XRP Price Survives Heavy Selling Pressure Amid Mixed Market Sentiment

XRP has shown resilience despite selling pressure, maintaining its position above $2.10 as of January 15, 2026. Over 200 million tokens have moved to exchanges since the beginning of the year, representing roughly $430 million in potential selling activity. Despite this, the token's broader uptrend since 2026 remains intact.

On-chain data highlights a mixed investor sentiment. Short-term traders appear to be shifting their holdings to centralized platforms, while long-term holders are accumulating more XRP. This divergence is reflected in metrics like the HODLer Net Position Change, which shows increased green bars since early January.

Exchange balances have continued to rise, with XRP holdings reaching near 1.66 billion tokens. This suggests that more investors are positioning their assets for potential short-term sales. However, it also indicates that the market is absorbing this pressure to some extent.

Why Is the XRP Price Holding Up Despite Selling Pressure?

XRP has faced a significant sell-off in January 2026, with over 200 million tokens moving onto exchanges. Short-term traders appear to be reacting to market uncertainty by de-risking their positions. This behavior is reflected in the increased exchange balances, which typically coincide with profit-taking or defensive strategies.

The HODLer Net Position Change has been a key stabilizing factor. Long-term holders have been accumulating more XRP since early January, absorbing part of the sell-side pressure. This behavior acts as a buffer, limiting potential downside moves and supporting the broader uptrend.

What Do On-Chain Metrics Reveal About XRP's Market Structure?

Exchange inflows have increased significantly this month. The movement of over 200 million tokens onto centralized platforms signals sustained distribution. However, this pattern also shows that many investors are opting for a more defensive posture rather than holding through volatility.

Long-term holders and whales are playing a stabilizing role. Whale activity suggests that large holders are maintaining or increasing their positions, even as the price fluctuates. This behavior can be seen in the accumulation of XRP by wallets holding 100 million to 1 billion tokens.

Institutional interest remains a key support for XRP. Spot XRP ETFs have attracted nearly $1.49 billion in inflows since their launch, although there was a $40.8 million outflow on January 7 during a price dip. This shows that while short-term sentiment can weaken, long-term interest has not disappeared.

ETF flows have turned more selective as the price consolidates. On January 7, U.S. spot XRP ETFs saw a $40.8 million net outflow, the first meaningful pullback after a 54-day streak of consistent inflows. The following day, however, a $8.72 million in inflows were recorded, indicating that dip buyers are still active.

XRP is currently trading near $2.10, holding above key support levels. Price action has respected an upward structure since the beginning of the month. Maintaining this level remains critical for preserving the current trend. Mixed signals suggest XRP could continue forming higher lows over time.

If selling pressure intensifies, the token may enter a consolidation phase. In that scenario, the price would likely range between $2.10 support and $2.20 resistance. A more bullish outcome depends on sellers stepping back. If exchange inflows slow and demand improves, XRP could bounce from $2.10 and reclaim $2.20.

Technical indicators suggest a potential for a breakout. XRP has formed a Golden Cross on the 5-day MACD, a signal historically associated with major upside moves. This pattern appeared before the token reached its all-time high in July 2025. If the trend continues, XRP could target $2.70–$3.13 as it clears key resistance levels.

Analysts remain cautious but optimistic about XRP's long-term prospects. The key for bulls is a daily close above $2.22, followed by a decisive breakout through $2.40. A sustained move above that zone would shift momentum and open the door toward $2.75. On the other hand, a failure to hold $2.00 would weaken the structure and expose $1.78.