XRP Whales Bail as Charts Flash $1 Warning

XRP is facing mounting downside risk after large holders sold roughly 1.18 billion XRP over the past four weeks in a wave of distribution that coincides with XRP sliding toward a critical technical support level at $1.92, which now appears pivotal for short-term price direction.

Indeed, whale activity often acts as an early signal of changing market sentiment, and in this case, the data shared by cryptocurrency expert Ali Martinez in an X post on December 16 suggests big players have been steadily reducing exposure as XRP trends lower.

Whale Selling Accelerates as Confidence Fades

On-chain metrics show that wallets holding large XRP balances have consistently offloaded tokens since late November, reducing whale-held supply by more than a billion XRP in just one month. 

This decline reflects either profit-taking after earlier rallies or a defensive repositioning amid growing uncertainty across the crypto market.

Historically, sustained whale distribution tends to increase sell-side pressure, especially when prices approach key support levels. Smaller investors often follow these moves, amplifying downside momentum if technical floors fail to hold.

Why $1.92 Matters So Much for XRP

From a technical standpoint, $1.92 has emerged as the most important near-term support on XRP’s chart. The level has acted as a demand zone multiple times in recent months, repeatedly triggering short-term rebounds.

However, momentum indicators now show weakening structure. If XRP fails to hold $1.92, the crypto analyst warns that the next major downside target sits near $1.00, a psychologically significant level that has not been tested in this cycle.

A clean break below $1.92 would likely confirm a broader trend shift, opening the door to accelerated losses as stop orders and liquidations stack up below the range.

What Happens If Support Holds – or Breaks

Right now, the price of XRP stands at $1.87, having dipped 5.91% in the last 24 hours, declining 8.63% across the previous seven days, and accumulating a loss of 17.22% on its monthly chart, according to the most recent information.

If buyers successfully defend the $1.92 level, XRP could attempt a relief bounce, potentially retesting overhead resistance near the $2.20 – $2.30 zone. Such a move would likely require a slowdown in whale selling and improving broader market sentiment.

On the flip side, continued distribution by large holders combined with a decisive breakdown below support would shift control firmly to sellers, increasing the probability of a deeper retracement toward $1.

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