What to Know
- XRP whales sold over 30 million tokens during recent decline.
- Leveraged liquidations accelerated losses as XRP broke key support.
- Institutional ETF inflows continued despite growing market selling pressure.
Crypto analyst Ali Martinez revealed that XRP whales sold more than 30 million tokens over the past five days, a move that coincided with the cryptocurrency’s retreat from recent highs. According to Santiment data shared by Martinez, wallets holding at least one million XRP reduced their combined holdings from 3.82 billion to 3.77 billion XRP during the period.
The sell-off came as XRP struggled to maintain momentum following a strong rally that began on June 14. Improved market sentiment helped the token climb from around $1.14 to a local peak near $1.29 on June 16. However, buying momentum weakened once large holders started reducing their positions.
As additional supply entered the market, XRP began surrendering gains and moved lower across multiple trading sessions. The timing of the whale activity has drawn attention because it closely matched the start of the token’s reversal from its recent peak.
Also Read: XRP Approaches Key $2 Breakout Gate as Analyst Predicts Major Expansion
Whale Distribution Adds Pressure to XRP Recovery
According to Martinez, the decline in whale balances suggests that major investors took profits as XRP approached an important resistance zone. Consequently, the increased selling pressure made it difficult for the asset to sustain its upward trajectory.
Over the following days, XRP broke below several support levels and fell to approximately $1.1273 by June 19. The decline erased a significant portion of the gains recorded during the mid-June rally.
Additionally, conditions in the derivatives market added further pressure. A wave of leveraged long liquidations accelerated the downturn as traders rushed to close positions. Market participants also reacted to the latest Federal Reserve meeting, which reduced expectations for an immediate interest-rate cut.
ETF Inflows Remain Steady Despite Market Weakness
Despite the weakness in spot markets, institutional investors continued adding exposure through XRP exchange-traded funds. Data from U.S. spot XRP ETFs showed inflows of approximately $5.30 million on June 16. Moreover, the funds attracted another $2.55 million on June 18 while XRP remained under pressure.
The continued inflows suggest that institutional investors have not followed the same strategy as large XRP holders. Instead, funds have continued allocating capital even as the asset traded below its recent highs.
The contrast between whale selling and ETF accumulation highlights two different market trends. While some large holders are reducing exposure, institutional investors continue allocating capital to XRP.
Also Read: Ethereum Faces Funding Pressure as Former Foundation Insider Warns of Risks
