1. Short‑Term Downward Pressure — Whales Selling
- XRP has come under short‑term pressure as large holders (“whales”) are selling–reportedly moving ~1 billion XRP, contributing to weakness in price amid broader market declines. This selling pressure has helped push XRP down and underperformed the general crypto market in recent sessions.
- Whale selling can create temporary liquidity and downward momentum as large token movements hit the market.
- Traders often see this kind of activity as short‑term supply pressure, especially when combined with broader market risk aversion.
2. Price Behavior & Technical Signals
- Recent price action shows XRP slipping while sellers dominate near key resistance areas, and price holding a tense range toward year‑end.
- Analysts watching from a technical perspective note that this kind of selling can deepen corrections if support levels fail, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect longer‑term fundamentals.
3. Pro‑Ripple Attorney: Long‑Term Bullish Perspective
- Despite the short‑term selling pressure, prominent XRP‑friendly attorney John E. Deaton and other pro‑Ripple commentators have been vocal about a very bullish long‑term outlook — especially focused on 2026.
- Deaton has publicly predicted that regulatory clarity and eventual XRP ETF approvals may trigger significant capital inflows, potentially surprising many once broader investment products are approved in the U.S.
- Ongoing XRP ETF filings and institutional interest continue to build a narrative that regulated inflows could lift valuation once approved.
- Long‑term proponents believe that regulatory progress and ecosystem development could position XRP for strong growth in 2026.
4. Putting It Together: Short‑Term vs. Long‑Term
Short‑Term:- Whale selling and market weakness are weighing on price right now, contributing to a pullback or consolidation phase. This aligns with broader bearish or uncertain price sentiment in the market.
- Optimists like Deaton argue that continued regulatory progress and potential institutional vehicles (like ETFs) — once cleared — could bring significant inflows and possibly reposition XRP for major upside in 2026, hence the phrase about it “shocking the world.”
5. What Traders & Investors Should Watch
- Exchange balances & whale activity: See if large holders continue to distribute or if on‑chain data shifts toward accumulation.
- Support/resistance levels: If XRP can stabilize above key technical zones, it may reduce short‑term risk.
- Regulatory catalysts: Progress on XRP ETFs or legal clarity could materially shift sentiment and capital flow.
Summary:
XRP is under near‑term pressure from aggressive whale selling and broader market weakness, leading to short‑term price softness. However, long‑term proponents — including pro‑Ripple attorneys like John E. Deaton — emphasize that broader adoption catalysts and regulatory progress in 2026 could support significantly stronger future performance.