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Title: XRP Faces Technical Pressure as Whales Accumulate 190 Million Tokens Ahead of Key SEC Deadline
– Large investors have added 190 million XRP to their holdings despite bearish technical signals.
– Market watchers focus on potential breakout above $2.20 and the SEC’s key June 16 deadline.
XRP has been navigating a rough patch through early June, with sellers holding a tight grip on price action. On May 30, a death cross emerged on the four-hour chart, where the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) slipped below the 200-day SMA—a classic indicator of bearish momentum. The last instance of this pattern, seen in March, led to a steep 23% price drop within a week to a $1.67 low.
Currently, XRP is trading around $2.18. Chart formations suggest further downside risk. A bearish inverted cup and handle pattern appears to be taking shape. Should XRP fall below $2.06—the nearest key support level—it could extend lower to $1.71 or even $1.68.
Still, there are early signs of a possible reversal. Momentum indicators, including the MACD, are showing glimmers of recovery. A narrowing gap between the main and signal lines may hint at a shift in trend, provided this crossover materializes. If the 50-day SMA starts leveling off or pointing higher, that could weaken the bearish setup. For now, however, traders are focused on whether $2.06 can hold as support.
Whales Keep Accumulating Despite Unfavorable Charts
Despite the bearish signals, large-scale XRP holders have been steadily accumulating. According to analytics firm Santiment, wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP increased their collective holdings by 190 million tokens in just one week—rising from 6.08 billion to 6.27 billion XRP.
This activity may be linked to growing anticipation surrounding the ongoing legal case between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Attorney Bill Morgan has pointed out June 16 as a significant date—the day the SEC’s 60-day appeal window closes. Market participants appear to be betting on a favorable outcome for Ripple.
Echoing that sentiment, legal expert Keri Axel of Waymaker LLP noted that appeal stages in cases like this often conclude in settlements. “It’s a short-term hurdle. Cases settle on appeal all the time. The parties are going to find a way to resolution,” Axel said, signaling that an end to the case may not be far off.
ETF Speculation Fuels Optimism
Investor confidence in XRP isn’t just tied to regulatory developments. Over on Polymarket, a decentralized prediction platform, nearly 88% of users now believe that a spot XRP ETF will be approved by the end of 2025. This surge in optimism has added bullish pressure to an otherwise fragile technical outlook.
Crypto analyst Bitguru highlighted that XRP has recently bounced off its lows and is now nudging resistance at $2.20. A decisive breakout above this level could reignite bullish momentum and prompt fresh buying. Until then, traders remain cautious as a breakdown remains possible, particularly given the lingering death cross pattern.
In summary, $2.20 has become the key level to watch. A strong move above it could mark the beginning of a trend reversal. But if XRP fails to clear this hurdle, the current downward trajectory may continue.
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Images Source: TradingView, Crypto-News-Flash.com, X.
Whale accumulation signals bullish sentiment
While XRP’s price action has been wavering under technical pressure, large-scale investors—often referred to as “whales”—are doubling down on their bets. In just one week, wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP have collectively added a staggering 190 million tokens to their balances. According to blockchain analytics platform Santiment, this brings the total held by this cohort from 6.08 billion to 6.27 billion XRP. That’s not a casual top-up—it’s a deliberate, calculated move that signals growing confidence despite the bearish backdrop.
This kind of accumulation typically reflects a long-term bullish outlook. Whales, known for their market-moving power, often act ahead of retail traders, positioning themselves in anticipation of a catalyst. In XRP’s case, that catalyst might just be the looming June 16 deadline—the date marking the closure of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) 60-day window to appeal a court ruling in its high-profile case against Ripple Labs.
Attorney Bill Morgan, who closely follows the Ripple vs. SEC saga, has emphasized the significance of this date. If the SEC opts not to appeal or if the deadline passes without major developments, it could imply a legal victory—or at least a strategic edge—for Ripple. This legal clarity would be a green light for institutional players who have long been sitting on the sidelines, wary of regulatory uncertainty.
Adding to the optimism, legal experts like Keri Axel of Waymaker LLP have voiced the possibility of a resolution soon. “Cases settle on appeal all the time,” Axel noted, suggesting that both parties may be inching toward a compromise. If a settlement is reached or the case closes in Ripple’s favor, it would effectively remove one of XRP’s biggest overhangs, potentially unlocking a wave of institutional interest.
Beyond legal matters, whale behavior is often a leading indicator of strategic positioning. These investors are not swayed by short-term volatility; they’re playing the long game. Their accumulation, especially during periods of technical weakness, suggests a belief that XRP is undervalued at current levels and poised for a rebound.
- Whale wallets added 190 million XRP in one week despite bearish charts
- Total holdings grew to 6.27 billion XRP among 1M–10M token holders
- June 16 SEC deadline seen as a potential turning point
- Legal experts forecast possible settlement, adding bullish sentiment
In the crypto world, where sentiment can shift on a dime, whale accumulation often serves as a smoke signal for upcoming moves. And with XRP’s legal clouds potentially clearing, these heavyweight investors may be positioning themselves for a breakout that could catch the broader market off guard.
Market reaction and price trends
Despite the surge in whale activity, XRP’s price action has remained tightly range-bound, reflecting a market caught between cautious optimism and technical resistance. Over the past week, XRP has hovered near the .18 mark, struggling to establish a clear direction. This sideways movement comes amid heightened anticipation around the June 16 regulatory deadline and growing speculation over a potential spot ETF. Yet, technical headwinds remain a major hurdle for bullish momentum.
One of the most pressing concerns for traders is the recent death cross formation on XRP’s four-hour chart—a bearish pattern where the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) crosses below the 200-day SMA. Historically, this has signaled downward pressure, and the last occurrence in March led to a sharp 23% decline. The current setup is eerily similar, making short-term traders wary of entering long positions without a confirmed reversal.
Adding to the uncertainty is the formation of an inverted cup and handle pattern, another bearish signal that suggests XRP could retrace toward the .70 range if support at .06 fails to hold. Market sentiment is fragile, with lower highs forming on the chart, indicating that bulls are struggling to regain control. Yet, XRP has not broken below the .06 threshold, which remains the critical line in the sand for now.
Interestingly, the market appears to be reacting more to macro events than to technicals alone. The possibility of a favorable outcome in Ripple’s legal case seems to be cushioning XRP from steeper losses. Traders are also closely watching the .20 resistance level; a decisive breakout above this point could invalidate the bearish patterns and trigger a short squeeze, sending prices higher in a hurry.
On-chain data adds another layer of insight. Daily active addresses and transaction volumes have been rising slowly, pointing to growing engagement from the XRP community. This uptick in activity, while not yet explosive, suggests that retail interest is returning—possibly in response to whale moves and bullish legal speculation. If these metrics continue to build, they could provide the fundamental support needed to bolster any technical breakout.
- XRP trades near .18 with resistance at .20 and support at .06
- Death cross and inverted cup and handle signal short-term bearish pressure
- Break above .20 could trigger bullish momentum and invalidate bearish setups
- On-chain metrics show increasing engagement, hinting at renewed investor interest
In essence, XRP’s market reaction remains a tug-of-war between bearish technicals and bullish fundamentals. The next few trading sessions—particularly as the June 16 deadline approaches—could prove pivotal. Traders are keeping their eyes glued to the charts, waiting for either a breakdown below support or a breakout above resistance to set the tone for XRP’s next major move.
Technical indicators suggest potential breakout
Despite the bearish undertones dominating XRP’s recent chart patterns, several technical indicators are beginning to flash early signs of a potential reversal. Traders who thrive on reading the tea leaves of momentum oscillators and moving averages are starting to notice subtle shifts that could signal the end of the current downtrend—if, and it’s a big if, key resistance levels can be broken convincingly.
First and foremost is the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), a go-to for many technical analysts. On the four-hour chart, the MACD line is inching closer to the signal line, creating the possibility of a bullish crossover. While not confirmed yet, such a move could be the spark that ignites a short-term rally, especially if it coincides with a surge in volume. Historically, MACD crossovers in XRP have preceded sharp price movements, making this a key metric to monitor.
Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering in neutral territory—neither overbought nor oversold—offering plenty of room for upward momentum. The RSI has been gradually climbing from the low 40s toward the mid-50s, indicating that selling pressure is waning. A break above the 60 level could serve as confirmation that bulls are regaining control, especially if accompanied by a strong candlestick close above resistance.
Another promising sign is the behavior of XRP’s 50-day simple moving average (SMA). While it still sits below the 200-day SMA—maintaining the so-called “death cross”—the gap between the two has started to narrow. If the shorter-term average begins to flatten or curl upward, it could signal that bearish momentum is losing steam. A bullish crossover, while still a few sessions away, would add significant weight to a potential breakout narrative.
Volume is also telling a story of its own. Although still below peak levels seen during XRP’s last rally, there has been a gradual uptick in trading volume during green candles. This divergence between price consolidation and increasing volume often precedes a breakout, as it suggests accumulation rather than distribution. In other words, smart money might be quietly loading up while retail remains hesitant.
Of course, all eyes are on the .20 resistance level. This price has become something of a psychological barrier, tested multiple times in recent sessions. A clean break above .20—especially if followed by a retest and bounce—could flip this level into solid support and open the path toward .50 or even .70 in the medium term.
- MACD crossover on the horizon, signaling potential bullish momentum
- RSI climbing steadily, indicating diminishing selling pressure
- 50-day SMA flattening, could hint at a trend reversal if upward movement continues
- Volume increase during green candles points to stealth accumulation
- .20 resistance level remains the key breakout zone to watch
While XRP hasn’t broken free just yet, the technical puzzle pieces are starting to align. If momentum continues to build and the broader market sentiment remains supportive—especially with the SEC deadline looming—XRP could be poised for a chart-defying breakout that catches many off guard. Traders and investors alike are watching closely, ready to pounce at the first confirmed signal of a trend reversal.
Future outlook for XRP investors
With technical indicators showing signs of life and whale wallets stacking up XRP, the landscape for investors is becoming increasingly intriguing. While short-term traders remain cautious due to lingering bearish patterns, long-term holders might see this as a golden window of opportunity. The convergence of legal clarity, potential ETF approval, and strategic whale accumulation paints a scenario where XRP could be preparing for a major pivot.
From an investment perspective, the key lies in timing and risk management. For those already holding XRP, the current setup suggests patience could pay off—especially if the token manages to break convincingly above the .20 resistance level. A clean breakout here could mark the beginning of a new bullish phase, with potential upside targets in the .70–.00 zone, based on Fibonacci extensions and historical resistance areas.
For new investors or those considering re-entry, the risk-reward ratio is starting to tilt favorably—albeit with a few caveats. Until XRP confirms a trend reversal, entry points near support at .06 or after a breakout above .20 would be considered more strategic. The ongoing legal battle with the SEC remains a wildcard, but as the June 16 deadline approaches, the fog could begin to lift, offering more certainty for institutional and retail participants alike.
Looking beyond price action, XRP’s real-world use case continues to strengthen its long-term value proposition. Ripple’s focus on cross-border payments and partnerships with global financial institutions underscore XRP’s utility in the evolving fintech ecosystem. As blockchain adoption accelerates, assets like XRP that offer speed, scalability, and low transaction costs are well-positioned to benefit from macro trends.
Moreover, the growing chatter around a potential spot XRP ETF introduces a fresh layer of institutional interest. If regulatory clarity emerges and an ETF gets approved in the next 12–18 months, it could act as a major catalyst, unlocking a flood of capital from traditional finance. This scenario would not only elevate XRP’s market cap but also validate its role as a legitimate digital asset in the eyes of mainstream investors.
- Breakout above .20 could signal a bullish trend shift and attract fresh buyers
- Support at .06 remains the safety net for cautious investors
- Legal clarity from the SEC case could unlock institutional inflows
- ETF speculation adds long-term bullish potential and mainstream visibility
- Real-world utility in global payments cements XRP’s value proposition
Investors should keep an eye on volume surges, breakout confirmations, and regulatory news to guide their decision-making. While volatility remains a constant in the crypto market, XRP’s combination of technical recovery signals, whale accumulation, and real-world utility offers a compelling case for bullish optimism—especially for those willing to weather short-term storms for long-term gains.