Ripple’s 1 billion XRP unlock coincided with a sharp 17% price drop, amplifying downside pressure during a broader market sell-off.
While Bitcoin ETFs saw one of their largest weekly outflows, whales and exchanges stepped in with strategic accumulation and reserve restructuring.
Tether’s near-$1 billion XAUT mint highlights rising demand for tokenised gold amid market stress.
The cryptocurrency market is under intense pressure as sharp price declines, heavy outflows from exchange-traded funds and large on-chain movements dominate sentiment. Ripple’s latest XRP unlock and Chainlink’s deep correction to aggressive Bitcoin buying by institutions and record activity in tokenised gold - the market today saw several important developments.
Ripple released 1 billion XRP into circulation and it coincides with a sharp sell-off in the token. XRP dropped over 17%, tracking the broader market downturn led by Bitcoin.
On-chain data shows four large transfers of 400 million, 100 million, 400 million, and 100 million XRP moving out of escrow.
Following its established pattern, Ripple later returned 700 million XRP into escrow and effectively left 300 million XRP potentially available for market use.
Ripple has followed this monthly unlock mechanism since 2018 to support liquidity and meet institutional demand through its RippleNet ecosystem.
Also Read: How Low Can XRP Go? 3 Major Downside Targets to Watch
Tether minted 192,657 XAUT tokens on the Ethereum blockchain, valued at approximately $946 million on 30 January 2026
The newly minted tokens correspond to nearly six metric tons of gold, reinforcing Tether’s growing exposure to physical bullion.
By the end of Q4 2025, Tether disclosed ownership of around 140 metric tons of gold, with about 27 metric tons added in that quarter alone.
According to CEO Paolo Ardoino, XAUT now commands roughly 60% of the tokenised gold market, with a market value near $2.25 billion.
Chainlink faced intense selling pressure, with LINK dropping to $8.9, its lowest level since September 2024. At the time of writing, LINK traded near $9.45, down 3% on the day and around 20% over the past week.
Market data shows seller dominance. Spot sell volume surged above buy volume and exchange inflows exceeded 3.8 million LINK over two days. It clearly signals aggressive dumping.
On the derivatives side, open interest fell to a yearly low of $458 million, with futures volume down 22%, confirming broad capital withdrawal.
Analysts note that failure to hold the $9 support could open the door to $8.3, while a recovery would require a sustained move above the 20-day EMA near $11.5.
Justin Sun, founder of TRON, announced plans to purchase $50-$100 million worth of Bitcoin as BTC fell to $74,674, marking a 21% decline since January 15.
Sun’s move contrasts sharply with digital asset treasury firms that accumulated Bitcoin near cycle highs and are now sitting on losses exceeding 30%, according to industry trackers.
Meanwhile, TRX continues to trade around $0.284, holding above its December lows and maintaining a longer-term uptrend.
Also Read: How Reflation Could Impact Bitcoin and the Global Economy
According to SoSoValue, Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded net outflows of $1.49 billion last week, the second-largest weekly outflow on record.
The heaviest selling came from BlackRock’s IBIT, which saw $947 million in outflows, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC with $192 million.
Despite the drawdown, total Bitcoin ETF assets still stand near $106.96 billion, representing 6.38% of Bitcoin’s total market value, with cumulative historical inflows at $55.01 billion.
Binance transferred 1,315 BTC (around $100 million) into its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU).
Blockchain data confirms the move was an internal reallocation rather than a market purchase.
Binance has pledged to convert $1 billion of stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin for SAFU over 30 days, while committing to replenish the fund if its value drops below $800 million.
Blockchain analytics firm Arkham identified the transfer as a single transaction from a Binance-labelled hot wallet to a known SAFU address.
1. Why did XRP fall sharply after the unlock?
The release increased short-term circulating supply during weak market conditions, intensifying selling pressure despite most XRP being re-escrowed.
2. Is Tether’s XAUT mint bullish for crypto?
It signals growing demand for blockchain-based exposure to gold rather than risk assets, reflecting defensive positioning.
3. Why is Chainlink underperforming the market?
Heavy spot and futures selling, rising exchange inflows, and falling open interest suggest capitulation by both traders and long-term holders.
4. What does Binance's moving BTC into SAFU indicate?
It reflects internal risk management and user protection restructuring, not immediate spot market buying.
5. Are Bitcoin ETF outflows a bearish signal?
Short term, yes but historically such periods have also coincided with long-term accumulation by strategic buyers.
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