Bitcoin and XRP this week. Photo by BeInCrypto

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at about 50% of its all-time high. XRP (XRP) has decreased approximately 73% from its peak value. Four key events this week may influence whether either cryptocurrency breaks out of this stagnation.

Both cryptocurrencies experienced a decline over the past week. Notable events include a presidential meeting on crypto in Washington, the release of Federal Reserve minutes, and the launch of a new regulatory panel. Additionally, Japan is set to announce two critical data points.

Bitcoin and XRP Price Performance. Source: TradingView

1. Trump to Meet with Crypto Leaders at the White House This Wednesday

Trump is anticipated to be present at the meeting in person, which will also include the heads of key U.S. regulatory bodies. Paul Atkins leads the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) while Michael Selig oversees the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Notable attendees from the cryptocurrency sector, such as executives from Coinbase, Ripple, Kalshi, and Polymarket, are included on the guest list. The latter two companies specialize in prediction markets, where users exchange contracts based on real-world developments.

A single stalled piece of legislation looms over the meeting. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act would clarify which regulatory body governs which cryptocurrency.

This bill was passed in the House on July 17, 2025, with a vote of 294 to 134. Every Republican supported it, alongside 78 Democrats.

However, that backing has not extended to the Senate, where the bill needs a supermajority of 60 votes. Lawmakers ended August recess without scheduling a vote, deferring any decision until September.

XRP has closely followed this bill’s journey more than any other significant cryptocurrency. Its peak value of $3.65 was attained shortly after that House vote.

Since that time, the token has plummeted approximately 73%, now holding just above $1 at $1.01.

2. Fed Minutes Might Reconfigure Rate Trajectories for Bitcoin and XRP

The minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July meeting will be released at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, addressing the period when the Fed kept interest rates between 3.5% and 3.75%.

The voting outcome was 9-3, with three members advocating for a quarter-point increase—an unusual divergence at a single meeting.

Market participants are skeptical about an imminent increase, as Fed funds futures suggest approximately a 32% chance of a rate hike in September.

Interest Rate Probabilities for the September Meeting. Source: CME FedWatch Tool

If the minutes indicate stronger support for tightening, it could shift these odds. Increased rates typically withdraw investment from risky assets, with crypto being one of the most vulnerable.

On Friday, another report will surface. S&P Global will issue preliminary surveys of U.S. business activities at 9:45 a.m. ET, based on initial responses.

Weak data points may reignite discussions of an economic slowdown, whereas stronger figures could reinforce any hawkish tone suggested by the minutes.

3. The CFTC Hosts Its Inaugural Crypto Panel on Thursday

The CFTC’s Innovation Advisory Committee is set to convene at 1 p.m. ET in Washington. This session will be streamed live and marks the committee’s first meeting.

The panel, comprising 35 members, illustrates the stakes involved. Leaders from major crypto firms like Coinbase, Ripple, Kraken, and Gemini will sit alongside executives from CME Group, Nasdaq, and Intercontinental Exchange.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is one of the members, making the discussions about digital commodities particularly relevant for XRP’s regulatory standing.

This classification is significant. In March, the SEC and CFTC categorized cryptocurrencies into five categories, and “digital commodities” is one of them, indicating that such tokens are under CFTC jurisdiction rather than the SEC’s.

“For far too long, American builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs have awaited clear guidelines concerning the status of crypto assets under federal law,” stated Michael Selig, CFTC Chairman.

Both regulatory bodies have acted proactively, moving without waiting on Congress. This sets a crucial precedent that illustrates how regulators can take measures even when legislative processes are stalled.

While Bitcoin has less at stake with Thursday’s discussions—having long been classified as a commodity—the implications for XRP are more pressing.

4. Japan Concludes the Week with Economic Growth and Inflation Data

Japan’s economic growth figures for the second quarter will be made available on Monday. ING projects a growth rate of 0.5% compared to the previous quarter.

Inflation data for July will follow on Friday, with ING anticipating a rate of 2.0%, bringing it in line with the central bank’s target.

Both sets of data will influence one critical decision. The Bank of Japan increased its interest rate to 1% in June, the highest level since 1995, and will reconvene on September 18 for a meeting.

Traders estimate an 80% probability for another rate increase, more than double the likelihood assigned to the Federal Reserve’s decision-making.

Increased rates in Japan strengthen the yen, which can negatively affect carry trades where investors utilize inexpensive yen to invest in higher-yielding assets.

This situation has led to notable drops in Bitcoin’s value in response to previous Bank of Japan rate hikes, with declines ranging between 20% and 31%.

However, some analysts argue this correlation may be diminishing. Apollo Global Management suggests that the long-standing link between the yen’s rate and Bitcoin’s movements may not hold, as Bitcoin remained stable this month despite a significant 5% surge in the yen.

What Needs to Change

Bitcoin is valued around $63,000, which is approximately 50% of its peak price of $126,080 recorded in October. XRP has dropped below the $1.00 mark, ranking sixth in market capitalization. Both cryptocurrencies have seen declines recently, with Bitcoin down 3.2% and XRP down 3.8% over the last week.

XRP Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

Both cryptocurrencies remain trapped within their recent trading ranges. The next five trading sessions could provide the opportunities they need to break free.

Read the Original story 4 Reasons This Could Be the Most Important Week of August for Bitcoin and XRP by Lockridge Okoth at beincrypto.com

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