SOL Tests Critical Support at $183 as SEC ETF Delay Triggers 2.3% Decline
Luisa Crawford Oct 17, 2025 16:38
Solana trading at $183.07 after SEC postpones ETF decision, testing key support near 200-day moving average while breaking year-long downtrend signals conflicting signals.
Quick Take
• SOL trading at $183.07 (down 2.3% in 24h) • SEC delays Solana ETF decision citing market integrity concerns • Testing critical support near 200-day moving average at $173.95 • Following broader crypto weakness as Bitcoin declines
Market Events Driving Solana Price Movement
The SEC's decision yesterday to delay multiple Solana ETF applications has created immediate selling pressure on SOL price, with the token dropping from Tuesday's highs near $192 to current levels around $183. The regulatory setback comes at a particularly sensitive time, as institutional investors had been positioning for potential ETF approval following the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs.
The postponement, citing concerns over "market integrity and investor protection," represents a significant headwind for near-term SOL price appreciation. This regulatory uncertainty has overshadowed what was otherwise a constructive technical development earlier this week when Solana broke its year-long macro downtrend on October 13th.
Despite the ETF setback, the successful reclaim of the downtrend line as support suggests underlying strength in Solana's market structure. However, the immediate focus has shifted to whether SOL can hold key technical levels amid this regulatory overhang.
SOL Technical Analysis: Testing Critical Support Zone
Price Action Context
SOL price currently sits just above its 200-day moving average at $173.95, marking the first significant test of this key long-term support level since the recent breakout. The token remains well below its shorter-term moving averages, with the 20-day SMA at $210.83 now acting as overhead resistance.
Trading volume on Binance spot market reached $1.23 billion in the past 24 hours, indicating heightened institutional interest during this technical test. The fact that SOL is holding above the 200-day MA despite negative news suggests some underlying buying support at these levels.
Key Technical Indicators
The RSI at 39.10 has moved into neutral territory from previously oversold levels, suggesting the selling pressure may be stabilizing. However, the MACD histogram at -3.54 continues to show bearish momentum, indicating the downward pressure hasn't fully dissipated.
Bollinger Bands analysis shows SOL price positioned at just 0.11 within the bands, placing it very close to the lower band support at $175.10. This positioning often precedes either a bounce or a breakdown, making the next 24-48 hours critical for Solana technical analysis.
Critical Price Levels for Solana Traders
Immediate Levels (24-48 hours)
• Resistance: $192.33 (24-hour high and 7-day SMA convergence) • Support: $173.95 (200-day moving average and psychological level)
Breakout/Breakdown Scenarios
A break below $173.95 would target the strong support zone at $168.79, representing a potential 7-8% decline from current levels. Conversely, a successful defense of the 200-day MA with a move back above $192 would suggest the ETF delay impact is being absorbed and could target the immediate resistance at $210.
SOL Correlation Analysis
• Bitcoin: SOL is closely following Bitcoin's weakness today, maintaining its typical 0.7-0.8 correlation during risk-off periods in crypto markets • Traditional markets: Limited impact from equity markets today, with crypto-specific regulatory concerns driving price action • Sector peers: Solana showing relative weakness compared to other layer-1 tokens due to ETF-specific headwinds
Trading Outlook: Solana Near-Term Prospects
Bullish Case
A successful hold above $173.95 combined with any positive regulatory clarity could trigger a sharp recovery toward $200-210 levels. The year-long downtrend break remains intact, providing structural support for higher prices once the ETF uncertainty clears.
Bearish Case
Failure to hold the 200-day moving average would likely trigger algorithmic selling toward $168.79, with further downside risk to $155-160 if broader crypto markets deteriorate. Extended regulatory delays could keep SOL price suppressed through Q4.
Risk Management
Conservative traders should consider stops below $170 to limit downside exposure. Given the 14-day ATR of $16.43, position sizing should account for potential 8-10% daily moves during this volatile period.
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