XRP Mixed Signals: Korean Reserves Drop, ETFs See First Outflow
XRP shows mixed signals as South Korean exchange reserves drop while US spot ETFs record their first net outflow.Summary
XRP is presenting conflicting market signals at the start of 2026. Reserves on major South Korean exchanges, Upbit and Bithumb, have dropped significantly, mirroring the pattern that preceded XRP's 560% rally in late 2024. This suggests accumulation by long-term holders, as 22 million tokens were moved off exchanges since December 31, 2025. Furthermore, whale transactions on the XRP Ledger hit a three-month high of 2,802 on January 6. However, this bullish indicator is contrasted by institutional cooling, as US spot XRP ETFs recorded their first net outflow of $40.8 million on January 7 since their November 2025 launch. The divergence complicates the outlook, as historical data shows that exchange outflows alone do not guarantee a rally, and the key question is whether Korean retail accumulation can counteract the softening institutional demand.
(Source：BeInCrypto)