XRP Whale Activity Surges as Small Investors Sell Their Holdings

Key Takeaways - 

• Whale wallets holding at least 10,000 XRP have reached a record high.

• XRP trades near $1.11 despite continued accumulation by large investors.

• Retail investors continue to sell while whales build long-term positions.

XRP has entered a new phase where large investors and small traders have chosen completely different paths. Blockchain data shows that whale wallets have continued to buy more XRP, while many retail investors have sold part of their holdings. This gap between big and small investors has become one of the biggest talking points in the crypto market.

Large holders often focus on long-term value instead of daily price swings. Retail traders usually react faster to market drops and uncertainty. Current on-chain data reflects exactly that pattern.

XRP Price Holds Above $1

XRP trades at approximately $1.11 on the market as of July 24, 2026, with a market cap that exceeds $69 billion. The total volume of the asset in one day remains at around $1.04 billion. In total, there are around 62.47 billion XRP tokens in circulation.

While XRP seems to be doing relatively stable with a price above $1, positive investor sentiment  has not resulted in further price gains. The cryptocurrency has proven to be unpredictable for many traders as it constantly pushes against a resistance zone around $1.14-$1.15.

Whale Wallets Reach Record Numbers

The biggest story comes from blockchain data. Wallets that hold at least 10,000 XRP have climbed to a record 332,230 addresses. This number shows that large investors have continued to collect  XRP even during weak price action.

This trend has continued for several months. Instead of waiting for higher prices, whales have added more coins whenever the market slowed down. Such buying behavior often shows confidence in future growth rather than interest in quick profits.

Many market experts believe whales usually study market cycles before they make large purchases. Their steady buying suggests that these investors still see value in XRP despite recent price struggles.

Retail Investors Continue to Sell

Several reasons explain this move. The price has stayed within a narrow range for weeks. Many traders expected a stronger rally but did not get one. As a result, some chose to lock in profits, while others sold since they feared another decline.

This selling does not always mean investors have lost faith in XRP forever. Many retail traders simply prefer to wait until the market shows stronger momentum before they enter again.

Blockchain Data Supports the Trend

The number of whale wallets has reached an all-time high. Net position data also shows that these large holders have continued to increase their balances. At the same time, exchange selling from major wallets has remained lower than previous periods.

These figures suggest that large investors have not rushed to sell despite market uncertainty. Instead, many have treated recent price weakness as an opportunity to build bigger positions.

Such behavior often attracts attention since whales usually control enough capital to influence market trends over time.

Price Faces Strong Resistance

The price has struggled to move above the $1.14 to $1.15 resistance zone. Every rejection has encouraged short-term traders to leave the market, which has slowed fresh buying.

This price action has created a balance between buyers and sellers. Bulls have protected the $1 level, while sellers have defended higher prices. Until one side gains control, XRP may continue to trade within this range.

Also Read - Will XRP Hit Double Digits? Ripple Price Forecast for the Next Bull Run

Many Holders Still Remain in Loss

Recent data reveals that only 43.4% of XRP's circulating supply remains in profit. This marks the lowest level in almost two years.

This means that more than half of XRP holders currently own coins that sit below their purchase price. Such conditions often create emotional pressure since many investors worry about deeper losses.

However, crypto markets have shown similar situations before. Long periods where most holders remain in loss have sometimes appeared before major recoveries. Although history does not guarantee future results, many experienced investors continue to watch this indicator closely.

Ripple Continues to Build the XRP Ecosystem

New grant programs now help startups and blockchain developers build applications on the XRP Ledger. These initiatives support innovation and encourage more businesses to create products that use the network.

Ripple has also continued work on payment solutions, digital asset services, and enterprise technology. These developments strengthen the long-term use case for XRP beyond short-term price movements.

Futures Market Shows Rising Interest

Recent updates indicate that the open interest of XRP futures has reached higher numbers. The implication here is that traders have been active in opening positions in the futures market. 

In reality, greater open interest relates to active trading. It can also lead to significant price movements since openings of long and short positions generate volatility when prices breach the resistance or support. 

Also Read - XRP Nears Major Breakout as Bullish Chart Pattern Fuels Rally Hopes

Outlook

The token still trades below the key $1.14 to $1.15 resistance level, but large investors have not slowed their accumulation. Record whale wallet numbers, steady on-chain data, and continued ecosystem growth show that many major holders still believe in XRP's long-term potential.

The next major price move will likely depend on overall crypto market sentiment, stronger buying demand, continued Ripple development, and a successful break above important resistance. Until that happens, whale accumulation and retail selling will remain the biggest themes in the XRP market.

FAQs

1. Why are XRP whales buying more tokens?

Large investors accumulate XRP during price dips, demonstrating strong long-term confidence despite temporary market stagnation.

2. Why are retail investors selling XRP?

Retail traders reduce exposure or take short-term profits after XRP repeatedly failed to break past key resistance zones.

3. What is XRP's current price?

XRP trades around $1.11, maintaining a market capitalization exceeding $69 billion with steady daily volume.

4. What does record whale wallet growth mean?

Wallets holding over 10,000 tokens reached historic highs, signaling sustained accumulation by high-net-worth investors.

5. What could influence XRP's next price move?

Key catalysts include broader market sentiment, ecosystem expansion, institutional adoption, breaking resistance between $1.14-$1.15.