Altcoins update: XRP ETFs hit $1B in inflows; whales offload Ethereum

• XRP-linked ETFs have surpassed $1B in net inflows, defying broader market dips.
• Ethereum sees significant downward pressure amid whale exits.
• Broad markets remain deteriorated due to liquidity crunches.

Cryptocurrencies extended their weakness on Tuesday, with Bitcoin sliding toward $85K.

The value of all digital assets has declined by 3% over the past day to $2.96 trillion.

Sentiments are deteriorating daily due to thin liquidity, as even fundamentally healthy projects are failing to sustain prolonged upsides.

Amidst the gloomy outlook, investors are becoming more defensive, with institutional players reducing exposure as they rotate to narratives dominating the current landscape.

This divergence is visible in leading altcoins, XRP and Ethereum, in this case.

Let us explore further.

XRP spot ETF inflows hit $1B mark

Ripple’s token is recording a rare enterprise win amid broad market declines.

According to SoSoValue data, XRP-linked exchange-traded funds have hot $1 billion in cumulative inflows.

That marks a crucial milestone for a product that launched on November 13.

Notably, XRP ETFs have recorded consistent daily inflows since their debut.

The substantial inflows, within a short timeframe, indicate that expert investors are narrowing their focus and not exiting crypto altogether.

XRP’s compliant ETF structure makes it appealing for institutions seeking cryptocurrency exposure without handling operational risks or custody.

Most importantly, the inflows suggest a long-term positioning strategy, rather than chasing near-term price fluctuations.

Why is XRP standing out

XRP’s institutional attractiveness lies in its improved regulatory clarity and clear use cases.

Narratives matter the most during bearish sessions.

Indeed, traditional investors will justify a payment-focused blockchain ecosystem faster than highly speculative or experimental narratives.

Moreover, ETFs are crucial for enterprises looking to manage risk as they offer transparency, compliance, and liquidity.

These features are valuable during unstable markets and have helped XRP-related products absorb pressure as rivals endure outflows.

Meanwhile, XRP is trading at $1.92 after losing 7% the previous week.

ETH hit by large-scale selling

While the XRP community cheered staggering inflows, Ethereum is encountering immense selling pressure as large-scale holders reduce their exposure.

According to Lookonchain, BlackRock has deposited 47,463 ETH, valued at approximately $140 million, to Coinbase Prime.

Markets have interpreted the transaction as a preparation to sell.

At the same time, the Konstantin Lomashuk-linked wallet sold 14,585 tokens, worth roughly $42.71 million, today, when ETH changed hands at $2,928.

Also, Lookonchain revealed two whales that dumped Ethereum worth around $40.82 million, 14,000 tokens early today.

The magnitude and timing of these transfers have intensified bearish sentiments around the largest altcoin.

These transactions coincide with an already fragile market, amplifying downward momentum for ETH prices.

Ethereum is trading at $2,928 after losing 3% and 6% the past day and week.