How significant is whale accumulation in predicting XRP’s next major breakout

Whale accumulation refers to the buying activity of large holders, or “whales,” who control significant quantities of XRP. Their behavior is widely regarded as a bellwether for market sentiment and potential price trends.

In May 2025, XRP’s 90-day moving average whale flows turned positive for the first time since early 2024, indicating that these influential investors are accumulating XRP rather than distributing it.

Historically, such shifts in whale activity have preceded major price rallies. For example, the accumulation phase starting in August 2024 was a precursor to XRP’s remarkable 420% price surge in the final quarter of that year.

This pattern suggests that whale accumulation is not only a reflection of confidence but also a catalyst for upward price momentum.

Technical patterns align with whale-driven accumulation

XRP’s price action has formed a textbook symmetrical triangle pattern since peaking near $3.40 in February 2025. This technical formation, characterized by converging trendlines, often signals a continuation of the prevailing trend, in this case, bullish.

The recent positive whale flows coincide with XRP testing the upper trendline of this triangle, near the $2.20 resistance level marked by the 50-day exponential moving average.

A decisive breakout above this confluence could trigger a rapid rally toward the triangle’s upside target of approximately $3.81, representing a potential gain of around 75% from current levels.

The synchronization of whale accumulation and this technical setup strengthens the argument for a significant breakout in the near term.

Did you know?
Whales are estimated to control over 60% of XRP’s circulating supply, making their trading activity one of the most influential factors in the token’s price movements. Their strategic accumulation phases have historically preceded some of the most significant rallies in the cryptocurrency market.

Market liquidity and resistance zones shaped by whale positions

Whale activity also influences liquidity and resistance levels in the market. Binance’s XRP/USDT liquidation heatmap highlights a critical resistance zone between $2.34 and $2.40, where over $525 million in potential liquidations are clustered.

This area often acts as a magnet for price action due to the dense concentration of stop-loss orders and margin positions.

If XRP can breach this zone, it could trigger a short squeeze, forcing liquidations and accelerating the price rally.

Given that whales tend to accumulate before such moves, their positioning around these levels is crucial for understanding potential price dynamics.

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Implications of whale behavior for retail investors and traders

For retail investors and traders, monitoring whale accumulation provides valuable insight into market direction.

Large holders typically have access to superior information and resources, enabling them to anticipate regulatory developments, technological upgrades, and market trends.

The renewed accumulation signals that whales expect favorable conditions ahead for XRP, possibly driven by ongoing regulatory clarity and the launch of XRP-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

This environment could enhance liquidity and institutional participation, further supporting price appreciation.

However, it is essential for smaller investors to exercise caution, as whale-driven rallies can also lead to volatility and sharp corrections.

Long-term outlook shaped by on-chain and off-chain factors

While whale accumulation is a powerful short-to-medium-term indicator, XRP’s long-term price trajectory will depend on a combination of on-chain fundamentals and off-chain developments.

These include Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, adoption of XRP in cross-border payments, and broader crypto market trends.

If the current accumulation trend persists and the symmetrical triangle breakout materializes, XRP could chart new highs by late 2025.

This scenario would validate the bullish thesis supported by whale flows and technical analysis, positioning XRP as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape.