The XRP has once again gained prominence among the leading cryptocurrencies after posting a price recovery supported by an accumulation movement by so-called whales. Recent Santiment data indicate that the asset’s appreciation is being driven mainly by large investors, while smaller wallets have reduced their participation in recent weeks.
According to the analytics firm's survey, wallets holding between 100 mil e 100 milhões de XRP increased their balances by 2,8% over the last five weeks. In contrast, addresses holding less than 0,01 XRP reduced their reserves by 5,2% over the same period.
The difference in behavior between large and small investors is considered relevant because, historically, XRP tends to track the movements of wealthier holders more closely. Whenever this group expands its positions while retail reduces its exposure, the market usually interprets the move as a sign of confidence in the cryptocurrency’s potential.
This scenario comes at a favorable moment for XRP. The resolution of the dispute between the SEC and Ripple removed one of the main regulatory uncertainties surrounding the project, while the XRP Ledger continues to record advances in applications focused on international payments, asset tokenization, and the use of RLUSD.
Another factor reinforcing interest in the asset is institutional demand. The spot XRP ETFs traded in the United States continue to attract new investors and accumulated about US$ 12,5 million in net inflows this month alone, showing that interest from asset managers and institutions remains high.
According to Santiment, previous periods of strong accumulation by large wallets, combined with the reduced share of micro-wallets, often preceded XRP price appreciation moves. Although this behavior does not guarantee a repeat of past performance, it is closely monitored by investors who track on-chain metrics to identify trends.
In addition to blockchain data, part of the market is also watching the formation of chart patterns. Trader Web3Marmot said that XRP has once again shown a technical structure similar to the one seen in 2024, shortly before a strong appreciation of the cryptocurrency.
In his analysis, the specialist wrote that "XRP just printed exactly the same pattern as in 2024", adding that that move preceded a rise of more than 600%. Based on this reading, he outlined a price plan for 2026 with progressive targets at US$ 1,10, US$ 1,30, US$ 1,90, US$ 2,80 and US$ 3,40.
The analyst also noted that he may revise the projection if market behavior changes. In his post, he stated: "If anything changes, I will update the plan. Stay tuned."
Commenting on his track record of predictions, the trader added: "Remember that I called all the major market turning points in recent years, including the recommendation of a short position in Bitcoin from US$ 111 thousand in October."
The combination of XRP accumulation by large investors, the growth of institutional interest through spot ETFs, and the technical analysis presented by analysts keeps the cryptocurrency among the most closely watched assets in the market. If the whales' buying flow continues and the ecosystem's fundamentals remain positive, XRP's behavior should remain on investors' radar in the coming months.
