Noob Question: Trading Fluctuating Currencies My 1 bitcoin was originally worth $16,000 USD but is now worth $17,000 USD. Ignoring fees and the fluctuation on XRP, does this mean my 1 BTC will get $17,000 USD worth of XRP or $16,000?

I ask because I'm hearing that the smart thing to do would be to keep my appreciated BTC instead of changing it for XRP, but I want to make sure the "loss" would only take place if XRP did not appreciate at the rate BTC will and not at the point of trade.
You have one BTC which worth $17,000 so you have $17,000. Now you can sell this BTC for $17,000 and buy whatever you want.