"XRP Whales Aggressively Sell After 500% Surge; Mixed Signals Emerge"

XRP, the native cryptocurrency of the Ripple network, has been experiencing significant market activity, with large holders, or "whales," offloading their holdings at unprecedented levels. Miles Deutscher, a renowned cryptocurrency analyst, recently noted this trend, stating that whales have been "aggressively selling" since the asset's price surged by over 500% from November 2024.

Deutscher described the current market behavior as a local distribution phase, indicating that whales are taking profits following the substantial rally. He also shared a chart highlighting significant selling activity among whales, suggesting a shift in market sentiment. This pattern implies that investors who accumulated XRP earlier are now selling, which could influence both short-term price movement and broader market trends.

XRP's remarkable run began in late 2024, triggered by Donald Trump's election victory and former SEC Chair Gary Gensler's resignation announcement. The asset rose from around $0.55 in early November to a multi-year high of $3.39 in January 2025, marking a 516.4% increase.

However, contrasting whale behavior has also been observed. Some large investors have been accumulating tokens amid the sell-offs, signaling confidence in the asset. For instance, a recent report highlighted that whales had acquired 1 billion XRP during a price dip. In another instance, a single entity purchased 65 million XRP, reinforcing the idea that not all major holders engage in the sell-off.

The significant movement of tokens by whales extends beyond buying and selling on the open market. Recent blockchain data reveals that Ripple and major holders moved 490 million XRP within 24 hours. Another report pointed out that 520 million XRP had been acquired by whales, further complicating the market outlook. Increased whale activities can impact liquidity, volatility, and overall market sentiment, making them critical indicators for traders and investors monitoring the asset's trajectory.

Deutscher's observation that XRP is in a local distribution phase aligns with broader market trends where large holders capitalize on price surges to take profits. However, the mixed activity among whales indicates that while some major holders are liquidating their positions, these purchases suggest that other investors view the current price levels as a strategic entry point.

At press time, XRP traded at $2.6 after a notable