Solana Sees 740% Surge in Buying Pressure Amid ETF Buzz - What's Next for the Price?

Solana (SOL) has seen a 740% increase in buying pressure from long-term investors since late December 2025, according to on-chain metrics. This surge in demand coincides with growing interest in Solana-based products, including new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and tokenized real-world assets. The buying pressure is largely attributed to capital inflows from institutional investors and a shift in retail sentiment according to on-chain data.

Institutional activity has intensified, with Morgan Stanley filing for a Solana ETF on January 6, 2026. The Wall Street giant also submitted a separate filing for a Bitcoin ETF, aligning with broader efforts to bring regulated exposure to digital assets. This move positions Solana alongside major crypto players in the institutional investment landscape.

Grayscale, another major player, has rebranded its Solana Trust ETF to the Grayscale Solana Staking ETF. The change, effective January 5, reflects the fund's expanded focus on staking rewards for investors. The fund continues to trade under the GSOL ticker and remains a key vehicle for institutional capital.

Why Did This Happen?

The rise in buying pressure is linked to several factors. First, the recent launch of Solana-based ETFs has made the asset more accessible to traditional investors. For example, net inflows into Solana ETFs reached $16.24 million on January 6, the highest single-day inflow since mid-December. This trend is expected to continue as more investors seek exposure to the ecosystem without managing crypto wallets according to market analysis.

Second, the Solana network has seen record tokenized real-world asset (RWA) activity, including US Treasury-backed tokens and tokenized stocks like Tesla and Nvidia. These developments have expanded the use cases for Solana beyond its historical association with memecoins and DeFi projects.

Third, the ecosystem has seen a surge in on-chain activity. For example, over 42,000 new SPL tokens were launched on Solana in a single day in early January, indicating heightened developer activity and innovation.

How Did Markets React?

Despite a 2% pullback on January 8, Solana's price remains above $130 and has gained more than 8% on the week. The price action suggests the asset is consolidating near a key bullish pattern on the daily chart.

The technical outlook remains generally positive. Solana's price broke above the upper trendline of a falling wedge on December 26 and has since extended gains to $137. Momentum indicators like the MACD and RSI show strength, with the RSI currently at 63, above the neutral level of 50.

Capital flow metrics also support a bullish outlook. Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) has remained positive since November, even during price dips. Short-term speculative selling has decreased, with large holders absorbing supply.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring several levels for confirmation of a potential breakout. Solana needs to hold above $133 to maintain the bullish structure. A daily close above $143 would confirm the breakout of an inverse head and shoulders pattern and open the path toward $178.

Legal developments could also impact Solana's trajectory. Key executives from Solana Labs and the Solana Foundation have been named in a class-action lawsuit related to the Pump.fun project. While the lawsuit's outcome remains uncertain, its presence casts a cloud over the network's legal standing.

On the flip side, if the price drops below $130, it could trigger further consolidation before the uptrend resumes. This level has served as a key support area in previous dips and could re-emerge as a critical defense point.

The broader crypto market also plays a role. Bitcoin has held above $92,000, stabilizing risk appetite and supporting altcoin performance. If Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory, it could provide a tailwind for Solana and other altcoins.

With speculative selling declining and buying pressure rising, Solana's pullback appears to be healthy. The next phase of the market will depend on whether the price can convert its current momentum into a confirmed breakout. For now, the overall outlook remains bullish, supported by strong institutional inflows and growing network activity.