XRP continues to struggle for bullish momentum as market sentiment remains heavily bearish. After weeks of declining prices and fading trading volume, the token is still trading below the $2.5 mark, with traders growing increasingly cautious. While some analysts interpret this as a cooling-off period before the next potential expansion phase, fear and uncertainty continue to dominate the market’s short-term outlook.

Adding to the tension, top CryptoQuant analyst Maartunn revealed that Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder, has realized over $764 million in profits since January 2018 from XRP-related sales. According to on-chain data, Larsen’s selling activity tends to coincide with local price peaks — a pattern that raises questions about whether current market behavior could signal another turning point.

Although such sales are not uncommon among large holders, timing and consistency are key factors that often influence investor sentiment. For many, these moves highlight the delicate balance between long-term strategic profit-taking and the perception of insider confidence in the project’s future. As XRP battles to hold current levels, the market will be closely watching whether institutional players and insiders maintain their exposure — or continue to cash out amid growing volatility.

Chris Larsen’s Recurring Profit-Taking and the Fragile State of Altcoins

According to analyst Maartunn, Chris Larsen’s latest XRP sale is connected to EvernorthXRP, an entity believed to be one of the wallets managing Ripple-linked holdings and distributions. While this particular transaction might appear routine, Maartunn points out that it fits a recurring pattern — Larsen has consistently realized large profits close to local market highs. Each time XRP experiences a rally, significant selling activity from wallets tied to Ripple executives tends to follow.

This recurring behavior fuels debate around insider timing and investor sentiment. While such moves can be interpreted as simple portfolio rebalancing, they often occur when retail enthusiasm peaks, amplifying uncertainty during already fragile market conditions. The timing of Larsen’s sales — amid a broader altcoin correction — has intensified speculation that large holders are preparing for extended market weakness.

The current environment for altcoins remains particularly delicate. Many tokens are sitting near long-term support zones, trading well below their 200-day moving averages. Historically, altcoins have only regained strong bullish momentum after Bitcoin has convincingly broken above its all-time high (ATH). Without this confirmation from BTC, capital tends to stay conservative, favoring liquidity and safety over speculation.

In essence, Larsen’s consistent profit-taking and the wider altcoin stagnation highlight the market’s transitional phase. Until Bitcoin reasserts dominance through a clean breakout, most altcoins — including XRP — are likely to face muted inflows and persistent volatility. Investors are now watching whether Bitcoin’s next major move will reignite confidence across the crypto landscape or confirm that the current rally was just another temporary bounce in an uncertain cycle.

XRP Price Analysis: Testing Support as Momentum Fades

XRP continues to trade under pressure, consolidating around the $2.40 zone after failing to reclaim its short-term moving averages. The 3-day chart shows the token struggling below both the 50-day and 100-day moving averages, signaling persistent bearish momentum. The recent rejection near the $2.60–$2.70 area aligns with a key resistance cluster that has consistently capped upside attempts since early October.

Despite the current weakness, XRP has managed to hold above the 200-day moving average, which currently sits near $2.00 — a level that has historically acted as strong dynamic support. If this level fails, the next downside target could lie around $1.80–$1.90, where the previous accumulation zone formed earlier this year.

On the upside, bulls would need to push the price decisively above $2.70 to regain control and confirm a short-term trend reversal. Such a move would likely attract fresh liquidity and shift sentiment toward recovery.

XRP remains in a vulnerable position, with price action suggesting indecision and a lack of strong buying volume. As Bitcoin continues to dictate broader market direction, XRP’s ability to hold above its 200-day moving average will be crucial to avoid deeper losses in the sessions ahead.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com