Recent on-chain data indicate that XRP whale wallets have continued accumulating tokens during recent price weakness, while Ethereum has experienced elevated loss realization and profit-taking following months of strong institutional inflows. The contrasting positioning suggests that sophisticated investors are becoming increasingly selective rather than treating large-cap cryptocurrencies as a single asset class.
According to blockchain analytics cited by CoinDesk, XRP wallets holding large balances increased their holdings by 2.8% over a five-week period, absorbing tokens sold by smaller investors. New wallet creation also reached a three-month high, while exchange data showed stronger participation from large holders than retail traders, reinforcing the view that accumulation has continued despite subdued price action.
At the same time, Ethereum has entered a period of weakening sentiment following an exceptionally strong run earlier in the summer. Spot Ether exchange-traded funds recently recorded several sessions of net outflows after weeks of sustained inflows, while on-chain indicators point to increasing realized losses among short-term holders as volatility has intensified.
Whales Continue Accumulating XRP
The XRP accumulation trend has attracted growing attention among market analysts. Historically, whale accumulation during periods of retail selling has often been interpreted as a sign that long-term investors view current prices as attractive. Blockchain data show that large wallets have continued removing XRP from exchanges while smaller holders reduce exposure, limiting immediate selling pressure on the market.
Analysts caution, however, that accumulation alone does not guarantee an imminent price rally. XRP continues to face important technical resistance levels, and broader cryptocurrency market conditions remain a significant influence on its short-term performance.
The divergence between whales and retail investors nevertheless suggests that institutional and high-net-worth participants remain more optimistic about XRP’s longer-term outlook than many individual traders.
The token has also benefited from improving regulatory clarity in the United States following earlier court rulings and growing expectations that comprehensive crypto market structure legislation could further reduce legal uncertainty.
Ethereum Faces Ranging After Strong Run
Ethereum’s recent ranging reflects a different stage of the market cycle. Following months of institutional buying driven by spot Ether ETFs, tokenization initiatives and growing stablecoin adoption, some investors have begun taking profits as macroeconomic uncertainty and softer crypto prices weigh on sentiment.
While Ethereum continues to benefit from strong long-term fundamentals—including its dominant position in decentralized finance and tokenized real-world assets—short-term on-chain metrics indicate increased selling pressure from investors who entered during the recent rally.
The contrasting behavior illustrates how capital is rotating within the digital asset market rather than exiting the sector entirely. Instead of broad-based buying or selling, investors appear increasingly willing to differentiate between individual blockchain ecosystems based on valuation, regulatory developments and network-specific catalysts.
Supporters of XRP argue that continued whale accumulation signals confidence in the token’s longer-term prospects, particularly as institutional interest gradually expands. Ethereum advocates counter that recent selling represents healthy consolidation following an extended advance rather than a deterioration in fundamentals.
For now, blockchain data show two distinct narratives unfolding simultaneously. XRP’s largest holders continue adding to their positions while many Ethereum investors reduce exposure after a strong rally and a silent period of ranging. Whether that divergence marks the beginning of a broader capital rotation or merely a temporary shift in positioning will likely depend on macroeconomic conditions, ETF flows and the next phase of institutional adoption across the digital asset market.