Buterin suggest the downside as the path with fewer resistances for UNI.

Meanwhile, UNI enthusiasts will track overall market performance in the coming sessions, considering the alt’s massive correlation.

All eyes remain on the bellwether crypto.

Bitcoin should overcome the resistance at $94,000 and reclaim $100,000 to flip broader sentiments to bullish.

The post Uniswap price outlook as Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin offloads UNI tokens appeared first on CoinJournal.

Plume token gains 8% as Coinbase adds trading support

  • Coinbase has listed Plume, an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain for tokenizing real-world assets.
  • PLUME rose 8% as Bitcoin (BTC) oscillated between $90,000 and $92,000 amid lack of significant momentum. 
  • Other altcoins, including Hype (HYPE) and Cronos (CRO), are trading higher despite overall caution.

The cryptocurrency market remains cautious despite notable gains for tokens such as Plume (PLUME), which has climbed 8% following Coinbase’s listing.

As Plume’s upward trajectory stands out amid a generally cautious market landscape, investors have also noted price movements for Zcash, Ondo, and Cronos, among others.

Meanwhile, major cryptocurrencies are showing mixed performances, with Bitcoin poised near $90,000.

Coinbase lists Plume (PLUME)

Coinbase, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced the launch of spot trading for Plume (PLUME) and Jupiter (JUPITER).

The listings go live on December 9, 2025.

Per the exchange, the opening of the PLUME-USD and JUPITER-USD trading pairs is scheduled for 9 AM PT or later.

This will be contingent on the pairs meeting liquidity conditions and availability in supported regions.

Coinbase’s listing has bolstered Plume and highlights the US crypto exchange behemoth’s commitment to expanding its offerings to include innovative blockchain projects.

Plume’s focus is on RWA tokenization, while Jupiter is a leading Solana-based DEX aggregator.

Availability via Coinbase could help attract significant trading interest for PLUME and JUP.

Notably, it’s likely to enhance the tokens’ liquidity and accessibility for institutional and retail investors alike.

PLUME price jumps 8% on listing news; Can bulls go higher?

As noted, the news of Coinbase’s support propelled PLUME’s price by 8% to above $0.022.

Gains for the token came as the broader crypto market held its breath amid Bitcoin’s flirting with the $90,000 mark.

BTC has swung around $90k and $92k on low-volume moves, while altcoins have remained largely subdued.

As the Fear & Greed Index hangs at 22 and indicates extreme Fear, Ethereum, BNB, XRP, and Solana have also touched key support areas.

Despite this slight bearish sentiment, PLUME’s rally aligns with other top movers.

This includes ONDO’s rise as news of the SEC ending its probe filtered through.

Bittensor (TAO) is also eyeing gains ahead of its halving while privacy coins Zcash and Dash continue to record winnings.

For PLUME, the critical question is whether bulls can sustain this momentum.

The immediate outlook requires that the token maintains support above $0.020 to pave the way for further gains.

However, a drop below this mark might signal a shift to bearish trading.

PLUME hit its all-time low of $0.018 on October 11, 2025.

The post Plume token gains 8% as Coinbase adds trading support appeared first on CoinJournal.

ONDO price soars as SEC ends confidential investigation with no charges

  • The regulator has closed its probe without filing any charges.
  • The move removes a cloud of uncertainty that had lingered since 2024.
  • ONDO price jumped as the community welcomed regulatory clarity.

The cryptocurrency industry exhibited a bullish stance on Monday as Bitcoin steadied above $91,500.

While the altcoin space recorded brief gains in the past day, ONDO jumped sharply on its 24-hour price chart, gaining more than 6% within minutes.

The uptick emerged after Ondo Finance confirmed that the United States Securities & Exchange Commission has concluded its Biden-era probe into the RWA company.

Most importantly, the regulator has ended the investigation without enforcement actions or charges against Ondo Finance.

The clean outcome renewed optimism across markets, with traders perceiving the move as a rare development in regulatory clarity within a turbulent market.

Meanwhile, the team promises to leverage this moment to democratize the US capital markets with tokenization.

Today’s announcement read:

The path is now clearer than ever for tokenized Treasuries and tokenized equities to become core components of US capital markets. The future of global finance will be on-chain, and Ondo will help lead the transition.

ONDO’s price jumped from $0.4697 to $0.4999, an over 6% increase, almost immediately after the X post.

Notably, the scrutiny began last year, in 2024, and focused on whether native ONDO violated securities laws and whether the company’s tokenization of real-world assets and US Treasuries adhered to the federal financial rules.

A shift in regulatory stance

Indeed, the US SEC has been crypto-friendly under the Trump administration and the new chair, Paul Atkins.

The regulator has closed multiple high-profile cases recently, including those tied to Ripple and Coinbase.

Also, Donald Trump pardoned Binance founder CZ for wrongdoings that saw him spend four months in prison.

These developments confirmed a shift in the United States regulatory tone, from constant clampdowns to clarity.

Rather than resorting to enforcement actions, officials are now willing to accommodate blockchain and crypto projects while exploring models that support innovative markets.

Ondo’s latest purchase of licensed Oasis Pro Markets aligns with the ongoing regulatory transitions.

Moreover, these trends suggest that American capital markets could be preparing to migrate to on-chain assets at a significant scale.

The Ondo Finance team highlighted the accelerating demand for tokenization, with US regulators displaying interest in the sector’s future potential to enhance transparency, market efficiency, and transaction speed.

They said:

The SEC is openly engaging with industry to unlock the promise of tokenization for US capital markets, global adoption continues to accelerate, and US infrastructure is evolving to support the category.

Now that the investigation has ended, all eyes remain on February 3, 2026, when Ondo Finance will host the New York Summit.

Expectations around the conference have increased as the community expects the project to introduce its long-term mission without the SEC’s uncertainty.

ONDO price outlook

The altcoin displayed a bullish performance, trading at $0.4843 after a brief dip from its intraday high.

ONDO’s 24-hour trading volume has increased by more than 300% amid renewed interest in the altcoin.

The post ONDO price soars as SEC ends confidential investigation with no charges appeared first on CoinJournal.