XRP price prediction as whale activity plunges 60% in 9 days
As XRP faces mounting bearish pressure, the asset appears to be entering a consolidation phase following a sharp decline in whale activity across the network.
On-chain data from Santiment, shared by cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez on May 23, shows that XRP transactions worth more than $1 million dropped from 157 nine days ago to just 67, marking a decline of 57%.
XRP whale activity chart. Source: Santiment
The slowdown in high-value transfers comes as XRP trades around $1.30 after a volatile period for the broader cryptocurrency market.
Notably, the decline in whale activity suggests major investors may be stepping back, potentially allowing the current trading range to stabilize.
Historically, falling large transaction volumes have often coincided with lower volatility and tighter consolidation as markets await a fresh catalyst.
Reduced whale participation may indicate institutional traders are waiting for clearer macroeconomic signals, regulatory developments, or stronger crypto market momentum before taking larger positions.
XRP network activity streaks
Interestingly, the drop in whale activity contrasts with another Santiment dataset showing XRP recorded one of its strongest network growth streaks of 2026 as of May 21.
According to the data, the XRP Ledger added about 4,300 new wallets on May 20, marking the fourth-largest daily increase in wallet creation this year.
Daily active addresses also climbed to some of their highest levels in recent months, signaling renewed user engagement despite market weakness.
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Santiment’s data also showed a rebound in network growth after a slowdown earlier in May. Analysts often view rising wallet creation and active address metrics as signs of improving adoption and stronger blockchain participation, especially during periods of price consolidation.
📈 $XRP has had 4,300 new wallets created in 24 hours, the 4th largest spike of 2026. Network growth is among the top leading signals to identify reversals.
🔗 Check out XRP’s network growth and level of address activity any time with this handy chart: https://t.co/8jwj1uvJta pic.twitter.com/Fbo1WRKEN8
— Santiment Intelligence (@SantimentData) May 21, 2026
XRP price analysis
By press time, XRP was trading at $1.31, down more than 3% in the past 24 hours and over 6% on the weekly chart.
XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold
XRP remains bearish, trading below its 50-day SMA of $1.40 and 200-day SMA of $1.70, signaling weak short- and long-term momentum.
Meanwhile, the 14-day RSI at 43.45 indicates neutral sentiment but suggests fading buying pressure, leaving the asset vulnerable to further downside unless momentum improves.
Despite the decline, the token has managed to hold above the key $1.30 support level, helping limit the risk of a sharper short-term correction.
XRP is expected to remain range-bound between $1.20 and $1.40 unless whale activity rebounds. A break above $1.40 could pave the way for a move toward $1.50 if broader market sentiment improves.
However, continued weakness in whale participation and trading volume could push XRP back toward the $1.10-$1.20 support zone.
