After a prolonged distribution phase, Ripple’s trading dynamics began to change as selling pressure eased.
Binance’s reserves have fallen from a peak of nearly 3.05 billion in mid-2025 to around 2.75 billion, while the price has held near $1.38. According to the chart below, peak reserves align with a $3.50 price zone, which reflects large inflows and active distribution.
Source: CryptoQuant
As the cycle progressed, reserves and prices fell sharply in early 2026, with reserves bottoming out near 2.55 billion and the price near $1.25, which marked a capitulation.
Since February, reserves have stabilized around 2.75 billion, which suggests a slowdown in new supply on the sales side.
This change implies a more balanced market, in which reduced foreign exchange supply could support gradual accumulation if demand strengthens.
XRP Order Flow Shifts as Whale Dominance Fades
As foreign exchange reserves stabilized and selling pressure eased, XRP order flow began to reflect a deeper structural shift.
The average spot order size has shifted from the dominance of large whales to normal activity, suggesting that large players have reduced the intensity of accumulation. The chart indicated that whale-sized orders supported prices between $2 and $3, reinforcing controlled demand.
Source: CryptoQuant
However, as these large orders disappeared, the price drifted towards $1.30, reflecting a transition in participation. This change implies that whales may have completed their positioning, leaving the market to smaller participants.
As a result, aggressive absorption weakens, which can reduce artificial support.
However, with lower selling pressure and balanced flows, the price could move more organically. If demand returns, this structure could support a broader recovery phase.
XRP Liquidity Keeps Breakout Demand Dependent
The spot activity presents a moderate volume, which reflects participation without strong conviction. Since the February capitulation, capital inflows have stabilized at nearly 2.7 billion in reserves as the price tested $1.25, which marked a reset phase.
However, sustained buy-side pressure remains limited, as retail flows dominate while institutional absorption remains subdued. As this imbalance persists, prices struggle to offset air supply near $1.50 to $1.60, limiting momentum.
Liquidity conditions reinforce this pattern, as bid depth remains low and spreads widen during periods of low volume. This structure implies that small increases in demand can cause prices to vary greatly, while low demand keeps prices within a limited range.
If larger capital flows emerge, price increases could accelerate, while continued weak demand could prolong the consolidation.
Final Summary
Ripple (XRP) is showing reduced selling pressure and declining whale activity, but weak institutional demand keeps the price capped below $1.60.
XRP trades in a liquidity-sensitive range, where low bids amplify moves, making the potential for a breakout dependent on sustained demand.