Steady ETF inflows, a bullish cup and handle chart pattern, and improving sentiment in the overall crypto market could push Solana’s price to $190.
Solana (SOL) is attracting more attention from traders now that its price structure is tightening below a key resistance zone. After months of consolidation, analysts suggest that the altcoin may be preparing for a decisive breakout.
Key conclusions:
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Solana has formed a high timeframe cup and handle pattern, with a target breakout of around $180-$190.
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SOL bounced back and held above its 50-day moving average for the first time since September 2025.
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Spot SOL ETF inflows remain consistently positive in 2026, bolstering demand despite near-term liquidation risks.
The SOL bulls could be back
Since November 14, 2025, Solana has been consolidating in a tight range of $120-$145, carving out a cup-and-handle pattern on the daily chart. On higher time frames, this formation is generally considered a continuation signal, reflecting gradual accumulation followed by a controlled pullback that compresses volatility before spreading.
The $145 resistance has halted SOL’s gains four times in the past three months, increasing the likelihood that a break above it could trigger a continuation of the rally. A confirmed breakout from the pattern could accelerate SOL towards its immediate measured target near $180, roughly 25% higher than current levels.
Adding to the bullish case, SOL retook its 50-day moving average and sustained acceptance above it for the first time since late September 2025. Historically, holding above this trendline has marked transitions from corrective phases to trending markets, suggesting sellers are losing control of the broader structure.
Crypto trader NekoZ also noted the bullish setup and said,
“$SOL rounded bottom paints a masterpiece. Massive breakout on the daily chart. While everyone was bearish at $120, the smart money piled in. Next stop: $190+. Don’t dismiss a clean trend reversal like this.”
Related: Solana Policy Institute Urges SEC to Exempt DeFi Developers from Exchange Rules
SOL liquidity zones and ETF flows frame risk
Data from CoinGlass highlighted key milestones for Solana. Liquidation heatmaps show cumulative long liquidations exceeding $1 billion with a $15 drop to $130, indicating vulnerability if support is absent.
In contrast, short liquidations cluster near $160, where roughly $520 million could be forced to unwind, potentially accelerating the upside momentum if resistance is broken. Therefore, the probability of a small downside remains high based on more liquidity near the $130 support.
Spot SOL flows of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). continue provide structural support. US spot ETFs saw $10.7 million in net inflows in the latest session, led by Bitwise’s BSOL with $8.6 million.
Year-to-date cumulative net inflows they climbed up from $1.02 billion to $1.14 billion, highlighting steady demand with no outflows noted, a backdrop that can help absorb volatility during breakout attempts.
Related: Three ETH Price Charts Suggest A Move Towards $4K May Be On The Way
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