Solana

On January 17, 2026, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko argued the chain's survival depends on continuous iteration, countering Vitalik Buterin's January 12 call for optional protocol ossification. He emphasized decentralized, developer-driven upgrades and disciplined governance. Recent metrics show 2.4 million daily active addresses (+5.64%) and $11.80 billion in DeFi TVL (+6.98%) amid a broader liquidity reset.

Solana is trading at $142.51 with daily volume near $2.25 billion, holding above the $140 support area. On January 17, 2026, STSS and Coinbase announced a validator on the Solana network, described as strengthening decentralization. Key levels show resistance at $145.47 with potential upside targets at $148.82 and $151.73 if price breaks higher.

On January 18, 2026 (9:08 AM UTC update), Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko argued that Solana must continually iterate to remain viable, signaling future versions that may not come from Anza, Solana Labs, or the Foundation. His stance contrasts with Vitalik Buterin's 2026 focus on decentralization, privacy, self-sovereignty and resistance to centralization.

On Saturday, Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko said on X that Solana must keep iterating and even envisaged network fees funding AI-assisted code updates. His comments contrasted with Vitalik Buterin's "walkaway test" vision for Ethereum, which emphasizes long-term self-sustainability without ongoing developer guidance.

Solana's real‑world asset TVL reached $1.12 billion, up 18.84% in 30 days, alongside 134,656 holders and $1.73 billion in monthly transfers. On January 16, U.S. Solana spot ETFs saw $2.2 million in net outflows. SOL traded at $143.72, rising 0.81% on the day and 16.1% over 30 days.

Bitcoin traded around $95,242.71 (-0.05%) as Belgium's KBC Bank set February 16 for Bitcoin and Ether trading on Bolero under MiCA, which went live in January 2026. Iran's crypto activity reached $7.78 billion in 2025, while a Jefferies strategist cited quantum computing risks; charts show resistance at $97,700 and support near $95,150.

As of January 17, 2026, Solana and XRP are both trading in tight ranges after prior strong moves, with momentum now subdued and market participants reassessing risk. Solana is maintaining a broadly bullish structure above its $132 – $135 support but needs a decisive move through the $148 – $150 area on rising volume to confirm further upside. XRP remains weaker by comparison, staying below key resistance at $2.24 – $2.27 while exchange inflows signal ongoing supply, leaving it vulnerable if overall market conditions deteriorate.

According to SoSoValue, XRP-linked ETFs have shown near-continuous net inflows since their U.S. launch, lifting fund assets to $1.51 billion in about two months and topping Solana ETFs by more than $300 million. XRP slipped 2% over the past seven days but remains up 12% year to date, while traders monitor a potential breakout setup on the 4-hour chart.

On January 15 (ET), Ethereum spot ETFs recorded $164 million in net inflows, extending a four‑session streak as Bitcoin vehicles added $100 million the prior day. SOL traded at $143.34, up 0.75% on 24 hours and 2.64% week‑over‑week, while analysts highlighted $147 as a pivot for potential moves toward $155 and possibly $170.

Solana’s SOL slipped below $145 after failing to hold a brief move above $147, putting focus on the $141–$140 support band. On January 15, U.S. spot Solana ETFs registered $23.57 million in net inflows, while resistance sits near $146–$148 and a break above $148 could target $155 and $162.