U.S. crypto markets closed the year with mixed ETF flows, while Solana drew fresh attention from traders watching a decisive technical zone. Data from SoSoValue showed uneven institutional positioning across major assets, even as SOL price action hinted at a possible turning point. Consequently, analysts shifted focus from fund flows to short-term structure, where Solana now faces a make-or-break test.
According to SoSoValue, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net outflows of $19.29 million on Dec. 29. However, Fidelity’s FBTC stood out with a $5.70 million single-day net inflow, signaling selective buying rather than broad selling. Besides Bitcoin, Ethereum spot ETFs also posted net outflows totaling $9.63 million, reinforcing a cautious stance toward large-cap exposure.
Significantly, smaller networks attracted capital. Solana spot ETFs saw net inflows of $2.93 million, while XRP spot ETFs added $8.44 million. This divergence suggested capital rotation instead of risk reduction. Moreover, traders appeared willing to deploy funds into assets showing relative strength or clearer technical setups.
Solana traded at $123.95, reflecting a 0.94% daily gain despite a mild weekly decline. Daily volume exceeded $3.09 billion, confirming steady market participation. With a market capitalization near $69.7 billion, SOL remained among the most actively traded assets.
Crypto Tony highlighted the importance of the $118 level, describing it as critical support. He noted that SOL approached a point where downside risk increased if buyers failed to defend that zone. Consequently, the market treated the current pullback as a structural test rather than a confirmed breakdown.
Technically, SOL retreated after failing to sustain momentum above the $135 to $140 resistance area. Price action showed lower highs, signaling weakening momentum. However, as long as $118 holds on a weekly basis, the broader range structure remains intact. Hence, upside targets near $135 and $150 stay technically valid.
Umair Crypto offered a more tactical view, focusing on liquidity and volume levels. He observed a rejection near $129, aligning with anchored VWAP resistance. Price then moved into a confluence zone where the 50-day SMA met the point of control.
Source: X
Additionally, a bearish daily swing failure pattern emerged at support, often preceding liquidity sweeps. Umair Crypto noted that a close above $126 could trigger a move toward $132. That area likely holds stop losses from short positions. Consequently, a brief upside sweep could occur even within a corrective structure.


