XRP whales accumulate 45.83B near $1.50 as cup-handle forms

Published: 2026-05-15 20:45:38 |

On-chain data cited by Santiment shows XRP whales accumulating aggressively. Wallets holding at least 10M XRP have amassed 45.83B XRP (about 68.5% of supply), the highest concentration since 2018. As XRP trades around $1.44–$1.50, XRP whales remain buyers while smaller holders appear to reduce risk exposure. The article also points to structural support: tighter exchange balances/outflows and stronger activity on the XRP Ledger, suggesting supply is moving into private custody and easing immediate sell pressure. Technicals add fuel to the thesis. ChartNerdTA says the “cup” is complete and the “handle” is forming just below major resistance. Key levels cited include $0.89 (0.5 zone) as support, accumulation clustering in $1.40–$1.50, and resistance at $1.60–$1.70. A breakout above $1.50 is framed as the key trigger; long-run targets could extend to $8+, while an expanding wedge setup after a move out of a down-channel hints at higher near-term volatility. Traders are split. Some see XRP whales as a precursor to gains, while others warn that high concentration can amplify sell-offs. With regulatory and litigation headlines also in focus, $1.50 breakout/hold is the near-term decision point for positioning.

Bullish

The news is largely bullish for XRP because whale accumulation is persistent and supply appears to be moving off exchanges, which can reduce near-term sell pressure. The technical picture also frames $1.50 as a decisive trigger (cup-and-handle with supportive levels around $1.40–$1.50). However, concentration risk means price could move sharply either way if $1.50 fails, so traders may see elevated volatility rather than a smooth trend. In the short term, watch for confirmation above $1.50 and follow-through toward $1.60–$1.70. In the longer term, if the multi-year pattern plays out, whale-backed momentum could support higher targets (the article mentions $8+). The mixed community sentiment and ongoing regulatory/litigation overhang keep the upside conditional, not guaranteed.