Author: Evan Mercer

  • Critical Week for Altcoins: Analyst Assesses Ethereum (ETH), XRP, SUI Outlook

    Critical Week for Altcoins: Analyst Assesses Ethereum (ETH), XRP, SUI Outlook

    A pivotal week is unfolding for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, with a convergence of major financial events and key technical setups drawing intense trader focus. The calendar kicks off on September 15 with the highly anticipated Clarity Act vote, followed by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday. Against this macroeconomic backdrop, prominent cryptocurrency analyst Ali Martinez has issued updated technical analyses for Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Sui (SUI), highlighting specific price levels and chart patterns that could dictate near-term market direction.

    Ethereum Eyes $3,000 on Ascending Triangle Breakout

    Martinez has identified a developing ascending triangle formation on the Ethereum 12-hour chart. According to his analysis, a decisive break above the pattern’s upper resistance zone could trigger a significant upward leg. The analyst draws a historical parallel, noting that ETH previously surged approximately 31 percent in just three days following a breakout from a similar structure. Should history rhyme, Martinez projects a measured move targeting the psychological $3,000 resistance level.

    SUI Flashes Potential Reversal Signal at Key Support

    For Sui, the TD Sequential indicator on the 12-hour timeframe has presented a new signal, which the analyst suggests could indicate a possible trend reversal. This signal materialized after SUI pulled back to the critical $0.70–$0.72 support zone. However, Martinez cautions that this single indicator does not, by itself, confirm the establishment of a new uptrend, urging traders to seek additional confirmation before committing capital.

    XRP Consolidates Ahead of Potential Triangle Apex Breakout

    Martinez also highlighted a significant technical formation for XRP. In a recent post, he outlined a scenario where the asset holds above the $1.31–$1.35 support zone. If this floor remains intact, the price action could compress toward the apex of the prevailing triangle formation. The analyst identifies $1.38 as the crucial resistance level to watch. A strong breakout above this threshold would strengthen the bullish case, potentially clearing a path for a rally toward the $1.60 region. Martinez notes that while he expects price to migrate toward the triangle’s peak if support holds, no specific ultimate price target was provided in the analysis.

    Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

  • UK Watchdog Weighs Tokenized Gold Reforms to Bolster Financial Market Efficiency

    UK Watchdog Weighs Tokenized Gold Reforms to Bolster Financial Market Efficiency

    UK FCA Considers Regulatory Exemptions for Tokenized Gold Products

    The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is evaluating targeted exemptions from existing fund regulations for specific tokenized gold products and market infrastructure, according to proposals scheduled for presentation on Monday. The initiative aims to foster innovation in the bullion market and reinforce London’s position as a leading global gold hub amid growing competition from China.

    Tokenization Potential for Bullion Markets

    Tokenization technology could streamline the transfer of physical gold across digital markets and unlock additional bullion for use as collateral in financial transactions. By creating digital representations of physical gold, the process may increase liquidity and accessibility for institutional investors.

    Regulatory Collaboration Underway

    The FCA confirmed that no final decisions have been reached. The Treasury and the Bank of England are participating in discussions to develop a potential regulatory framework. Separately, the central bank is examining broader rules governing tokenized collateral across financial markets.

    Strategic Context: Global Gold Hub Competition

    The move comes as China actively works to establish itself as a competing center for gold trading. London has historically dominated the global bullion market, and UK regulators appear keen to modernize the regulatory environment to maintain that leadership role in an increasingly digitized financial landscape.

  • ETH/BTC Ratio Surges 25% in Q3 as Ethereum Targets Strongest Quarter on Record

    ETH/BTC Ratio Surges 25% in Q3 as Ethereum Targets Strongest Quarter on Record

    Ethereum has significantly outperformed Bitcoin during the third quarter, with data suggesting a pronounced capital rotation into $ETH and higher-beta assets as $BTC stalled near the $80,000 resistance level.

    Dominance Metrics Signal Major Rotation

    According to a quarterly framework analysis, Bitcoin’s dominance grew by a modest 1.5% quarter-over-quarter. In contrast, Ethereum’s dominance surged over 25% during the same period. The $ETH/$BTC trading pair mirrored this strength, rising more than 25% in Q3—its highest quarterly increase since Q3 2025.

    However, the ratio remains capped near the 0.03 resistance area. A decisive break above this level would be required to confirm a sustained, bullish rotation into Ethereum.

    Source: TradingView ($ETH/$BTC)

    On-Chain Dynamics Favor Ethereum

    Bitcoin’s on-chain metrics provide further context for the shift. The asset’s True Market Mean Price is gradually approaching $76,921.27. Analysts suggest that if $BTC reaches this level, a fresh wave of selling pressure could trigger new exchange deposits, creating the liquidity conditions necessary for capital to rotate into Ethereum.

    One analyst predicts Ethereum will outperform Bitcoin once the broader market flips to a “risk-on” stance, driven by a confluence of on-chain and technical factors. With $ETH already delivering a 58%+ return in Q3, the question arises: is this growing fear of missing out (FOMO) setting the stage for Ethereum’s strongest third quarter on record?

    Ethereum Dominance and ROI Near Historic Highs

    On the technical front, Ethereum dominance ($ETH.D) has risen over 25% this quarter, aligning with the gain in the $ETH/$BTC ratio. Ethereum’s Q3 return on investment (ROI) is nearing 60%, closing in on the Q3 2025 record of over 66%. Should $ETH surpass that threshold, it would mark the asset’s best third-quarter performance in history.

    The concurrent rise in both dominance and absolute returns indicates that Ethereum’s ascent is not solely a byproduct of Bitcoin’s weakness. Instead, it reflects a genuine increase in investor appetite for the altcoin itself.

    Source: Coinglass

    ETF Inflows Validate Underlying Demand

    Recent exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows corroborate the thesis of strong fundamental demand for Ethereum. While rotational flows from Bitcoin account for a portion of the quarter’s gains, the sustained institutional interest suggests a structural shift. Bitcoin’s relative stagnation may continue to provide Ethereum with room to attract fresh capital as investors chase higher beta returns.

    Key Takeaways

    • $ETH.D and $ETH/$BTC are both up over 25% in Q3.
    • Strong ETF demand shows growing interest in Ethereum.
  • TD Cowen Sees 90% Upside for Smarter Web as Preferred Share Plan Advances

    TD Cowen Sees 90% Upside for Smarter Web as Preferred Share Plan Advances

    TD Cowen has raised its price target for The Smarter Web Company to £0.73 ($0.99) from £0.64 ($0.87) while maintaining a Buy rating, following the Bitcoin treasury firm’s proposal for a new perpetual preferred-share offering.

    In a Monday note to clients, analysts led by Lance Vitanza said the planned MORE preferred shares could provide another source of long-term capital and expand financing options for the London-listed company. Shares traded at £0.385 ($0.52) on Monday, up 1.32% from Friday’s close of £0.38 ($0.51), according to London Stock Exchange data. The revised target implies roughly 90% upside from Monday’s trading level.

    The increase partially reverses TD Cowen’s July adjustment, when the investment bank lowered its target from £1 to £0.64 after updating Bitcoin forecasts and treasury assumptions.

    Preferred Shares to Expand Capital Options

    The revised valuation follows Smarter Web’s September 11 announcement that it is considering an initial public offering of a new class of perpetual preferred shares under the reserved ticker MORE. TD Cowen said the proposed structure could give the company another route to raise long-duration capital alongside existing financing tools for its Bitcoin treasury operation.

    “More broadly, we view the initiative as evidence of increasing sophistication across the bitcoin treasury ecosystem as issuers explore preferred equity, secured credit facilities, convertible securities, and other forms of structured capital,” the analysts wrote.

    Smarter Web plans to raise between £15 million and £25 million in gross proceeds through the potential offering, with a minimum £10 million fundraising condition. Admission depends on shareholder approval and Financial Conduct Authority approval of a prospectus. The preferred shares are expected to carry a cumulative variable-rate preferential dividend paid weekly, include a liquidation preference, and grant the company redemption rights. MORE shares would not carry voting rights at general meetings. A general meeting is scheduled for September 28 for ordinary shareholders to vote on changes needed to create the new preferred-share class. If conditions are met, the securities are intended for admission to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

    The proposal follows other Bitcoin treasury companies using preferred securities to raise capital. Strategy has built several preferred-stock products around its Bitcoin financing model, while Strive has used preferred equity as part of its treasury funding structure. Strategy’s STRC preferred stock was listed by Binance in July after the company expanded its use of the security for funding and dividend-related capital management. Bitfinex Securities later listed tokenized treasury products linked to several public Bitcoin holders, including a product providing economic exposure to Strategy’s STRC preferred shares.

    Bitcoin Treasury Performance and Recent Activity

    TD Cowen’s revised target came as analysts assessed Smarter Web’s Bitcoin treasury performance following a financing repayment that temporarily reduced its holdings. The company reported a Bitcoin Yield of approximately 11.5% for the year through September 2, despite an approximately 420 basis point drag caused by the July 23 repayment of the TOBAM-backed Smarter Convert instrument.

    Smarter Web sold 177.8909127 BTC to repay the financing early, using Bitcoin originally purchased with proceeds from the instrument. As crypto.news previously reported, the $11.7 million repayment occurred around two weeks before maturity and removed the potential issuance of more than 7.7 million ordinary shares associated with the convertible structure. Chief executive Andrew Webley said at the time that the convertible had provided an alternative financing source during an earlier stage of the company’s treasury expansion, but management no longer considered convertible instruments the preferred funding option for its current position.

    The repayment left Smarter Web with exactly 2,700 BTC. It resumed buying soon afterward, purchasing another 11.89 BTC and bringing holdings to 2,712 BTC in early August. That purchase moved the company to 28th place in BitcoinTreasuries’ ranking of public corporate Bitcoin holders at the time.

    Smarter Web has used several funding channels during its treasury expansion. In May, the company disclosed it had drawn £18 million from a Coinbase credit facility secured against Bitcoin, with a leverage ratio of roughly 12.19%. The facility carried a variable interest rate of 6.75% to 7.25% and could be repaid without penalty. At the time, the company had increased its holdings to 2,869 BTC after purchasing 10 BTC at an average price of £55,786 per coin. Its total investment in Bitcoin stood at £232.48 million, with an average acquisition cost of £81,032 per BTC.

    Valuation Underpinned by Bitcoin Price Forecasts

    Bitcoin was approaching $78,000 on Monday and remained approximately 38% below its all-time high near $126,000. TD Cowen’s base case assumes Bitcoin reaches roughly $100,000 by December. Its upside scenario puts the cryptocurrency at $175,000, while the downside case assumes a decline to $25,000.

    The bank had previously revised its Smarter Web valuation in July after changing its Bitcoin price assumptions. At that point, TD Cowen assigned £63 million to the company’s treasury operations and projected year-end 2026 Bitcoin holdings worth £229 million. After accounting for an estimated £18 million of net debt, the analysts arrived at an equity value of £274 million, equivalent to £0.64 per share based on 426 million fully diluted shares.

    Company Background and Growth Strategy

    Smarter Web began building its Bitcoin treasury in 2025 under its long-term “10 Year Plan.” The company started accepting Bitcoin payments in 2022 before making BTC accumulation part of its corporate treasury policy. Its Bitcoin position expanded quickly through repeated purchases during 2025 and 2026, supported by equity raises, convertible financing, and secured borrowing. The firm moved from Aquis to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market in February 2026. TD Cowen expects Smarter Web’s acquisition activity to gradually return to the pace recorded during fiscal 2025 as the company continues developing its treasury and operating businesses.

  • Lighter Surges 11% as Whale Buys $2M LIT: Is $5 Still on the Cards?

    Lighter Surges 11% as Whale Buys $2M LIT: Is $5 Still on the Cards?

    Lighter ($LIT) Stages Trend Reversal, Surging 11% on Volume Spike and CLARITY Act Optimism

    Lighter ($LIT) appears to have found a local bottom after five consecutive days of declines, touching a low of $4.00 before mounting a sharp recovery. The altcoin surged 11% to a local high of $4.68 before settling near $4.55 at the time of writing, signaling a potential trend reversal.

    Volume Surge Confirms Buying Pressure

    The upside move was underpinned by a 52% spike in trading volume, which climbed to $75 million. Turnover also jumped significantly, rising by over $9 million to reach $37 million, according to data from Coinank. The simultaneous rise in volume and turnover points to strong buying pressure rather than short-covering alone.

    CLARITY Act Developments Fuel Renewed Demand

    Market sentiment received a boost from growing social chatter surrounding the CLARITY Act. Analyst Andy highlighted that Lighter stands to benefit from recent legislative developments, noting that Vlad’s presence on the CFTC innovation advisory committee positions the protocol favorably as clearer digital asset rules take shape. The market interprets this regulatory involvement as a strategic advantage for Lighter.

    Whales and Retail Traders Return Aggressively

    On-chain data reveals participation from both large holders and retail speculators. Arkham Intelligence shows a whale address withdrawing 500,000 $LIT—worth approximately $2.07 million—from the Lighter protocol during the rally. The accumulation amid rising prices suggests confidence in further upside.

    Derivatives activity corroborates the bullish tilt. Open Interest surged 13% to $512 million, while derivatives volume exploded 127%, per CoinGlass. The sharp rise in Open Interest alongside heavy volume indicates aggressive new position opening. The Long/Short Ratio on Binance reached 2.8, signaling that the majority of these new positions are long-biased.

    Technical Indicators Flash Early Bullish Signals

    On the technical front, $LIT has reclaimed both the 9-day and 21-day moving averages, reflecting renewed short-term bullish momentum. The Stochastic RSI formed a bullish crossover and climbed to 9, suggesting buyers are beginning to outpace sellers.

    However, the Stochastic RSI reading of 9 also serves as a caution: buyers have not yet fully seized control. The upward trajectory does indicate shifting power dynamics, but confirmation is needed.

    Key Level to Watch: $4.40 Close Above Short-Term MA

    For the uptrend to sustain and target a reclaim of $5.00, $LIT must secure a daily close above its short-term moving average near $4.40. A failure to hold this level could see the reversal stall and price drift back toward recent lows.

    Summary

    • Price Action: $LIT reversed a five-day downtrend, rallying 11% to $4.68 before retracing to ~$4.55.
    • Volume: Spot volume jumped 52% to $75M; turnover rose $9M+ to $37M (Coinank).
    • Catalyst: CLARITY Act progress and Vlad’s CFTC advisory role viewed as regulatory tailwinds.
    • Whale Activity: 500,000 $LIT ($2.07M) withdrawn from protocol amid rally (Arkham).
    • Derivatives: Open Interest +13% to $512M; derivatives volume +127%; Binance Long/Short Ratio 2.8 (CoinGlass).
    • Technicals: Price above 9/21-day MAs; Stochastic RSI bullish crossover at 9 (TradingView).
    • Invalidation: Daily close below ~$4.40 short-term MA.
  • Cardano Price Holds $0.20, But Critical Level Could Decide ADA Recovery

    Cardano Price Holds $0.20, But Critical Level Could Decide ADA Recovery

    Cardano Price Holds $0.20 Support Amid Bitcoin Volatility, Faces Key Resistance at $0.26-$0.28

    Cardano ($ADA) has gained 2.42% over the past 24 hours, accompanied by a 2.5% rise in Open Interest, signaling renewed derivatives activity. The altcoin is up 17.7% over the past month, outperforming many peers despite Bitcoin ($BTC) slipping back below the $80,000 mark after a brief rally above it.

    Technical Structure: Bullish Momentum Meets Overhead Supply

    On the weekly chart, $ADA has climbed above the 20-week Moving Average at $0.198 and flipped it into support. However, the price remains trapped below a critical $0.26–$0.28 supply zone that has capped advances since May. The $0.2887 swing high from May must be decisively breached to confirm a sustainable long-term uptrend.

    Despite the monthly gains, the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) on the weekly timeframe reads -0.10, indicating capital outflows and fading buying pressure over the past week. This divergence between price strength and money flow warrants caution for longer-term holders.

    Swing Structure and Short-Term Outlook

    The market structure turned bullish in June when price broke above the prior lower high at $0.1849. Since then, $ADA has held above the 50-day moving average, maintaining a bullish bias on the daily timeframe. Yet, the asset has failed to print a new high above $0.258 over the last two weeks, stalling at the May supply zone.

    Trading Levels to Watch

    • Upside target: A break above $0.26–$0.28 could trigger the next leg higher, with $0.2887 as the key level to flip for trend confirmation.
    • Profit-taking zone: Swing traders may consider scaling out near $0.26, where resistance has repeatedly rejected price.
    • Invalidation level: A daily close below $0.20 would signal a bearish shift and undermine the recent recovery narrative.
    • Long-term opportunity: If $0.28 flips to support, it may present a higher-timeframe buy zone for positional investors.

    Summary

    Cardano shows strong recent momentum but faces a pivotal supply zone that has halted progress twice. While the weekly structure remains constructive above the 20-week MA, declining CMF readings suggest waning capital inflows. Traders should monitor the $0.26–$0.28 region closely — a clean break could unlock the next rally, while failure may lead to a retest of $0.20 support.

  • Trading Expert Sets Bitcoin’s Price for End of October 2026

    Trading Expert Sets Bitcoin’s Price for End of October 2026

    Bitcoin Price Analysis: Key Support Trendline Holds $61,500 Downside Target for Late 2026

    Bitcoin (BTC) could decline to $61,500 by the end of October 2026 if a critical support trendline fails, according to a technical analysis published by TradingShot on September 11. The bearish outlook draws parallels to chart patterns that preceded Bitcoin’s two largest sell-offs earlier this year.

    Repeated 50-Week MA Rejection Forms Bearish Arc Pattern

    The analyst noted that Bitcoin has been rejected by its 50-week moving average (MA) for three consecutive weeks. This repeated rejection has generated bearish momentum and formed an arc pattern that closely resembles the structures preceding the January and May 2026 market tops.

    The May peak is highlighted as particularly relevant because Bitcoin was rejected at the 200-day MA — a situation analogous to the current rejection at the 50-week MA. Both earlier patterns were followed by sharp corrections.

    Bitcoin price analysis chart. Source: TradingView

    Higher-Lows Trendline Break Could Confirm New Bearish Leg

    Traders should closely monitor Bitcoin’s higher-lows trendline, which has acted as critical support during the current recovery phase. The analysis indicates that in both January and May, a breakdown below this trendline triggered aggressive selling pressure and accelerated Bitcoin’s decline. A similar breakdown now would likely confirm a new bearish leg for the market.

    Adding to the bearish case, the daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) structure closely mirrors the formations that developed before the previous two corrections, reinforcing the possibility of another downside move.

    $61,500 Target Based on 3.5 Fibonacci Extension

    If the higher-lows trendline breaks, the expert expects Bitcoin to decline toward the 3.5 Fibonacci extension level at $61,500. This bearish target is derived from Bitcoin’s previous two major corrections in 2026, both of which bottomed at the 3.5 Fibonacci extension while the daily RSI dropped to 15.80. The analyst noted that a similar RSI reading could signal another market bottom.

    Bearish Invalidation and Key Support Levels

    The bearish outlook would be invalidated if Bitcoin closes a weekly candle above the 50-week MA. The analyst also highlighted the 250-week MA as a key support level after it held the July 1 low. A breakout above the 50-week MA could potentially confirm a new bull cycle.

    Short-Term Outlook: Consolidation With $78,000 as Key Resistance

    Separately, market analyst Michaël van de Poppe maintained a more constructive short-term outlook in an X post on September 14, noting that Bitcoin remains in a consolidation phase.

    Nothing has changed on #Bitcoin as it’s still consolidating here.I’d much rather want to see that we’re breaking through $78,000 as that would trigger strength on #Altcoins.The crucial one, if that breaks, we’re likely running towards new highs in the upcoming weeks. pic.twitter.com/XT7E0LqprY
    — Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) September 14, 2026

    According to his analysis, the key level to watch is $78,000. A breakout above that resistance could strengthen momentum across the broader cryptocurrency market, particularly altcoins. The analyst suggested that clearing $78,000 would increase the likelihood of Bitcoin advancing toward new highs in the coming weeks.

    Meanwhile, as of press time, Bitcoin was trading at $78,013, up about 1.7% over the past 24 hours. On the weekly chart, the cryptocurrency remained down 1.5%.

    Bitcoin price chart illustration
    Featured image via Shutterstock
  • Ethereum Eyes $3,000 as Supply Tightens: Can ETH Break Out?

    Ethereum Consolidates After Rally to Eight-Month High

    Ethereum (ETH) has entered a consolidation phase following a powerful upward move that lifted the altcoin to an eight-month peak of $2,660. After reaching that level, the asset has pulled back and was changing hands near $2,474 at the time of writing.

    Buyers Defend Key Support

    At the current price zone, market participants are closely watching whether buying pressure can absorb selling activity and establish a higher low. The pullback from the recent high represents a typical cooling-off period after a sharp advance, giving traders an opportunity to reassess momentum indicators and on-chain metrics.

    Technical Context

    The rally to $2,660 marked the strongest price action for ETH since late 2023. A sustained break above that resistance could open the path toward the $2,800–$3,000 region, while failure to hold above $2,400 may invite a deeper correction toward the 50-day moving average.

    Volume profiles during the consolidation will offer clues about whether accumulation or distribution is underway. On-chain data, including active addresses and exchange netflows, should be monitored for confirmation of the next directional move.

  • Final CLARITY Act Draft Ends Ripple Supply Debate, Attorney Says

    Final CLARITY Act Draft Ends Ripple Supply Debate, Attorney Says

    Attorney Bill Morgan stated that the newly released final text of the CLARITY Act resolves a long-standing debate in the cryptocurrency sector. He asserted that XRP will be classified as a commodity in secondary markets irrespective of the volume of supply Ripple continues to hold.

    “Deal with it Bitcoin maxis,”

    Morgan wrote, referencing critics who have long argued that Ripple’s substantial XRP holdings should disqualify the token from commodity status.

    What the Final Draft Actually Does

    Senate Republicans released the finalized 635-page CLARITY Act text Sunday night ahead of Tuesday’s cloture vote, describing it as their “last, best and final” offer to Democrats. The draft reflects 126 changes requested by Democrats during negotiations.

    Ethics Provisions and Divestiture Requirements

    The most significant update centers on ethics provisions backed by President Trump. Federal officials covered under the bill would be required to either divest significant digital asset holdings or place them into a qualified blind trust.

    State attorneys general would gain authority to enforce bans on officials issuing, sponsoring, or holding major stakes in digital assets. Exchanges would be barred from listing any digital asset issued in violation of those rules. Penalties for violations would run 20% of the transaction value or $500,000, whichever is greater, with the rules taking effect within 360 days of enactment.

    Stablecoin Oversight and Circuit Breaker Mechanism

    Other changes include a new “circuit breaker” mechanism giving federal regulators, specifically the Treasury, authority to intervene on stablecoin yield if community banks experience significant deposit flight into stablecoins.

    Narrowed Protections and Conflict-of-Interest Rules

    The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act’s protections were narrowed to cover only the Bank Secrecy Act and civil enforcement, removing language that previously extended protections to certain criminal cases.

    The bill also adds tighter restrictions on conflicts of interest and affiliate trading involving digital commodity exchanges, brokers, and dealers. It clarifies that state consumer protection laws remain fully applicable and that developer protections do not exempt anyone from derivatives law or affect prediction markets.

  • Chainlink (LINK) Volume Surges 65% in 24 Hours: Can Price Break $12?

    Chainlink (LINK) Volume Surges 65% in 24 Hours: Can Price Break $12?

    Chainlink Trading Volume Surges 40-60% as LINK Tests $12 Resistance

    Chainlink ($LINK) is showing renewed trading momentum as the token attempts to recover from its recent correction. The key $12 resistance level is back in focus after futures volume across major exchanges jumped between 40% and 60% over the past 24 hours.

    LINK Holds Ground After Volatile September

    After several volatile weeks, LINK is currently trading around $11.40. The asset surged nearly 70% from approximately $8.00 in early August to a peak above $13.50 in September before sellers stepped in. The subsequent correction pulled LINK back toward $11, though the broader breakout structure remains intact.

    LINK/USDT Chart by TradingView

    Futures Volume Spikes Across Major Exchanges

    Trading activity has picked up significantly. Binance LINK/USDT futures volume reached approximately $113 million, representing a 53% increase over the past day. OKX and Bybit recorded gains of roughly 44% and 52% respectively, while some smaller venues posted even higher percentage jumps.

    However, higher volume does not automatically signal bullish pressure. Futures flows have remained negative for extended periods throughout the day. Over a four-hour window, LINK recorded net futures outflows of about $1.84 million, expanding to $3.86 million over twelve hours. Spot flows across one-, four-, eight-, and twelve-hour windows also remain negative.

    Long Positioning Creates Dual Scenario

    Market positioning warrants close attention. The top-trader long/short position ratio exceeds 2.2, while Binance’s account long/short ratio sits at approximately 1.46. Traders maintain a strong bias toward long positions. This could support a breakout if demand persists, but excessive long positioning also increases liquidation risk if LINK loses support.

    Technical Structure Remains Constructive

    From a technical perspective, the structure stays favorable. Following August’s breakout, LINK continues trading above its major moving averages, with shorter-term averages rising rapidly. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has cooled toward the mid-50s after previously reaching overbought territory, giving the market more room for another upward move.

    Key Levels to Watch

    The first barrier remains $12. Bulls have struggled to establish this area as support despite repeated tests. A sustained volume increase coupled with a daily close above $12 could bring $12.50 and ultimately the September high of $13.50 back into play.

    While the 65% volume expansion has brought increased liquidity and attention to LINK, buyers still need to translate that activity into genuine spot demand to sustain any breakout.