Solana ETF Approval Likely 90% This Year, Institutional Inflows Expected

Solana (SOL) has regained attention as analysts estimate a 90% likelihood of a Solana spot ETF being approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before the end of the year. The momentum behind crypto ETFs has surged, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust gathering over $70 billion in assets under management, faster than any ETF in history. The SEC has shown a willingness to engage with altcoin ETF filings, including updated S-1 forms from several major financial institutions. Solana is seen as a frontrunner due to its market depth, developer traction, and staking-enabled ETF proposals. If approved, these ETFs would not only track SOL but also stake held tokens, generating additional yield for investors.

Institutional investors gaining direct access to Solana could dramatically shift market dynamics. According to Brian Rudick, Chief Strategy Officer at Solana-focused Upexi, top-tier altcoin ETFs, such as SOL, are likely to see strong inflows post-launch, similar to Bitcoin’s explosive run after its ETF debut. A comparable demand shock for Solana could ignite a similar rally. If history repeats itself, ETF-driven inflows could propel SOL toward the $200 mark, especially if market sentiment and macroeconomic tailwinds align. Analysts also point to the CFTC’s futures approval for SOL as another positive signal, which reinforces market maturity and regulatory openness toward the asset.

Despite ETF optimism, Solana’s short-term technicals remain bearish. At $140.40, SOL is struggling below the key resistance zone between $144.49 and $145.49, aligned with a descending trendline and the 50-period EMA. A bearish engulfing candle followed the last failed breakout attempt, sending the token into a consolidation phase just above support at $138.39. The MACD indicator remains in bearish territory, suggesting continued downside risk unless SOL reclaims the $145 zone. Should support at $138.39 give way, price could drop toward $135.74 or even $132.57.

Key takeaways include the high likelihood of SOL ETF approval, with issuers including major financial institutions. Staking-enabled ETFs could boost investor yield. SOL must break $145.49 to regain bullish momentum, with downside levels to watch at $138.39, $135.74, and $132.57. ETF approval is seen as a long-term catalyst, but for short-term Solana price prediction, traders should watch for a confirmed breakout above $145 to signal a bullish continuation.