Ripple’s XRP Sees Over $4 Billion in Profit-Taking Amid Surging Whale Activity

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Ripple's XRP has experienced a volatile week, marked by a brief price decline following South Korea's declaration of martial law. Despite this setback, whales and institutional investors have shown unwavering confidence, propelling XRP into the spotlight as one of the most dynamic cryptocurrencies in the market.

 

Quick Take 

  • XRP investors realized over $4 billion in profits in the past three days, driven by whale activity and institutional accumulation. XRP has gained over 400% in the past month, consolidating its position as one of the top three cryptocurrencies by market cap.
  • XRP briefly dropped 7% to $1.89 following South Korea’s declaration of martial law, triggering panic selling on local exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb.
  • Large holders (whales) increased their XRP positions despite the sell-off, signaling confidence in the token's long-term potential.
  • XRP's 24-hour trading volume soared to $44.5 billion, making it the third most-traded crypto behind Bitcoin and USDT.
  • Expectations for a U.S. XRP spot ETF are growing, supported by the SEC’s recent non-security ruling and a possible pro-crypto SEC Chair nomination. Positive legal and regulatory developments, including rumors of Ripple’s IPO and ETF applications, could drive further growth.

 

Martial Law in South Korea Triggers XRP Sell-Off

XRP price | Source: KuCoin

 

The announcement of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3 sent shockwaves through global crypto markets. XRP, a popular asset among South Korean investors, saw a sharp 7% dip, briefly trading as low as $1.89 on leading exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb. Trading volumes surged as panic selling gripped the market, forcing temporary halts in XRP transactions on these platforms.

 

This political upheaval caused significant disruptions, with South Korea's high concentration of XRP holders amplifying the volatility. However, XRP prices recovered quickly, climbing back to $2.40 in spot markets and maintaining its status as the third most-traded cryptocurrency by volume, trailing only Bitcoin and USDT.

 

XRP Whales Drive Market Confidence

Despite the sell-off, whale activity around XRP has intensified. Data from Santiment shows that whales—holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP—have significantly increased their holdings in the past three days. This accumulation coincides with $4 billion in realized profits among XRP investors, underlining the token's growing appeal to institutional players.

 

Austin Reid, Head of Revenue at FalconX, noted on X (formerly Twitter) that institutional interest is a major driver behind XRP's current momentum. “This isn’t just retail action — institutions are driving the rally,” Reid commented, highlighting a 10x increase in trading volume between the first and second halves of Q4.

 

XRP Price Prediction: Can XRP Touch a New All-Time High? 

XRP/USDT price | Source: KuCoin

 

Technical indicators suggest that XRP could be on the verge of a breakout. The token is holding above the $2.58 resistance level, a key threshold for further upward movement. A successful recovery and bounce above this level could see XRP targeting $3.57, its upper resistance channel, potentially setting a new all-time high.

 

However, challenges remain. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates overbought conditions, signaling the possibility of a short-term price correction. Analysts caution that a daily close below $1.96 could invalidate the bullish thesis and result in further consolidation.

 

Market Optimism Fueled by Spot XRP ETF Speculation

Optimism around a potential XRP spot ETF in the U.S. is adding to the excitement. The non-security ruling for XRP in its case against the SEC has paved the way for speculation about an ETF launch, mirroring the success of Bitcoin’s spot ETF approvals earlier this year. Ripple investment products have already seen record inflows of $95 million in the past week, according to CoinShares.

 

Crypto weekly inflows | Source: CoinShares

 

Former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, rumored to be the next SEC Chair, is seen as a potential ally for the crypto industry. His pro-market stance could accelerate regulatory clarity, benefiting XRP and the broader crypto ecosystem.

 

What’s Next for XRP? 

Over the past month, XRP has surged by over 400%, cementing its position as one of the most promising altcoins. If the token maintains its upward trajectory, driven by whale accumulation, institutional interest, and potential regulatory breakthroughs, 2025 could see XRP reaching new milestones.

 

For now, XRP remains one of the market’s most closely watched assets, with its recovery from recent volatility underscoring its resilience and long-term potential.

 

Read more: Could $XRP Reach $3 Ahead of XRP ETF Approval?

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