Ripple's XRPXRP-- is under pressure as large holders-commonly referred to as "whales"-are offloading tens of millions of dollars' worth of the token daily, raising alarms about a potential sharp price correction. Data from on-chain analytics firm CryptoQuant shows that XRP whales are selling an average of $50 million per day, a trend that has intensified since mid-2023 and persisted through 2024. This sustained outflow has coincided with a bearish price trajectory, with XRP dropping from a peak of $3.40 in January 2025 to around $2.43 as of October 2025 [1].
The selling pressure is particularly concerning given its historical correlation with market downturns. In mid-2023, whale inflows turned decisively negative, aligning with a period of price stagnation and eventual decline. Analysts note that whales often act as contrarian indicators: when they accumulate during dips, it signals confidence, but when they offload during rallies, it suggests profit-taking or waning conviction [1]. Current data shows sustained negative whale flow, with daily sales exceeding $50 million, a level not seen since the 2022-2023 bear market [1].
Recent activity has further exacerbated concerns. On October 14, a single transfer of 23.9 million XRP (worth approximately $63 million) to Binance coincided with a sell-off that pushed the price below $2.60. This move followed a brief rebound from sub-$1.58 liquidation levels, highlighting the fragility of XRP's current support structure. Institutional buying has temporarily defended the $2.55 support level, but volume data suggests that supply still outweighs demand, with bears extending control into the $2.55–$2.56 range [2].
Technical analysis reinforces the bearish outlook. XRP is trading below its 200-day moving average ($2.63) and faces resistance at $2.65–$2.66, where profit-taking and whale flows have historically caused rejections. Momentum indicators like the RSI (currently at 42) and MACD signal weak bullish momentum, with a breakdown below $2.77 likely to trigger further declines toward the $2.51 support level [3].
The broader market context adds to the uncertainty. While XRP's price action mirrors its 2017 rally pattern-a Stochastic RSI cross on the monthly chart-analysts caution that a 90% crash remains a risk if the current trend continues . Some experts, however, argue that XRP's fundamentals, including its role in cross-border payments and pending U.S. ETF approvals, could provide a floor for the price. A bullish scenario hinges on XRP breaking above $3.05–$3.10, a level that could open the door to $3.50 or higher .
The debate over XRP's long-term prospects remains split. Proponents highlight its growing utility in real-world finance, including partnerships with institutions like SBI Remit and Onafriq, which use XRP for low-cost remittances in high-fee corridors . Critics, meanwhile, point to competition from stablecoins and CBDCs, as well as regulatory risks, as potential headwinds.
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