In the cryptocurrency market, recent price movements indicate a tightening trend, with investors closely watching two major altcoins. XRP is approaching a technically significant resistance level that has been unbreakable for months, while aggressive acquisitions by Ethereum whales are drawing attention. Despite the apparent increase in risk appetite in the market, the lack of clarity in capital flows suggests that the coming days could be critical for investors.
XRP’s Promising Higher Lows
XRP has been fiercely battling just below the $2 mark in recent weeks. This zone has served as a robust selling area, resulting in previous price pullbacks each time it was tested. Attempts to break through this level without success have highlighted sellers’ continued control over the market.
However, the scenario began to change with the latest pullback. XRP’s strong buying response around $1.80 has limited the downward movement. Analyst Niels confirms that the reaction from this area has resulted in a higher low on the chart. A similar pattern preceded a strong upward trend in XRP in the past.
Significantly, the last correction stopped above the previous low point near $1.82, indicating that buyers are stepping in earlier. This suggests that sellers’ influence in pushing prices lower is weakening. All eyes are now on the $1.95 – $2.00 range, and a sustained break above this could confirm a clear bullish turn in market structure.
Whales Take Center Stage with Ethereum
Although market risk-taking tendencies are on the rise, capital rotation still predominantly favors Bitcoin. Despite this, Ethereum’s market dominance remains remarkably strong. After dropping to 11.5% at the end of November, ETH dominance has since rebounded to 13%.
During this period, Ethereum’s price hovered within the $3,000 – $3,500 range, a pattern that is considered no coincidence. On-chain data indicates that Ethereum whales consistently defended their costs around $2,796. This level, representing the realized price for long-term investors, has been tested and held several times.
Since November 21, whales have accumulated around 4.8 million ETH, which accounts for 4% of the circulating supply. These acquisitions have increased whale balances from 22.4 million ETH to 27.2 million ETH. With current prices, these investors are approximately $4.8 billion in profit.
However, not all risks are eliminated. Ethereum’s estimated leverage ratio (ELR) has risen to a six-month high of 2,964, indicating a rapid increase in leveraged positions in the market. Without a strong macro catalyst, a potential pullback could trigger a fresh wave of liquidations.
In addition, the increasing institutional interest in US spot Ethereum ETFs is another closely watched development, which could act as a significant factor supporting Ethereum demand in the medium term due to net inflows within ETFs.
