XRP News 2025: Why Is the Price Dropping Despite ETF Approval? Long-Term Holders Step In
- Why Are XRP Long-Term Holders Holding the Line?
- NUPL Data: The Hidden Bullish Signal
- Key Price Levels to Watch
- ETF Paradox: Why No Price Boost?
- FAQ: Your XRP Questions Answered
XRP's price struggles persist despite the landmark ETF approval, but long-term holders (LTHs) are doubling down, signaling potential stability ahead. Glassnode data reveals declining sell pressure from LTHs, while the NUPL metric hints at restrained profit-taking—key factors that could fuel a rebound. TradingView charts highlight critical resistance levels at $2.85 and $2.94. Will XRP shake off the bearish sentiment, or is another dip looming? Let’s break it down.
Why Are XRP Long-Term Holders Holding the Line?
XRP’s "Liveliness" metric—a Glassnode tool tracking coin dormancy—has hit a two-month low, suggesting LTHs are hoarding rather than dumping. Historically, when this indicator flatlines, it precedes price recoveries. As of September 2025, these whales control ~40% of circulating supply, per CoinMarketCap, making their restraint pivotal. "In my experience, when LTHs freeze supply during downturns, it’s like coiling a spring," notes a BTCC analyst. The last time this happened in early 2024, XRP rallied 28% in six weeks.
NUPL Data: The Hidden Bullish Signal
The Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) for LTHs sits at 0.45—nowhere NEAR the 0.7 threshold that triggers mass sell-offs. For context, during XRP’s 2021 bull run, NUPL peaked at 0.82 before a 60% correction. Current levels imply holders are waiting for higher prices. "It’s a game of chicken," says a CryptoQuant contributor. "No one wants to cash out mediocre gains when Ripple’s legal clarity could spark a moonshot."
Key Price Levels to Watch
As of September 26, 2025, XRP trades at $2.84, per TradingView data. The make-or-break zones:
- $2.85: Flip this resistance to support, and $2.94 becomes likely.
- $2.94: A breakout here could target $3.02, erasing short-term bearishness.
- $2.75: Failure to hold risks a slide toward $2.64—a 2025 support floor.
ETF Paradox: Why No Price Boost?
Spot XRP ETFs debuted in August 2025, yet prices dipped 12% since. Blame macro headwinds: Bitcoin’s post-ETF slump dragged altcoins down. But there’s a twist—ETF inflows totaled $1.2B in Week 1 (vs. $800M for solana ETFs), per CoinShares. "ETFs are a slow burn," argues Bloomberg’s James Seyffart. "Institutional adoption takes quarters, not days."
FAQ: Your XRP Questions Answered
Why is XRP falling despite ETF approval?
Market-wide crypto weakness and profit-taking after the ETF announcement created selling pressure. ETFs need time to drive sustained demand.
How are long-term holders affecting XRP’s price?
LTHs reducing sell pressure (per Glassnode’s Liveliness metric) prevents steeper drops. Their accumulation could fuel future rallies.
What’s the next critical price level for XRP?
Breaking $2.85 resistance is key. Success could lead to $2.94, while failure risks a test of $2.75 support.
