Recently, sentiment around the XRP token has reached a 17-day high, influenced by several factors including the stalled settlement with the SEC.
Shifts in Market Sentiment
According to data from Santiment, retail investor optimism for Bitcoin and Ethereum has decreased. Conversely, positive sentiment for XRP is on the rise, following the news of a stalled $50 million settlement between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Stalled Settlement Between Ripple and SEC
The settlement, detailed in a Reuters report from June 26, 2025, was rejected by a federal judge who criticized both parties for attempting to circumvent a prior injunction. This rare judicial rebuke has injected fresh uncertainty into the nearly four-year legal battle over whether XRP sales violated securities laws.
Impact of Regulatory Uncertainty on Investors
Experts point out that regulatory uncertainty often amplifies retail investor sentiment. A 2023 study from the Journal of Behavioral Finance indicates that such delays can be seen as opportunities for legal clarity or prolonged bullish momentum. The chart accompanying Santiment’s report highlights how XRP sentiment spiked following news of the settlement, while Bitcoin and Ethereum lagged.
Thus, the stalled settlement between Ripple and SEC has had a notable impact on the cryptocurrency market, particularly on XRP’s positive sentiment. Ongoing legal questions will remain a focal point for investors.
