Market data show large XRP holders are actively redistributing positions, with simultaneous heavy sell-offs and renewed accumulation by other whales and new wallets. The largest XRP whales are altering supply dynamics amid heightened institutional interest from ETFs and clearer regulatory footing, putting immediate price direction at a crossroads.
Reports and on‑chain trackers cited by market outlets note two opposing forces: mega‑whales executing large sell‑offs that have moved billions of XRP and other large holders accumulating during price weakness. The selling has contributed to price pressure that drove XRP toward yearly lows, while separate flows—reported instances include accumulations of hundreds of millions of tokens—have pushed aggregate whale holdings to multi‑year highs.
On‑chain transaction volume has also spiked, with commentary pointing to rises as large as 220% in some measures, signaling heightened activity and rotation between wallets. These mixed flows have coincided with the launch and discussion of spot XRP ETFs, which market participants say have simultaneously attracted institutional inflows and prompted profit‑taking by some large holders.
A death cross—a bearish technical signal where a shorter moving average crosses below a longer one—has been observed in market indicators, reflecting the recent downtrend. On‑Demand Liquidity (ODL), Ripple’s instant settlement service, is cited as showing growing settlement volume; ODL is a cross‑border payment mechanism that uses XRP to source liquidity for transfers.
Price levels, technicals and trading implications for XRP
Price action is testing identified resistance in the $2,11–$2,21 band and support around $1,96–$2,02, with market commentary placing near‑term targets between $2,36 and $5 by 2026 under continued institutional inflows. The combination of concentrated sell orders and large accumulations creates asymmetric risk: a fresh wave of distribution could push price lower rapidly, while coordinated accumulation beneath support levels could fuel a sustained rally if liquidity conditions tighten.
For derivatives and risk management, elevated whale activity increases the likelihood of sudden open‑interest and funding shifts; leveraged positions could amplify moves both ways. Traders managing directional exposure should monitor concentrated wallet transfers and exchange inflows/outflows to gauge whether selling is terminal or being absorbed by long‑term holders. Institutional flows tied to ETFs have increased available liquidity but have also been associated with significant on‑chain transfers that, in some episodes, preceded price drawdowns.
The tug of war between large sell orders and strategic accumulation leaves XRP positioned for a decisive move once one side dominates.
