Ripple Whales Accumulate as XRP Slides to $1

XRP is facing one of its most significant corrections in recent years. After reaching a cycle high of $3.65 in July 2025, the cryptocurrency has dropped to around $1.12, losing nearly 70% of its value. While the sharp decline has raised concerns about whether XRP could fall below $1, on-chain data tells a different story.

Recent blockchain metrics reveal increasing whale activity, with large investors accumulating XRP despite the ongoing market weakness. As traders evaluate the next move, the combination of technical support zones and growing accumulation has become a major focus in the latest Ripple news.

Key Takeaways

• XRP has declined nearly 70% from its 2025 peak, continuing a pattern seen multiple times in previous market cycles.

• Whale wallets holding XRP have reached record levels, suggesting ongoing accumulation rather than panic selling.

• Key support levels between $0.70 and $0.92 may determine whether XRP falls below $1 or begins a recovery.

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XRP Price Slide Mirrors Previous Market Cycles

The current XRP price slide is not unprecedented. Over the last five years, XRP has experienced several major corrections exceeding 40% within six-month periods.

Some notable examples include:

• The SEC lawsuit shock in late 2020, which triggered a 73% decline.

• The broader crypto bear market between 2021 and 2022, resulting in an 85% drawdown.

• The aftermath of the FTX collapse in 2022.

• The ongoing correction following XRP's all-time high cycle in 2025.

Historically, XRP has demonstrated a tendency for sharp declines followed by extended consolidation periods before eventually recovering.

READ ALSO: XRP Spot ETFs Pull $1.44 Billion Across Six Weeks of Inflows

Ripple Whales XRP Holdings Reach New Highs

Source: DepositPhotos

Despite falling prices, large investors appear to be increasing their exposure.

According to recent on-chain data:

• More than 25 million XRP have been moved off exchanges.

• Binance inflows have fallen to their lowest levels of 2026.

• Whale wallets have reached a record 332,230 addresses.

These indicators suggest that many investors view the current weakness as an opportunity for XRP accumulation rather than a signal to exit positions.

In cryptocurrency markets, reduced exchange balances often indicate that holders intend to keep assets for longer periods instead of preparing to sell them.

Key Support Levels That Could Decide XRP's Future

Technical analysts are closely monitoring several important price zones.

Immediate Support

The region between $1.14 and $1.18 has become a critical short-term battleground. A sustained break below this area could increase selling pressure.

Major Support Zone

Many analysts identify $0.92 as the next major support level. If buyers fail to defend this zone, XRP could test lower levels.

Bearish Scenario

Using historical market structures and Gaussian Channel analysis, some analysts estimate a possible floor between $0.70 and $0.90.

A move into this range would represent an additional decline of approximately 20% to 40% from current levels.

Why 2026 Is Different From Previous XRP Crashes

Although technical risks remain, several fundamental developments distinguish the current cycle from previous downturns.

Unlike 2022, XRP now benefits from:

• Greater regulatory clarity.

• Recognition as a commodity by major U.S. regulators.

• Spot XRP ETF products that have attracted more than $1 billion in inflows.

• Expanding institutional participation across the XRP ecosystem.

These developments have strengthened the long-term demand outlook for XRP, even as short-term volatility continues.

XRP Prediction 2026: Can XRP Stay Above $1?

The outlook for XRP depends heavily on whether buyers can maintain support above the psychological $1 level.

Bullish factors include:

• Record whale activity crypto data.

• Lower exchange inflows.

• Continued institutional interest.

• Growing ETF adoption.

Bearish factors include:

• Weak overall crypto market sentiment.

• Technical resistance near the 200-week EMA around $1.40.

• Historical precedents showing deeper corrections before recovery.

As a result, analysts remain divided. Some expect XRP to stabilize above $1 and gradually recover, while others believe a temporary drop toward $0.80 remains possible before a stronger rebound emerges.

For long-term investors, the current market environment may represent an opportunity to buy XRP dip Bitrue or other regulated exchanges while maintaining proper risk management.

READ ALSO: Global Crypto Regulation by Country for 2026 (New Update)

Conclusion

XRP's decline toward $1 has created uncertainty across the market, but historical trends suggest such corrections are not unusual for the asset. At the same time, growing XRP accumulation by whales, falling exchange inflows, and increasing institutional adoption indicate that confidence among larger investors remains intact.

Whether XRP falls below $1 will likely depend on how the market reacts to key support levels around $0.92 and broader crypto market conditions. For now, whale behavior suggests many investors are preparing for the next phase of the XRP cycle rather than abandoning the asset.

FAQ

Why is XRP falling in 2026?

XRP is experiencing a broader market correction after reaching a major peak in 2025, combined with ongoing risk-off sentiment in crypto markets.

Are whales buying XRP during the dip?

Yes. On-chain data shows increasing whale wallet numbers and significant XRP transfers away from exchanges.

Can XRP fall below $1?

It is possible. Analysts identify support around $0.92, with a deeper downside range between $0.70 and $0.90.

What is XRP accumulation?

XRP accumulation refers to investors purchasing and holding XRP over time, often during periods of market weakness.

Is XRP expected to recover?

Many analysts believe long-term recovery remains possible due to institutional adoption, ETF inflows, and improving regulatory clarity.

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