Whale activity keeps XRP in the spotlight as key price levels appear to be shaping the short-term trajectory. Across recent weeks, large holders accumulated substantial quantities, creating a prominent support zone that traders are watching closely.
In a broad view of the latest on-chain flow, about 1.7 billion XRP was reported to be acquired by big holders within a $2.81–$3.13 range. This buildup sits alongside a separate cluster of roughly 1.05 billion XRP purchased around the $3.26 mark, suggesting a potential range-bound phase with a buy wall below and resistance above. The ongoing absorption of XRP by whales is interpreted by some analysts as a sign of growing institutional confidence, potentially stabilizing price action and lending market credibility to the token.
Whale activity has coincided with notable volatility, including a roughly $1.2 billion sell-off on a recent session that was partly absorbed by retail buyers. Even so, XRP’s price has managed to stay above the $3 level, underscoring the significance of the $3.12 and $3.07 zones as near-term guideposts. Additional whale moves emerged on August 16, with a 320 million XRP purchase near $3.09, fueling bullish sentiment in a sector that remains split on whether such buys will sustain a drawn-out rally or induce only a temporary spike. Market observers linked the sustained defense of the $2.81 level to a reported $1.12 billion in whale purchases, which signals a robust buy wall at that floor.
Despite the supportive bids from whales, broader market sentiment remains mixed. Derivatives activity has cooled substantially, with trading volume down about 44% and open interest down around 82%, indicating that leveraged positions are being unwound and fewer traders are betting on outsized price swings.
Outlook and scenarios for the coming days center on level interactions. If XRP can push through the $3.26 cluster, the path to fresh highs could open up. Conversely, a breakdown below $3.13 might renew selling pressure. Retail buyers appear to be providing a stabilizing counterweight to whale-driven moves, helping to dampen deeper declines.
Analysts remain cautiously optimistic but note that the current rally is driven largely by whale positioning and retail activity rather than clear fundamental drivers. Some price projections floated around a target of about $3.16 by mid-August, assuming a modest daily growth rate of around 0.5%, though such forecasts are speculative and should not be treated as guaranteed movement.
There has been little commentary from Ripple executives or major regulators like the SEC or CFTC regarding the whale activity, leaving the broader regulatory backdrop and potential legal implications somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, the convergence of significant buy-side pressure at key levels continues to shape XRP’s price action, with the next move likely to hinge on whether the crucial thresholds hold or yield.
What this means for readers and traders
– The $3.12 and $3.07 levels are pivotal near-term markers. A hold above these zones while buyers remain active could factor into a steadier climb.
– The $3.26 cluster serves as a critical resistance area. Clearing it could invite further upside, while failing to break it may keep the market range-bound.
– Diminished derivatives activity suggests less speculative risk taking in the near term, which could translate to slower price swings.
– With official commentary from Ripple or regulators not yet providing a clear catalyst, price dynamics will likely hinge on how whales and retail buyers balance around these levels.
Summary
XRP’s recent price action has been strongly influenced by major whale purchases concentrated around specific support and resistance zones. While whales are underpinning a floor and signaling confidence, the absence of fundamental catalysts means the next move will depend on whether buyers can sustain pressure above the key thresholds and whether selling pressure at the upper cluster can be overcome.
A hopeful note: if the current buy-side intensity persists and key supports hold, XRP could quietly edge toward higher ranges, offering patient investors a possible refreshing pause to reassess the asset’s longer-term potential amid an evolving regulatory landscape.