Solana Holds Above $140 as Alameda Token Unlocks Continue Pressuring SOL Market
Iris Coleman Nov 16, 2025 14:59
SOL price consolidates at $140.46 amid ongoing selling pressure from Alameda Research token unlocks, while Bitwise ETF inflows provide support for the altcoin.
Quick Take
• SOL trading at $140.46 (down 0.8% in 24h) • Alameda Research unlocks continue adding selling pressure to markets • Key support zone at $135-140 being tested after breaking below moving averages • Following broader crypto weakness as Bitcoin retreats from recent highs
Market Events Driving Solana Price Movement
The primary catalyst affecting SOL price this week has been the continued token unlocks from Alameda Research. On November 12, Alameda unlocked another 193,000 SOL tokens valued at approximately $30 million, contributing to sustained selling pressure that pushed SOL down 4.9% to $153.49 that day.
This selling pressure has offset what would otherwise be bullish momentum from the successful launch of Bitwise's spot Solana ETF. The Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSOL.P) launched on October 28 and amassed $420 million in its first week, with weekly inflows reaching $336 million despite the price decline. This institutional demand has provided a floor for SOL price, preventing deeper declines.
The upcoming Solana Company third-quarter earnings release on November 18 may provide additional market-moving information, particularly regarding their digital asset treasury dedicated to acquiring SOL tokens. However, trading appears focused on the immediate technical setup rather than fundamental catalysts.
SOL Technical Analysis: Testing Critical Support Zone
Price Action Context
SOL price has broken below all major short-term moving averages, trading 5.4% below the 7-day SMA at $148.44 and significantly under the 20-day SMA at $164.81. The breakdown below $153 has established a lower high pattern, with the current price action testing the psychological $140 level.
Volume on Binance spot markets remains elevated at $329 million over 24 hours, indicating active institutional participation during this consolidation phase. The selling pressure appears methodical rather than panic-driven, consistent with planned token unlocks rather than fundamental deterioration.
Key Technical Indicators
The RSI at 31.5 shows SOL approaching oversold territory without reaching extreme levels, suggesting room for further downside if support breaks. The MACD histogram at -1.78 confirms bearish momentum remains intact, while the Stochastic oscillator at 8.81 indicates deeply oversold conditions on shorter timeframes.
The Bollinger Bands position shows SOL trading at 0.16 of the band range, placing it near the lower band at $129.08. This suggests either a bounce opportunity or potential breakdown toward the lower band support.
Critical Price Levels for Solana Traders
Immediate Levels (24-48 hours)
• Resistance: $148.44 (7-day moving average and recent breakdown level) • Support: $135.76 (strong support confluence with Bollinger Band lower zone)
Breakout/Breakdown Scenarios
A break below $135 would target the Bollinger Band lower support at $129, representing the next major technical level. This would also approach the 52-week low zone around $105, though significant institutional buying would likely emerge before those levels.
Upside requires reclaiming $148 to neutralize the recent breakdown, with $164 (20-day MA) representing the key resistance for any meaningful recovery attempt.
SOL Correlation Analysis
• Bitcoin: SOL following the broader crypto market weakness, with Bitcoin's retreat from highs pressuring altcoins across the board • Traditional markets: Limited correlation to equity markets currently, with crypto-specific factors driving price action • Sector peers: Underperforming relative to other major altcoins due to Alameda-specific selling pressure
Trading Outlook: Solana Near-Term Prospects
Bullish Case
ETF inflows continue providing institutional demand, with $420 million in first-week flows demonstrating real appetite. A successful defense of $135-140 support could establish a base for recovery, particularly if Alameda unlocks diminish. Target levels include $148 initially, then $164 for any sustained bounce.
Bearish Case
Continued Alameda unlocks combined with broader crypto weakness could push SOL toward $129-135 support zone. Weekly ETF flows would need to maintain current pace to offset ongoing selling pressure. A break below $129 would signal deeper technical damage.
Risk Management
Conservative stop-loss placement below $135 for long positions, with position sizing accounting for the elevated daily ATR of $11.88. Short-term traders should monitor Alameda unlock schedules and ETF flow data for directional catalysts.
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