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As markets brace for Jerome Powell’s address at the Jackson Hole symposium, Binance’s largest traders are quietly reducing their exposure to XRP. The shift, though measured, reflects rising caution around one of the crypto market’s key assets.
Between August 20 and 21, the share of long margin positions in XRP dropped from 78.12% to 74.15%, while short positions climbed to 25.85%. The long/short ratio slipped from 3.57 to 2.87. Open interest data reveals an even sharper move: 65.98% longs versus 34.02% shorts, bringing the ratio down to 1.94, its lowest level in weeks.
Whale accounts remain mostly long, but they are scaling back risk. This repositioning does not indicate a loss of faith in XRP but highlights the desire to stay cautious until Powell provides clarity on the macroeconomic outlook.
Powell as the Key Risk Factor
The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium (August 21–23) is being closely monitored across global markets. Every word from Powell carries weight as inflation remains the Federal Reserve’s main concern. Recent CPI and PPI figures came in hotter than expected, reinforcing expectations of a more hawkish stance.
A firm policy signal from the Fed could add pressure to risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Conversely, a softer message tied to labor market weakness could provide relief and support a rebound in tokens like XRP.
🇺🇸 Powell’s Jackson Hole speeches move Bitcoin.
2023: Hawkish → pump, then dump.
2024: Dovish → pump, then dumpTomorrow he speaks again.
Expect major volatility.
Trade leverage with caution. pic.twitter.com/WZ7LVzTVig
— Crypto Rover (@rovercrc) August 21, 2025
XRP Price Action Reflects Macro Anxiety
XRP has dropped more than 8% in two weeks, sliding from $3.15 to below $2.90. The decline mirrors broader crypto weakness since early August, fueled by macro volatility and regulatory uncertainty.
Despite trimming exposure, large holders remain net-long on XRP via crypto futures, suggesting their confidence is not gone, only on pause until the Fed signals its next move.
Wait or Buy the Dip?
For some investors, whale caution could present a buying opportunity, as reduced exposure may temporarily undervalue XRP. However, the strategy remains risky if Powell adopts a tougher tone than markets anticipate.
The latest moves highlight how crypto markets are increasingly driven by macroeconomic forces. Technology, liquidity, and network fundamentals matter less in the short term than Fed policy, inflation, and jobs data.
In the coming days, XRP’s fate, and that of the wider crypto market, will hinge on Jackson Hole.
