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Institution buying surge: sol price remains flat

Sol Price Stagnates Amid Institutional Accumulation | Market Analysts Alerted

By

Chloe Miller

Jan 22, 2026, 11:12 AM

2 minutes estimated to read

A visual representation of Solana's flat price movement while institutions invest heavily in the background.
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A wave of institutional buying in Solana has been observed over the last two weeks, despite the cryptocurrency's stagnant price. This puzzling discrepancy raises concerns among traders who suspect manipulative forces at play.

Spot ETF Inflows Raise Eyebrows

Recent data reveals substantial inflows from spot ETFs, amounting to millions daily, yet the price remains nearly unchanged. One market analyst remarked, "The chart looks suspicious. We may be in a significant accumulation zone before a supply shock hits."

The Retail Struggle

While major players leverage quick transaction speeds, many retail traders face challenges on slower exchanges, often resulting in losses. A user lamented, "I got liquidated twice yesterday on a wick not even on Coinbase." The gap between institutional strategies and retail experiences grows more pronounced.

Funding Rates Point to Potential Squeeze

Funding rates have started to rise again, a precursor to potential market volatility. Market watchers advise caution but remain optimistic. As one trader put it,

"Donโ€™t let them shake you out. The tech is live, and the ETFs are buying."

The Sentiment of the Community

Commentary from various user boards reflects mixed sentiments:

  • Negative Sentiment: Some commenters dismiss Solana entirely, calling it a "shitcoin" and suggesting that the project is on the decline.

  • Frustration with Trading Conditions: With many experiencing liquidations and erratic price movement, traders are calling for better visibility in exchange performances.

  • Cautious Optimism: Others maintain faith in Solanaโ€™s technological advancements and the underlying market dynamics.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Millions in daily net inflows from ETFs, yet no price movement.

  • โ–ฝ Trading conditions are delayed and erratic, hitting retail participants hard.

  • โ€ป "Institutions buy OTC right, leaving many traders shaking their heads." - Trader Insight

The market appears poised for significant change, but whether retail traders will benefit remains to be seen. As larger entities advance their positions, the onus is on individuals to navigate these turbulent waters thoughtfully.

Forecasting the Shifts Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong possibility that Solana's price will experience volatility in the upcoming weeks as larger players consolidate their positions. Experts estimate around a 70% chance that increased ETF activity will eventually lead to a supply shock, pushing prices higher. However, if retail traders continue to struggle with sluggish exchanges, their exit may result in further downward pressure. Observations of funding rates suggest that conditions may be ripe for a significant market shift, creating ample opportunity for strategic traders. The dual frustrations of institutions and the retail sector could lead to a reckoning, impacting how the broader crypto market reacts to news and regulations.

A Parallel to Past Market Disruptions

This dynamic mirrors the seismic shifts in the housing market before the 2008 financial crisis, where institutional investors capitalized on undervalued properties, while ordinary buyers faced hurdles in securing loans. Just as those homebuyers struggled against opaque financial instruments, todayโ€™s retail traders grapple with the uneven playing field of crypto trading. In both cases, the power dynamics and the accumulation of wealth within institutional hands create an unpredictable environment for individuals trying to navigate their stakes. As the tide changes, those who adapt may find bounty while others could face stark realities.