XRP News Today: XRP's Whale Reshuffle: Accumulation Signals Confidence as Price Dips

XRP's on-chain activity has revealed a significant shift in whale dynamics, with 78 new accounts acquiring 77.324 million XRP in a single day, according to data shared by community analyst Mullen. This accumulation spree, highlighted in the latest XRP rich list update, underscores a broader trend of reshuffling among large holders as the token trades near its lower end of the $2 mark. The rapid influx into new wallets contrasts with a simultaneous outflow from 78 existing accounts, which collectively moved 108.5 million XRP, suggesting a strategic reallocation rather than a net loss of liquidity.

The data aligns with broader market volatility, as XRP has declined 7.18% in the last 24 hours amid a wider crypto downturn. Bitcoin's 5% drop and China's renewed regulatory warnings have exacerbated selling pressure. However, the top 10,000 XRP wallets-holding 51.39 billion tokens, or 85% of the circulating supply-appear to be consolidating their positions. Notably, one wallet alone added 35 million XRP in a day, while 44 new addresses amassed over 300 million XRP each. This pattern suggests institutional or strategic buyers are capitalizing on the price dip, a trend that could stabilize the token's value if sustained.

The reshuffling also raises questions about the behavior of traditional whale accounts. For instance, a Bithumb-linked wallet reduced its balance by 2.819 million XRP, potentially reflecting customer withdrawals or fund reallocation. Meanwhile, the total value of XRP held by large investors has surged to $7.81 billion since August, with addresses holding 20 million to 500 million XRP leading the accumulation. Analysts like Zach Rector and CryptoBull have speculated that XRP could target $10, a level that would transform the wealth of top 10%, 5%, and 1% holders on the rich list, who currently hold at least $5,319, $18,473, and $111,497 in XRP, respectively.

Despite the bearish short-term outlook-marked by a 20.22% monthly decline and a 2025 all-time high of $3.66, some indicators hint at potential resilience. Whale holdings have reached a seven-year high, even as the number of large wallets decreased by 569, likely due to profit-taking, institutional transfers, or dormant address consolidation. This concentration of supply among stronger hands historically correlates with bullish reversals, as seen in 2017 and 2020.

Looking ahead, price predictions vary. Short-term forecasts suggest a potential rally to $3.66 if the falling wedge pattern on the XRP/USD chart breaks out, while long-term models project $5.05 by year-end and $26.50 by 2030. However, these scenarios depend on broader market sentiment and the resolution of Ripple's legal challenges, which remain a key overhang for institutional adoption.