TLDR
The Root Network (ROOT) fell 8.73% in the past 24h, underperforming the broader crypto market (-0.48%). Key drivers:
- Technical Breakdown – Price breached critical support levels amid bearish momentum
- Rewards Cycle Transition – Profit-taking after Cycle 5 RootRewards launched August 1
- NFT Upgrade Aftermath – Lingering disruption from July 23-24 network maintenance
Deep Dive
1. Technical Breakdown (Bearish Impact)
Overview: ROOT trades at $0.00328, below its 7-day SMA ($0.00353) and pivot point ($0.00339). The RSI-7 at 39.44 shows oversold conditions but no reversal signals yet.
What this means: Breakdown below $0.00339 triggered stop-losses, amplified by low liquidity (turnover ratio 0.235). Fibonacci retracement suggests next support at $0.00342 (78.6% level), but failure to hold could see retest of June lows near $0.0034.
What to watch: Sustained closes above 200-day EMA ($0.00842) remain unlikely without buyer momentum.
2. RootRewards Cycle Transition (Mixed Impact)
Overview: Cycle 5 of RootRewards began August 1 with a 2x RP multiplier for ROOT stakers, following Cycle 4’s 90M ROOT distribution (The Root Network).
What this means: While designed to incentivize holding, the transition likely prompted profit-taking from participants redeeming Cycle 4 rewards. Daily active addresses peaked at 801 during June’s staking launch but haven’t sustained that momentum (CoinMarketCap).
3. NFT Upgrade Disruption (Neutral Impact)
Overview: The July 23-24 mainnet upgrade paused NFT minting/bridging for 24h, temporarily reducing network activity.
What this means: Though operational now, the disruption may have delayed builder activity and associated ROOT burns. Developers are still testing compatibility with the upgraded NFT pallet (The Root Network).
Conclusion
ROOT’s drop reflects technical deterioration and reward-driven sell pressure, compounded by delayed ecosystem activity post-upgrade. While staking incentives aim to stabilize the token, weak market structure leaves it vulnerable to further downside.
Key watch: Can ROOT defend the $0.0034 support level that sparked June’s 175% rally, or will breaking it trigger new capitulation?