Gate News, March 17 — Key changes have occurred in on-chain and exchange data for XRP, with an increase in tradable supply on one hand and whale funds flowing back in on the other, signaling a new balance test for the market structure.
Latest data shows XRP reserves on centralized exchanges have risen to approximately 2.78 billion coins, the highest level since November 2025, reversing a months-long decline. Previously, the XRP balance on the platform dropped to around 2.55 billion coins, indicating a tightening of circulating supply at that time.
Generally, an increase in exchange reserves is seen as a potential bearish signal, as more assets become available for trading. However, analyst Arab Chain points out that this change could also reflect increased trading activity or funds positioning ahead of volatility, and does not necessarily mean short-term selling.
More noteworthy is the change on the demand side. On-chain data shows that the 30-day moving average of whale fund flows for XRP turned positive for the first time in March 2026, ending a four-month net outflow trend. This indicator is often used to gauge the behavior of large holders; a shift from negative to positive suggests whales have moved from gradual selling to reaccumulation.
If this trend continues, the newly added exchange supply may be gradually absorbed, easing downward pressure on the price. Meanwhile, XRP has performed strongly, rising about 10% in the past 24 hours, among the top gainers in mainstream cryptocurrencies, currently trading around $1.58 and hitting a one-month high.
The market’s key focus now is on the outcome of the tug-of-war between two forces: on one side, the potential selling pressure from increased exchange supply; on the other, the support from whales continuously accumulating. If buying interest can absorb the new liquidity, prices may stay high or even move higher; if supply outpaces demand growth, resistance could form above.
As March progresses, XRP’s fund flows and price performance will serve as important indicators for short-term trend analysis.