XRP Whale Activity Signals Warning: Distribution Pattern Resurfaces

XRP has come under selling pressure following its recent all-time highs near the end of July. After briefly pushing above the $3.10 mark, bullish momentum faded, triggering volatility across the board. While XRP remains within its long-term bullish trend, buyers are losing control of short-term price action. The failure to maintain levels above $3.10 has led to growing concerns about a deeper correction, especially as broader market sentiment turns cautious.

New data from CryptoQuant adds to the bearish outlook. Whale flows have sharply flipped into negative territory, indicating renewed distribution by large holders. This shift resembles the pattern seen earlier this year, when sustained outflows from whales preceded a multi-week correction. Unless this trend reverses with consistent accumulation from major players, XRP may remain structurally weak in the near term.

With the entire crypto market losing momentum, the coming days will be critical for XRP. Investors are watching closely to see whether long-term support holds or if distribution pressure escalates. The behavior of whales, combined with rising volatility and short-term bearish sentiment, suggests caution is warranted as XRP’s price action enters a decisive phase.

According to CryptoQuant analyst The Enigma Trader, XRP’s on-chain metrics are flashing warning signs. The 90-day moving average (90DMA) of whale flow has sharply turned negative, signaling renewed distribution from large wallets. This pattern mirrors activity observed in January–February 2025, when XRP hit a local top before experiencing a sustained correction. During that period, consistent outflows from whale wallets coincided with growing selling pressure, leading to a sharp downturn in price.

While the current drawdown is milder and shorter in duration, the directional similarity is notable. The shift in whale flow suggests that large holders are reducing exposure, likely anticipating increased volatility or weaker demand in the near term. For XRP to regain bullish momentum, The Enigma Trader points out that the market needs to see a return of consistent positive whale flows, exceeding +5 million XRP per day. So far, there’s no clear sign of such activity.

Without renewed accumulation from institutional players or high-net-worth investors, the market may remain structurally weak. Whale buying has historically been a key signal for trend reversals and sustained price rallies. Until that resumes, XRP could continue to struggle with short-term volatility and selling pressure.

XRP is currently trading around $2.98 after pulling back from its all-time high above the $3.60 level set in late July. As shown on the daily chart, the price recently bounced near the 50-day simple moving average (SMA), which sits at $2.71, suggesting this moving average is acting as a dynamic support level. The overall trend remains bullish, with XRP still well above the 100-day ($2.49) and 200-day ($2.45) SMAs.

Despite the correction, XRP’s structure is holding up as long as the price stays above the $2.70–$2.80 zone. A decisive breakdown below this range could expose XRP to further downside, potentially revisiting the 100-day SMA for support. On the upside, bulls face immediate resistance around $3.10, a level the market has tested multiple times since the pullback.

Volume has decreased during the recent decline, suggesting that sellers are losing momentum. However, without a surge in buying pressure, the rebound may stall below key resistance levels. Market participants are watching closely to see if bulls can reclaim $3.10 and build a base for a new upward leg, or if the lack of accumulation — especially from whales — signals more downside ahead.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView