XRP News Today: XRP Surges 552% Since July 2024 on Whale Activity vs. ETH's 6.34% Institutional Boost

The cryptocurrency market’s recent dynamics have spotlighted a quiet but significant performance divergence between XRP and Ethereum (ETH), with whale-driven rallies and institutional adoption shaping their trajectories. XRP has surged 552% since July 2024, outpacing ETH’s modest 6.34% gain during the same period [1]. Year-to-date, XRP climbed 49%, reaching $3.10, while ETH rose 9.5% to $3,630. Over the past 30 days, both tokens posted double-digit returns—52% for ETH and 45% for XRP—highlighting their roles in the broader altcoin rally [1].

Whale activity has been a critical catalyst for XRP’s ascent. Santiment data reveals 2,743 wallets holding over one million XRP each, collectively controlling 47.32 billion tokens (4.4% of the circulating supply). This concentration has tightened available supply, contributing to a 50% price increase in July’s first half [1]. XRP now trades at 82% of its all-time high ($3.84), with large holders amplifying upward momentum. Meanwhile, ETH’s rally is fueled by institutional demand. Bit Digital, BTCS Inc., BitMine, and SharpLink have aggressively accumulated 652,929 ETH ($2.37 billion), while BlackRock’s 2.14 million ETH holdings underscore growing corporate interest [1].

The contrasting forces behind each token raise questions about their long-term potential. XRP’s recent gains reflect speculative fervor and on-chain scarcity, driven by whale accumulation. However, its proximity to historical highs—currently $3.10—suggests further volatility. Analysts note that post-ETF regulatory clarity could propel XRP to $15 or $30, though these scenarios remain speculative [3]. Conversely, ETH’s institutional backing provides a more stable foundation. Over $4.4 billion in corporate holdings, including Bit Digital’s $172 million ETH purchase, highlights its appeal as a strategic treasury asset. ETH’s 74% retracement from its $4,890 peak contrasts with XRP’s 82% ATH level, indicating divergent risk profiles [1].

On-chain data reveals mixed signals. While XRP’s rally appears retail-driven, ETH’s strength stems from macroeconomic factors, such as ETF inflows and network upgrades. Whale movements also highlight a shift in capital allocation: Ethereum’s 72% outperformance against Bitcoin since April 2025 aligns with its broader adoption in decentralized finance and ETF allocations [4]. XRP, meanwhile, faces regulatory uncertainty, including ongoing legal battles with the U.S. SEC, which could either catalyze or hinder its growth.

The market’s trajectory may hinge on macroeconomic and regulatory developments. XRP’s potential for regulatory resolution could attract institutional capital, replicating ETH’s institutional adoption path. For ETH, the focus remains on executing network upgrades and maintaining ETF performance. Analysts caution that both tokens face risks from market corrections and shifting investor sentiment, though their distinct dynamics position them for different outcomes.

In the short term, XRP’s aggressive price action and whale-driven momentum suggest continued outperformance. However, ETH’s institutional traction and broader use cases may cement its long-term resilience. The divergence underscores a broader trend: altcoin seasons are increasingly shaped by whale activity and institutional allocations, with XRP and ETH serving as bellwethers for speculative and foundational growth narratives.

Sources:

[1] [Cointelegraph: XRP vs ETH - Which Token Is Quietly Outperforming in Whale-Fueled Rallies](https://cointelegraph.com/news/xrp-vs-eth-which-token-is-quietly-outperforming-in-whale-fueled-rallies)

[2] [Mitrade: Ripple (XRP) Gathers Bullish Momentum Toward $5](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-981626-20250724)

[3] [CoinCentral: Could A $30 XRP Price Be Realistic Post-ETF?](https://coincentral.com/ripples-long-game-could-a-30-xrp-price-be-realistic-post-etf-new-data-suggests-it-might-be/)

[4] [Cryptonews: Altcoins Lead Shift from Bitcoin to Ethereum](https://cryptonews.com/news/altcoins-shift-bitcoin-ethereum/)

[5] [CoinCentral: Analysts Forecast These 3 Altcoins Could Outperform XRP and Ethereum](https://coincentral.com/best-cryptos-to-buy-now-analysts-forecast-these-3-altcoins-could-outperform-xrp-and-ethereum-prices-by-10x/)

[6] [Facebook Post: XRP Shows Signs of Weakness After Rally](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=7276145****5092&set=a.130****63246274&type=3)