XRP has entered a consolidation phase after setting fresh all-time highs in late July, with price action now testing the critical $3 level. Over the past several days, the token has struggled to establish firm support around $2.85, a zone that has become a key battleground for bulls and bears. Traders are closely watching whether XRP can stabilize here and build the foundation for another leg higher. Optimism remains alive among some analysts, who argue that the recent consolidation is merely a pause before the next breakout. They see XRP’s resilience near $3 as a sign that new highs could follow once momentum returns, potentially pushing the asset deeper into uncharted territory. Not all perspectives align with this bullish outlook. Analysts like Maartun point to troubling onchain signals, with data revealing that XRP whales are selling heavily during this consolidation. Such a distribution raises concerns that the market may lack the strong accumulation needed to sustain a long-term rally. Onchain Data Reveals Clear Whale Distribution According to Maartun, XRP’s recent price behavior is being shaped less by retail enthusiasm and more by whale activity beneath the surface. His analysis of the XRP Whale Flow 30-day moving average (30DMA) paints a clear picture: large holders are selling heavily into the market. For Maartun, this is unmistakably a distribution phase, where whales unload positions while prices remain elevated. He underscores this with a simple phrase: “In data, we trust.” Onchain data backs his view. The Whale Flow metric captures sustained selling pressure from major wallets, a trend that historically signals caution. While XRP has a reputation for explosive, almost unpredictable breakouts, it is equally known for its quiet, grinding retraces. This doesn’t necessarily mean XRP is finished with its rally. Breakouts in the asset’s history have often come when sentiment was skeptical and liquidity appeared weak. Still, the risks of downside are significant. Should selling persist, XRP may struggle to hold recent support levels, increasing the likelihood of a sharper correction. Ultimately, the market now stands at a crossroads. The price could surprise once again with a surge to new highs, but if whale distribution continues, the downside risk may outweigh the potential reward. Maartun’s warning highlights the importance of paying attention to on-chain signals, not just price action. In his words, the data may already be telling the true story of what comes next. XRP Consolidates Around Key Support XRP is trading just under $3 after several weeks of sideways movement, consolidating following its sharp surge to new all-time highs in late July. The daily chart shows price struggling to establish a clear direction, with the $2.85–$3.00 zone emerging as a critical support area. Bulls have repeatedly defended this level, but momentum has slowed as sellers push back near the $3.20–$3.40 range. The moving averages reinforce this picture of indecision. XRP remains above the 50-day moving average ($3.07), a positive sign that suggests short-term structure is still intact. Meanwhile, the 100-day ($2.64) and 200-day ($2.47) averages provide deeper layers of support, highlighting the broader uptrend that began earlier this summer. However, the inability to retest July’s highs near $3.70 reflects waning buying pressure and caution in the market. For now, the consolidation could serve as a base for another breakout, with a move above $3.40 opening the door for fresh highs. Conversely, failure to hold the $2.85–$3.00 area would increase downside risk, exposing XRP to a correction toward the mid-$2.50s. Traders are watching closely, as the next move will likely define whether this consolidation becomes a springboard or a warning sign. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
