- Large holders dumped 160M XRP (~$480M) after the token briefly broke $3, pressuring sentiment and signaling caution.
- XRP trades near $2.98, with support at $2.90–$2.95; RSI and volume trends suggest fading momentum and possible retracement toward $2.70.
- Analysts debate whether this is a healthy pause before another push higher or the start of a broader consolidation phase.
XRP, the token closely tied to Ripple Labs, has experienced heightened volatility over the past week after briefly reclaiming the $3 mark. The asset gained more than 4% in seven days, sparking optimism among retail traders. However, large holders, commonly referred to as whales, took the opportunity to lock in profits, offloading significant amounts of XRP into the market.
According to data shared by crypto analyst Ali Martinez, whales sold 160 million XRP over the last two weeks, a move valued at approximately $480 million. The timing of these sell-offs, coinciding with XRP’s short-lived push above $3, has fueled concerns that the token may struggle to maintain its bullish momentum.
Whale Activity Pressures Market Sentiment
Historically, whale sell-offs are viewed as a red flag for near-term price action, often signaling reduced confidence in further gains. The latest activity suggests that major holders may not anticipate a sustained breakout and instead expect XRP to enter a period of consolidation.
Also Read: Uphold Exchange CEO Sends Important Message to XRP Holders
160 million $XRP sold by whales in the last two weeks! pic.twitter.com/TRT7y5dSA2
— Ali (@ali_charts) September 15, 2025
At the time of writing, XRP trades at $2.98, slipping 3.34% in 24 hours after reaching a local high of $3.09 earlier this week. Daily trading volumes also dipped by nearly 10%, falling to $5.7 billion, underscoring a more cautious stance among traders.
This dynamic has triggered debate within the community, with some analysts warning of potential retracements while others argue that the pullback could simply be a healthy pause before another leg higher.
Technical Signals Suggest Short-Term Weakness
From a technical perspective, XRP is showing signs of fragility. Key support sits near the $2.90–$2.95 zone, a level that has been repeatedly tested in recent sessions. A confirmed breakdown below this range could open the door to deeper losses, potentially toward $2.70.
Momentum indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are also flashing caution, trending downward after touching overbought levels during the $3 breakout. Meanwhile, trading volume declines reinforce the narrative of waning buyer enthusiasm.
Still, some market observers point out that the broader crypto landscape remains supportive.
Outlook: Temporary Setback or Start of Consolidation?
The whale-driven sell-off highlights the delicate balance XRP faces as it attempts to establish a new base above $3. For now, the market appears cautious, with traders closely watching whether XRP can defend key support zones in the days ahead.
If selling pressure eases and broader crypto market momentum continues, XRP could attempt another push toward $3.20 and beyond. However, failure to hold current levels may result in a consolidation phase before the next major move.
Also Read: Expert: ‘The Flows are Coming, XRP Was Built for This’ – Here’s What it Means
