XRP News Today: Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen moves 50M XRP $175M sparking market anxiety as token gains 1.2% amid sell-off speculation

Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen’s recent movement of 50 million XRP—valued at approximately $175 million—has intensified market speculation about potential sell-offs, spurring anxiety among retail investors as the token’s price fluctuates near critical levels. The transfers, flagged by blockchain analyst ZachXBT, included $140 million sent to centralized exchanges, a pattern often linked to selling intentions [1]. Larsen’s activity, occurring just after XRP reached a 2021 high of $3.60 before retreating to $3.10, has drawn accusations of coordinated dumping, though some analysts argue it could reflect long-term portfolio adjustments [1]. Ripple’s lack of public comment has amplified uncertainty, with critics highlighting Larsen’s remaining holdings of 2.81 billion XRP, worth $8.4 billion, as a persistent overhang for the token’s stability [1].

The market’s sensitivity to whale activity is evident in XRP’s recent performance. Despite a 1.2% 24-hour gain, trading volumes have surged, signaling aggressive positioning from both retail and institutional players [3]. Options markets also show heightened open interest, with traders hedging against price swings near key levels. Analysts warn that large-scale liquidations could follow if further token movements trigger sharp reversals, particularly as $48 billion in long positions face exposure to sudden downturns [5]. This volatility contrasts with XRP’s recent partial recovery in a legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which initially boosted sentiment before compliance concerns reignited a 14% price drop [2].

Retail investors are increasingly cautious, with social media platforms like X reflecting frustration over XRP’s centralized control. Some argue the token’s top-five market ranking is unsustainable given its susceptibility to insider influence, while others emphasize broader market dynamics as a more significant long-term driver [1]. Meanwhile, alternative assets like Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) have diverged, with BTC dipping below $115,000 following a $9 billion whale dump, while ETH’s 9% 24-hour gain underscores altcoin momentum [6].

Despite the risks, some analysts remain optimistic about XRP’s potential. Bitpanda’s deputy CEO Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad suggested the token could reclaim its 2018 all-time high of $3.84, contingent on favorable market sentiment and capital rotation into altcoins [5]. However, critics stress that prolonged legal uncertainties and macroeconomic factors—such as U.S. Treasury liquidity adjustments—could further destabilize the asset. Technical indicators show mixed signals, with short-term corrections juxtaposed against occasional rebounds above $3.50, reflecting lingering bullish sentiment [5].

The broader crypto landscape is also reacting to XRP’s turbulence. Meme coins like Pepe (PEPE) and Dogecoin (DOGE) have surged in tandem with XRP’s volatility, capitalizing on retail enthusiasm [7]. Institutions are increasingly diversifying into alternative tokens, with some predicting a shift toward multi-asset ETFs that could reshape capital allocation strategies [8]. For retail traders, however, the window for strategic entry appears to be narrowing, as whale activity underscores the token’s vulnerability to large-scale price manipulation.

Source: [1] [XRP Whales Stir Market as Sell-Off Risk Rises – Retail May Be Running Out of Time] (https://en.bitcoinsistemi.com/xrp-whales-stir-market-as-sell-off-risk-rises-retail-may-be-running-out-of-time/)

[2] [Bitcoin and Gold Diverge as Pudgy Penguins Token ...] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitcoin-gold-diverge-pudgy-penguins-token-surges-500-month-2507/)

[3] [XRP (XRP) has gone up by 1.2% in the past 24 hours but, behind that mild price increase, there has been a significant spike in trading volumes...] (https://cryptodnes.bg/en/tag/bitcoin-hyper/)

[5] [Market Reversal? $48B in long positions are exposed! ...] (https://www.tiktok.com/@trade.travel.chill_/video/753145****567253816)

[6] [Bitcoin Whale Dumps $9B, Altcoins Whipsaw, NFTs Boom ...] (https://ts2.tech/en/bitcoin-whale-dumps-9b-altcoins-whipsaw-nfts-boom-and-regulators-swoop-crypto-news-roundup-july-25-26-2025/)

[7] [Pepe Price Prediction: PEPE Could Rise Another 10% If It Breaks This Key Level] (https://cryptodnes.bg/en/tag/token6900/)

[8] [Best Crypto to Buy Now as Trump Injects Crypto Into $9 Trillion Retirement Plans] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitcoin-gold-diverge-pudgy-penguins-token-surges-500-month-2507/)