Release of 1 Billion XRP
On October 1, Ripple released 1 billion XRP in three separate transactions—500 million, 400 million, and 100 million XRP, respectively—bringing the total value of the unlocked assets to a staggering $621.76 million. The data, reported by blockchain tracker Whale Alert, highlights the significant increase in circulating supply, sparking apprehension among investors due to the law of supply and demand.
XRP Price Performance: Immediate Impact
Following the release of the 1 billion XRP, the price of Ripple’s native token experienced a sharp decline. In the last 24 hours, XRP dropped by 5 percent, falling to $0.6214. The lowest point recorded was $0.611, while the highest reached $0.6524. This sudden dip in value reflects the market’s reaction to the increased supply, which often puts downward pressure on prices.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term: A Positive Outlook?
Despite the short-term drop, XRP’s price performance over the past week and month remains positive. On a weekly chart, XRP has seen a 6 percent increase, and on a monthly chart, an impressive 11 percent rise. Analysts believe that these upward trends indicate strong long-term potential for the cryptocurrency, driven by whale accumulations and Ripple’s ongoing developments in the stablecoin market.
Ripple recently minted 80,000 RLUSD, further fueling market optimism. This, combined with a general rally in the cryptocurrency market, offers hope that XRP may continue its upward trajectory in the coming months.
Futures Market and Analyst Predictions
However, the futures market shows mixed signals. According to Coinglass data, open interest (OI) in XRP futures decreased by 7 percent to $956 million, while derivatives volume dropped by 50 percent to $2.21 billion. This uncertainty reflects the cautious stance investors are taking as they await further market developments.
Looking ahead, some analysts predict that XRP could approach the $3 target by Christmas, assuming market conditions remain favorable. The price fluctuation observed with the recent coin unlocking highlights the delicate balance between supply and demand, but the overall upward trend offers a glimmer of hope for investors.
Ripple’s release of 1 billion XRP has had a significant short-term impact on the cryptocurrency’s price, with a 5 percent drop in the past 24 hours. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, as weekly and monthly price charts suggest a strong potential for growth. Analysts believe that XRP could see significant gains in the coming months, making it a cryptocurrency to watch closely.
As always, investors should stay informed and monitor market conditions to make well-informed decisions.
