XRP set for double-digit surge? Three powerful catalysts for Ripple to watch in July

Ethereum's price has been stuck in neutral lately, barely budging over the past week with a tiny 0.3% gain and even dipping slightly in the last day. Right now, it's hovering around $2,436. What's interesting is that while the broader crypto market seems hesitant, big players (whales) and institutions are quietly accumulating ETH—which could mean they're betting on a future price jump despite the current lull.

Editor’s Note: If you're holding Ethereum, this might feel frustrating—like watching paint dry. But the whale activity suggests there's more going on under the surface. Big investors often move before retail traders catch on, so this could be a sign of brewing momentum, even if the price isn't showing it yet. For crypto watchers, it's a reminder that patience (and whale-watching) pays off.

Belgium’s KBC Bank is making crypto trading accessible to regular folks by allowing retail customers to buy Bitcoin and Ether through its Bolero platform this fall. This marks the first time a major Belgian bank has stepped into the crypto space, signaling a shift toward mainstream adoption in the country.

Editor’s Note: Crypto’s slow march into traditional finance continues—this time in Belgium. KBC’s move suggests banks are warming up to digital assets as demand grows, even among everyday investors. It’s another sign that crypto is shedding its "wild west" reputation and becoming a legitimate part of the financial landscape. For Belgians, it means easier access without jumping through third-party exchanges, but also raises questions about how banks will handle crypto’s volatility and risks.

Ripple is pushing wider adoption of its stablecoin, RLUSD, by integrating embedded finance and payment features—essentially making it easier for businesses and users to seamlessly use RLUSD in everyday transactions. Think of it like baking crypto payments into apps and services without the usual friction.

Editor’s Note: Stablecoins are already a big deal in crypto, but Ripple’s move signals a push toward real-world usability. If RLUSD catches on, it could streamline payments for businesses and consumers alike, bridging the gap between traditional finance and crypto. That’s a win for efficiency—and maybe a nudge toward mainstream crypto acceptance.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF is raking in more annual fee revenue than its flagship S&P 500 fund—even though the Bitcoin ETF charges investors nearly nine times more in expenses. That’s a big deal because it shows how much demand there is for crypto exposure, even at a premium.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fees—it’s a sign that institutional and retail investors are willing to pay up for Bitcoin access, even when cheaper, traditional options (like S&P 500 funds) are right there. It hints at crypto’s growing legitimacy in mainstream finance, and how asset managers like BlackRock are capitalizing on that shift. If this trend holds, we could see even more big players jumping into crypto products.

Ethereum's price is making moves again, climbing back above $2,550 after bouncing from a low around $2,375. But it’s not all smooth sailing—ETH is hitting a bit of a wall near $2,620, and traders are watching to see if it can hold its ground above $2,550 to avoid another dip. The charts show a tight trading range forming, which could signal either a breakout or another pullback, depending on where the price goes next.

Editor’s Note: For crypto investors, Ethereum’s price action is a key indicator of whether the market’s recent uptick has legs or if it’s just another short-lived rally. If ETH stabilizes above $2,550, it could signal more gains ahead, but a reversal would suggest lingering uncertainty. Either way, it’s a reminder that crypto moves fast—so buckle up.