XRP Short Squeeze Incoming? Trading Supply Could Mimic Bitcoin's 21M Cap!

Is XRP gearing up for a massive short squeeze? Analysis suggests its trading supply could shrink dramatically, potentially mirroring Bitcoin's scarcity.

Hold onto your hats, crypto enthusiasts! The XRP market is buzzing with talk of a potential short squeeze, and the numbers being thrown around are mind-boggling. Could XRP's available trading supply really dwindle to a mere 21 million tokens, echoing Bitcoin's legendary scarcity? Let's dive in.

XRP's Vanishing Act: Where's All the Supply Going?

Recent analysis, spearheaded by XRP commentator Chad Steingraber, suggests that the amount of XRP readily available for retail trading is a fraction of its total supply. Institutional and network-led lockups are playing a huge role. Axelar's plan to lock up a cool $10 billion worth of XRP, and Flare Networks aiming for 5 billion XRP locked, are shrinking the pool available to everyday traders. This could drastically impact market pricing, as the active trading supply is what truly dictates value.

The Bitcoin Comparison: A Wild Prediction

Steingraber's boldest claim? The active trading supply of XRP could plummet to just 21 million. Yes, the same number as Bitcoin's hard cap! While this sounds like a crypto dream, several factors could make it a reality. Think about it: the current circulating supply of XRP is around 59 billion tokens. With a market price of $2.89, XRP's market cap sits at approximately $172.8 billion. If that same market cap were squeezed into just 21 million tokens, the price per coin would skyrocket to around $8,120!

ETFs: The Game Changer?

One major catalyst for this scenario is the potential approval of Spot XRP ETFs in the United States. Institutional ETFs would need a constant stream of XRP for custody, leading to large-scale accumulation. This constant demand could permanently restrict availability on exchanges, triggering frequent supply shocks and potentially fueling a massive short squeeze. This would be like watching a crypto fireworks show!

Beyond ETFs: Other Supply Constraints

It's not just ETFs. Crypto exchanges like Coinbase have seen a sharp decline in their XRP reserves recently. Plus, Ripple itself holds a substantial chunk of the total supply in escrow. While technically part of the circulating supply, these tokens are released on a strict schedule and aren't readily available for retail use. All these factors combined are tightening the screws on XRP's trading supply.

The Bottom Line: Buckle Up!

The idea of XRP's active trading supply shrinking to 21 million tokens is audacious, but not impossible. It highlights how scarcity can dramatically alter valuation. Whether this prediction comes true remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: the XRP market is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

So, what do you think? Will XRP become the next Bitcoin in terms of scarcity? Only time will tell. But for now, keep your eyes peeled and your trading strategies sharp. This could be one wild ride!