Ripple’s XRP has been struggling to regain its momentum, as its performance continues to lag behind that of its competitors in the crypto market. from CoinMarketCap reveals that XRP has been the most underperforming large-cap cryptocurrency over the past month, with gains of just over 4%. This stands in stark contrast to the significant increases seen in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, to name a few, leaving investors disappointed and questioning the future of the digital asset.

Are Whales Slowly Losing Appetite For XRP?

Adding to the challenges, data from Santiment indicates that XRP whales, the major holders of the cryptocurrency, have shown a lack of confidence in the digital asset. The percentage of the coin’s supply in profit has declined from almost 90% in November last year to below 80% at present.

Source: Santiment

This decrease suggests that XRP whales have been selling their holdings rather than accumulating more, painting a bearish picture for the cryptocurrency’s future. Furthermore, XRP whales have exhibited lower long exposure compared to retail investors, who are typically considered to have a better understanding of market trends. This lack of conviction among whales further dampens sentiment surrounding XRP. Once a prominent player in the cryptocurrency market, XRP has experienced a significant decline in its influence. CoinMarketCap data highlights that XRP’s dominance in the market has plummeted from a peak of 30% in 2017 to a mere 1.48% as of February 2024.

XRP market cap currently at $31.4 billion. Chart: 

The SEC lawsuit initiated against Ripple, the company behind XRP, along with the bear market of 2022, have taken a toll on the cryptocurrency’s value. Since reaching its peak in January 2018, XRP has lost nearly three-quarters of its market valuation, leaving investors and enthusiasts disheartened. While the recent price action and market sentiment surrounding XRP may not inspire much optimism, the cryptocurrency landscape remains highly unpredictable. Investors and enthusiasts will closely monitor XRP’s ability to regain its footing and overcome the challenges it currently faces. As the market continues to evolve, only time will reveal whether XRP can regain its former glory or if it will continue to struggle amidst fierce competition in the cryptocurrency space.

IMF Report Could Push XRP Price Up 

Despite these challenges, there are potential catalysts that could inject positive energy into the market. from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the importance of digital currencies has garnered investor interest.

Source: 

The report examines the potential benefits of digital money in advancing public policy goals, such as financial inclusion and improved cross-border connectivity. Notably, the report highlights Ripple’s partnership with Palau, where they are exploring plans to launch a sovereign stablecoin. This collaboration underscores Ripple’s global reach and its involvement in the development of central bank digital currencies and sovereign stablecoins. XRP’s struggle to regain momentum and underperformance compared to its competitors have disappointed investors. The declining influence of XRP, coupled with a lack of confidence displayed by XRP whales, further amplifies concerns about the cryptocurrency’s future. However, potential positive developments, such as the IMF report and Ripple’s partnership with Palau, offer a glimmer of hope amidst a challenging environment. The sixth-largest cryptocurrency was trading at $0.56 at the time of writing, and bulls’ prior attempts to break through that barrier had failed.

Featured image from , chart from TradingView