Ripple Moves 200 Million XRP in Surprise Transaction

Ripple just made an unusual move that’s got people talking. Instead of sticking to its typical monthly XRP unlocks, the company shifted a staggering 200 million tokens—worth around $606 million—to an unknown wallet. The transaction popped up on Whale Alert’s radar on August 18, and it’s raising eyebrows.

Timing is everything, right? This happened just as XRP dipped below $3, even if only briefly. Some traders are already bracing for more short-term pressure, wondering if this transfer could be the start of something bigger.

What’s Behind the Move?

Opinions are split. A few analysts think it might be routine—something tied to Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service or maybe groundwork for institutional deals. In that case, it’s more about moving reserves around than dumping tokens.

But others aren’t so sure. Ripple’s handling of XRP supply has always been under a microscope, and a transfer this size fuels speculation. Could the company be gearing up to sell? It’s hard to say, but the market’s definitely on edge.

Then there’s the bigger picture. Whale activity always stirs up chatter, especially when Ripple’s involved. With rumors about ETFs and institutional interest floating around, every move feels magnified.

XRP’s Price Hangs in the Balance

If those 200 million XRP hit the market, things could get messy. The token’s already fighting to stay above $3, and the wider crypto slump isn’t helping. At the time of writing, XRP was at $3.06, down slightly for the day and about 4% over the past week.

Technically, it’s a mixed bag. The price is just above the 50-day moving average ($2.95), which usually means short-term momentum isn’t terrible. But the 200-day average sits way lower at $1.93, a reminder that the long-term trend still looks shaky.

The RSI, at 51, doesn’t give much away—it’s neutral, not pointing to overbought or oversold conditions. So for now, it’s a waiting game. If XRP can hold above that 50-day line, maybe the bulls have a shot. If not, well, things could get rough.

Either way, this transfer adds another layer of uncertainty. Ripple’s next move—or lack thereof—could decide where XRP heads next.