
XRP's whale-driven rallies deliver sharp short-term gains due to concentrated buying.
Ethereum sees steady institutional accumulation, supporting long-term strength.
Cryptocurrency whales are reshaping both XRP and ETH trajectories with strategic moves.
Cryptocurrency whales, investors who hold large amounts of tokens, play a powerful role in shaping market trends. When these large holders buy or sell in bulk, the price of the token can move rapidly. In July 2025, two popular cryptocurrencies, XRP and Ethereum (ETH), saw a surge in whale activity. But they are moving in very different ways.
While both tokens are gaining attention, XRP price today appears to be leading the way in short-term whale-driven rallies. Ethereum price today, on the other hand, is quietly building long-term strength through steady and institutional buying. Let’s take a look at how both tokens are performing and what’s driving the moves behind the scenes.
Recent market data shows that over 2,700 wallets each hold more than 1 million XRP. Together, these wallets control over 47 billion XRP. That’s almost half of XRP's circulating supply. In July alone, whales bought more than 2 billion XRP. They added another 190 million XRP in just the past week.
This aggressive buying has created a shortage of available tokens in the market. When supply becomes tight, even small demand increases can push prices up rapidly. These whale buys have often happened when XRP prices dipped close to $3.00. Their goal seems clear: buy low and hold for a bigger breakout.
Some analysts believe that this move is also connected to expectations of a possible XRP-based ETF (exchange-traded fund). If approved, this ETF could bring more investor attention and drive the price even higher.
Ethereum is also seeing whale buying, but in a more spread-out and steady manner. Since early July, whales have bought over 500,000 ETH, worth nearly $2 billion. Some of this buying happened in just a few hours, showing strong confidence in ETH.
Ethereum whales include both individuals and institutions. Unlike XRP, where a few whales control a significant portion of the supply, ETH is being acquired by a diverse range of large holders. This spreads out risk and creates stronger price support over time.
One example: A single large buyer recently purchased $50 million worth of ETH, helping push the price above $3,800. Large purchases like this indicate that investors anticipate ETH to appreciate in the long term.
Also Read - Ethereum Price Prediction: Will It Reach $15,000 by Year-End?
XRP has exhibited rapid and substantial price movements, jumping from $3.15 to over $3.23 recently. It has already gained over 50% during July alone. This type of rapid gain is often observed when whales tightly control supply and time their purchases carefully.
Technical analysts say that if XRP can stay above $3.00, it may soon reach $3.82 or even $6.00. Some even predict longer-term targets of $10, depending on whether an ETF is approved or if major partnerships are developed.
But this momentum also comes with risk. If just a few whales start selling, prices can fall just as fast as they rise.
Ethereum has also performed well in July, gaining around 50% for the month. Its price crossed $3,800, driven by whale accumulation and rising interest from institutions. Over $4 billion has flowed into ETH-related investment funds and ETFs this month.
Unlike XRP, ETH’s price movement is less sudden. It doesn’t rise or fall as sharply. But this stability attracts long-term investors who want steady returns and lower risk. Ethereum also has the advantage of offering staking rewards. Owners can earn passive income by holding ETH.
XRP whales seem to be positioning themselves for short-term gains. By buying large amounts of XRP at low prices and holding tightly, they reduce the supply available in the market. This creates demand pressure, pushing prices up quickly.
They are also likely betting on positive news, such as approval for an XRP ETF or favorable legal rulings, that could send prices soaring in a short period. In this way, XRP acts like a fast-moving stock where quick profits can be made if timed correctly.
Ethereum whales are playing a longer game. Many of them are institutions, investment firms, hedge funds, and even tech companies. These buyers are using ETH for various reasons: staking, building apps, or storing value.
Ethereum is also seen as a safer bet thanks to its wide use in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and tokenized assets. Its supply is more distributed, which means it’s less likely to face extreme price swings from a few whale trades.
High concentration: A few wallets hold a large amount of the cryptocurrency. If even one of them sells, it could cause the price to crash.
Regulatory pressure: XRP’s legal status remains uncertain in certain countries. If an ETF doesn’t get approved, the rally might lose steam.
Price volatility: This is caused by tight supply and speculative buying; price swings can be fast and extreme.
Profit-taking: As the crypto coin crosses major price levels like $3,800 or $4,000, some investors may take profits, causing short-term dips.
Slower rallies: The cryptocurrency gains value slowly. This may not satisfy traders looking for quick profits.
Staking risks: Ethereum relies heavily on staking. If network problems arise, staked ETH could face issues.
Looking only at short-term whale-driven rallies, XRP is the current winner. It has gained faster, with more dramatic price jumps, thanks to highly concentrated buying and rumors surrounding ETFs.
But in terms of long-term value and stable accumulation, Ethereum may be ahead. ETH’s wide use, institutional backing, and staking system make it attractive for steady gains over time.
Also Read - Here’s Why XRP May Surge to $15
Both XRP and Ethereum are being targeted by whales, but for different reasons. The former’s whales are chasing quick gains and betting on upcoming news to sharply lift the price. Ethereum whales are slowly building positions for the long haul, trusting in ETH’s role in the future of decentralized finance.
For those watching crypto trends, XRP offers more action and excitement in the short term. Ethereum, however, is laying the foundation for long-term success with less drama and more stability.
Each token tells a different story, but both are worth watching closely as whale moves continue to shape the crypto market.
Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp
_____________
Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance on cryptocurrencies and stocks. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more about the financial risks involved here.