TLDR Waves (WAVES) fell 5% in the past 24 hours despite a 25% weekly rally. Key factors include profit-taking after breaking $1.30 resistance, mixed technical signals, and broader market softness.
- Profit-Taking at Resistance – Price retraced after testing $1.39 (23.6% Fibonacci level).
- Altcoin Market Weakness – Crypto fear/greed index fell to "Neutral," with altcoins underperforming Bitcoin.
- Spot-Driven Rally Fatigue – Derivatives volume dropped 4.12%, signaling reduced leverage.
Deep Dive
1. Technical Correction at Key Resistance (Bearish Short-Term)
Overview: WAVES broke above the critical $1.30 resistance on August 18, aligning with its 200-day moving average ($1.22). However, it stalled at the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level ($1.39), triggering profit-taking.
What this means: The 24-hour drop reflects a natural pullback after a 25% weekly surge. The RSI (63.29 on 7-day) shows momentum cooling but not oversold. A close below $1.30 could signal deeper correction toward $1.18 (38.2% Fib).
What to watch: Sustained holding above $1.30 or a break above $1.56 (127.2% Fib extension) to confirm bullish continuation.
2. Broader Altcoin Weakness (Mixed Impact)
Overview: The crypto fear/greed index fell to 46 (Neutral) on August 22, down from 50 the previous day. Total crypto market cap dipped 1.76%, with altcoin dominance slipping slightly.
What this means: WAVES’ drop aligns with reduced risk appetite for smaller-cap tokens. However, the Altcoin Season Index rose 4.76% in 24 hours, suggesting selective capital rotation persists.
3. Spot Market Dominance vs. Derivatives Drop (Neutral)
Overview: WAVES’ rally was driven by spot buying (evidenced by 25% weekly gains), but derivatives open interest fell 4.12% in 24 hours.
What this means: The lack of leveraged positions leaves the rally vulnerable to quick profit-taking. However, spot-driven moves are often more sustainable than futures-fueled pumps.
Conclusion
WAVES’ 24-hour dip appears corrective after a strong technical breakout, compounded by cautious altcoin sentiment. Traders are balancing optimism around Waves’ AI tool adoption (launched in July 2025) against short-term resistance and macro headwinds.
Key watch: Can WAVES hold $1.30 support amid the ongoing "Waves Up in Space" community campaign (through Sept 5)? A breakdown could test $1.18, while holding may reignite upward momentum.