Why XRP isn’t moving despite $1.2B in ETF demand

ambcryptoPublished on 2025-12-22Last updated on 2025-12-22

Abstract

Despite over $1.2 billion in inflows into XRP spot ETFs and consistent institutional demand, the price of XRP has remained relatively stagnant, trading near $1.94. This price action occurs alongside a notable increase in accumulation by large wallets (whales), whose supply has climbed back toward 12.8%. Technical indicators show the asset trading below key moving averages, with RSI at 43 and low buying pressure. The convergence of institutional and whale activity suggests a shift in market control and positioning for a potential future move, even though a bullish price breakout has not yet occurred.

Who holds the power in XRP? Lately, institutional money has moved in, and big wallets are also trying to take control again. And get this! This is all happening with price action that isn’t anything to write home about.

Here’s what you need to know.

ETFs set the tone

Spot XRP ETFs’ inflows have pushed total net assets past $1.2 billion. Even on mellow days, inflows have remained positive. The interest looks extremely consistent (though muted), rather than like a one-off spike.

The trend is interesting, though. Even with the big streak of green, Ripple’s [XRP] price has held near $1.90 instead of reacting impulsively. That’s a big buying sign, with institutions building exposure gradually to set a base.

Whales have some skin in the game

Santiment data indicated that wallets holding between 100 million and 1 billion XRP have begun increasing their share again. Whale supply has climbed back toward the 12.8% range after a brief decline earlier this month.

The move hasn’t been gradual. After dipping in mid-December, large-holder ownership spiked, so holding isn’t passive. They’re positioning.

When whales step in alongside institutional inflows, it means market control is shifting hands.

XRP is trying to steady itself

At the time of writing, XRP traded near $1.94, still below its key exponential moving averages (EMAs). The 20, 50, 100 and 200-day EMAs remained overhead, so the greater trend hadn’t yet flipped bullish.

That hesitation is visible in the momentum as well.

RSI was at around 43, with mild recovery but no strong buying pressure. OBV has also flattened after falling earlier in the month.

That means selling has reduced with no new demand. The MACD was below zero, too, though downside momentum appeared to be slowing.


Final Thoughts

  • XRP price is flat near $1.90, but $1.2B+ in ETF assets and rising whale supply mean holders aren’t deterred.
  • Control is shifting, even without a price breakout.

Related Questions

QDespite over $1.2 billion in ETF inflows, why hasn't XRP's price shown significant movement?

AThe article suggests that institutional money is building exposure gradually to set a base, which is a form of strategic accumulation rather than impulsive buying. This consistent but muted interest, combined with the fact that XRP's price is still below its key exponential moving averages, has resulted in a lack of strong upward price momentum.

QWhat does the recent activity of large XRP wallets (whales) indicate?

AData from Santiment shows that wallets holding between 100 million and 1 billion XRP have increased their share, with whale supply climbing back to around 12.8%. This spike in large-holder ownership after a mid-December dip indicates they are actively positioning themselves, not just passively holding.

QWhat do the technical indicators (RSI, OBV, MACD) reveal about XRP's current market momentum?

AThe RSI was around 43, showing mild recovery but no strong buying pressure. The On-Balance Volume (OBV) has flattened after a previous decline, indicating that selling has reduced but there is no new demand. The MACD was below zero, though its downward momentum appeared to be slowing.

QHow is 'market control' in the XRP ecosystem changing according to the article?

AMarket control is shifting as both institutional investors (via consistent ETF inflows) and large wallet holders (whales) are increasing their positions. This coordinated activity means that power is consolidating among these larger players, even though the price has not yet broken out.

QWhat is the overall sentiment of holders despite the flat price action near $1.90?

AHolders are not deterred. The significant ETF assets exceeding $1.2 billion and the rising supply held by whales demonstrate strong conviction and a long-term positioning strategy, suggesting confidence in XRP's future despite the current lack of price movement.

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