On-chain data shows that XRP balances on crypto exchanges have declined sharply in recent weeks and have now reached their lowest level since 2018. This means that a steadily smaller share of the circulating supply is readily available for sale — a factor that could have a lasting impact on market dynamics.
What stands out is the scale of the outflows. Within a short period, billions of XRP have been withdrawn from trading platforms, pointing to an increased shift toward cold storage or investment products. Such movements are often associated with long-term positioning and tend to reduce selling pressure on the spot market. Market observers increasingly attribute these flows to institutional participants, who are locking up liquidity. However, the sharp decline in exchange-held XRP has not yet been reflected in current price action.
XRP: sideways movement with a slightly positive bias
Over the past 12 to 24 hours, the XRP price has traded within a narrow range between $1.87 on the downside and $1.88 on the upside. XRP is currently priced at around $1.87, slightly above its level from 24 hours ago. Market capitalization stands at approximately $113.5 billion.
From a technical perspective, the price is holding just above the EMA-20 near $1.87, suggesting mild short-term stabilization. Since late December, the broader picture has remained largely sideways, although slightly higher lows have recently formed. On the downside, the $1.84 area, together with the lower Bollinger Band, represents the first meaningful support. On the upside, the recent local high near $1.88 and the $1.92 zone cap upside potential. As long as XRP stays above the EMA-20, the short-term market environment can be classified as neutral to slightly positive.
Momentum and volatility
Momentum appears balanced. The RSI is around 51, sitting in neutral territory and signaling neither overheating nor pronounced selling pressure. At the same time, the slightly positive histogram suggests that buyers are currently able to keep the price above short-term averages.
Volatility remains low to moderate. Bollinger Bands are tightly compressed, indicating an ongoing consolidation phase around current price levels. Unless volatility expands significantly, further sideways movement is likely.
Short-term outlook
In the short term, the outlook for XRP remains neutral to slightly positive. A sustained breakout above the $1.88 area, ideally confirmed above $1.92, could open the path toward the psychologically important $2.00 level. On the downside, a break below the support zone around $1.84 would weaken the picture and increase short-term downside risks toward the $1.75 area. The key factor remains whether XRP can continue to defend the EMA-20 and resolve the tight trading range to the upside.
