Bitcoin has been trading sideways around the $25,000–$26,000 range for the past week, showing little directional momentum after briefly dipping below $26,000 again. Market sentiment remains cautious, particularly due to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) delaying decisions on multiple spot Bitcoin ETF applications. This regulatory uncertainty has created a ripple effect across the broader crypto market, pressuring many major altcoins.
However, while Bitcoin consolidates, several altcoins are displaying strong technical signals and bullish momentum. These digital assets may be positioning themselves for significant upside if key resistance levels are broken. For investors seeking opportunities beyond Bitcoin, these four altcoins—Toncoin ($TON), Chainlink ($LINK), MakerDAO ($MKR), and Tezos ($XTZ)—are worth watching closely.
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Toncoin ($TON): Riding Strong Demand Amid Technical Consolidation
Toncoin, originally developed by the popular messaging app Telegram and now maintained by the Ton Foundation, ranks among the top 15 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Currently trading near $2.07, $TON is exhibiting a clear upward trend on the daily chart.
Two key moving averages—the 50-day and 200-day—are now sloping upward, confirming bullish momentum. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has entered overbought territory, suggesting a short-term pullback or consolidation phase may be imminent.
Despite this, demand remains strong. On the 4-hour chart, buyers have consistently stepped in whenever price approached the 20 EMA near $1.83, indicating solid support. A successful bounce from this level could push $TON toward testing $1.98, followed by the critical $2.07 resistance.
If $TON breaks above $2.07 with strong volume, the next target could be $2.40—a potential gain of over 15%. Conversely, a drop below the 20 EMA might lead to a retest of the 50 MA around $1.68, offering a lower-risk entry point for long-term investors.
Chainlink ($LINK): Building Momentum After Testing Key Support
Chainlink ($LINK), the leading decentralized oracle network, has been trading in a wide range between $5.50 and $9.50 over recent months. In mid-August, price dipped close to the lower boundary of this range, but a long lower wick on the daily candle signaled strong buying interest at those levels.
Currently, the 4-hour chart shows that both the 20 EMA and 50 MA are flattening out, while the RSI is approaching neutral ground—around 50—indicating that selling pressure is easing. This sets the stage for a potential breakout.
The first major resistance level sits at $6.40. A sustained move above this point could open the path toward $6.87 and then $7.07. Traders should watch volume closely during any upward move; high-volume breakouts increase the likelihood of continuation.
On the downside, if $LINK fails to hold above $5.50, further downside toward $5.00 cannot be ruled out. However, as long as support holds and momentum builds, $LINK appears poised for a meaningful recovery.
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MakerDAO ($MKR): Recovering Amid Governance Shifts and Market Debate
MakerDAO ($MKR), the governance token behind one of the largest decentralized lending platforms, has drawn attention not just for its price action but also for recent protocol debates—particularly around its growing integration with the Solana blockchain.
After a period of volatility, $MKR has found support near $1,000 and is attempting to reclaim its upward trajectory. Price remains above the 20-day EMA at approximately $1,107, which is a positive sign.
The key obstacle now is a descending trendline that has capped rallies over the past few weeks. A breakout above this trendline would signal a shift from bearish to bullish market sentiment and could propel $MKR toward the critical resistance zone at $1,370.
Conversely, if price falls below the 20 EMA, it may indicate continued bearish pressure. In that scenario, traders should monitor support levels at $980 and $860 for potential rebounds.
Given MakerDAO’s central role in the DeFi ecosystem and its robust protocol fundamentals, any resurgence in DeFi activity could act as a strong catalyst for $MKR.
Tezos ($XTZ): Signs of Reversal Amid Shrinking Downward Pressure
Tezos ($XTZ) has been battling for control near the $0.70 support level, creating what looks like a battleground between bulls and bears. While the daily chart shows downward-sloping moving averages—a remnant of prior bearish momentum—the RSI is quietly rising, suggesting weakening selling pressure.
A weekly close above the 20-day EMA (around $0.71) would be the first confirmed bullish signal, potentially triggering short-covering and renewed buying interest.
On the 4-hour timeframe, $XTZ is consolidating between $0.66 and $0.69. The recent crossover of short-term moving averages and an RSI just below neutral suggest bears still have slight control. However, if price breaks above $0.69 with conviction, it could climb toward $0.74 and eventually test higher resistances at $0.94 and $1.04.
A breakdown below $0.66, though, might extend losses to $0.61—a level that could attract value buyers.
Despite being less discussed than some peers, Tezos continues to develop its smart contract platform and maintain active on-chain usage, making it a candidate for a catch-up rally if market conditions improve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is Bitcoin stuck around $26,000?
A: Bitcoin’s stagnation stems from macroeconomic uncertainty and regulatory delays—especially the SEC’s postponement of spot Bitcoin ETF approvals. These factors have dampened investor confidence and limited large inflows.
Q: Which altcoins show the strongest technical signals right now?
A: Toncoin ($TON), Chainlink ($LINK), MakerDAO ($MKR), and Tezos ($XTZ) all show improving technical structures, including rising RSI, support holds, and potential breakouts from key ranges.
Q: Should I invest during consolidation periods?
A: Consolidation can present strategic entry opportunities. Focus on assets with strong fundamentals and positive momentum indicators rather than chasing volatile pumps.
Q: How do moving averages help in crypto trading?
A: Moving averages identify trend direction and dynamic support/resistance levels. For example, holding above the 20 EMA suggests short-term bullish control.
Q: What happens if an altcoin breaks resistance?
A: A confirmed breakout—especially with high volume—often leads to accelerated price movement as algorithms and traders enter positions, potentially triggering a rally.
Q: Is DeFi still relevant in today’s market?
A: Yes. Despite reduced hype, DeFi protocols like MakerDAO continue to innovate and grow TVL (Total Value Locked), serving as foundational layers in Web3 finance.
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Final Thoughts: Look Beyond Bitcoin for Opportunity
While Bitcoin remains range-bound and lacks clear catalysts for a breakout, the altcoin market is quietly setting up potential winners. Investors who diversify into well-positioned projects with strong technicals and active development may find profitable opportunities even in sideways markets.
Toncoin benefits from growing adoption via Telegram’s ecosystem; Chainlink remains essential infrastructure for DeFi; MakerDAO continues to evolve despite governance debates; and Tezos shows early signs of reversal after prolonged weakness.
By monitoring key levels and using disciplined risk management, traders can position themselves ahead of potential breakouts—turning market stagnation into strategic advantage.
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