TON Breaks Above $1.85 Despite Whale Selloff Pressure

Lawrence Jengar
Jan 07, 2026 06:52

Toncoin trades at $1.87 as Telegram’s US wallet launch drives momentum, but $200M in whale selling since October creates technical headwinds ahead.

Toncoin has mounted an impressive 28.9% rally while Bitcoin stumbled 1.25% lower, signaling the kind of altcoin divergence that typically marks the early stages of broader market rotation. The timing isn’t coincidental—Telegram’s launch of a self-custodial wallet for US users has injected fresh institutional credibility into the TON ecosystem just as technical indicators align for a potential breakout above the critical $1.95 resistance zone.

Telegram’s Strategic Push Reshapes Narrative

The social messaging giant’s wallet rollout represents more than just another product launch. Market participants note this development directly addresses regulatory concerns that have long kept institutional players on the sidelines, particularly given Telegram’s massive 900 million user base. Technical indicators suggest the impact is already visible, with TON’s MACD histogram showing bullish momentum at 0.0376 and the token positioning at 0.85 on its Bollinger Bands—dangerously close to overbought territory but still within striking distance of the upper band at $1.96.

According to data from Binance, daily trading volume has surged to nearly $12 million as the token tests resistance levels not seen since its October highs. The ecosystem metrics paint a picture of genuine user engagement, with over 500,000 daily active addresses primarily driven by viral mini-applications within Telegram’s platform.

Analysts Split on Near-Term Trajectory

Several prominent crypto analysts are projecting 22-37% upside potential from current levels, with targets ranging from $2.30 to $2.55 over the next 30-45 days. The bullish case rests heavily on TON’s ability to maintain its momentum above the 20-day moving average at $1.65, which has provided consistent support throughout this rally phase.

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Blockchain analytics firms point to concerning whale distribution patterns that could derail any sustained rally. Over 68% of TON’s circulating supply remains concentrated in whale wallets, and these large holders have systematically reduced their positions by more than $200 million since October 2025. This selling pressure hasn’t yet overwhelmed buying interest, but it creates a persistent overhang that could trigger sharp corrections on any negative news.

The technical picture reveals why traders remain divided. TON’s 14-period RSI sits at 67.58—elevated but not yet in overbought territory that would typically signal an immediate pullback.

Key Levels Define the Trade

The immediate battle line sits at $1.95, where TON has repeatedly stalled during previous rally attempts. A decisive break above this level would likely target the psychological $2.00 mark and potentially the October high near $2.30. Binance spot data shows consistent resistance at these levels, making them critical for any sustained upward movement.

Support structures appear solid, with the 20-day moving average at $1.65 providing the first meaningful backstop. More concerning for bulls would be a break below $1.43, which would invalidate the current bullish structure and potentially target the 52-week low at $1.44—a scenario similar to the pattern seen during TON’s summer 2024 correction when whale selling overwhelmed retail buying interest.

The risk-reward setup favors patient traders willing to wait for confirmation. Bulls should consider entries above $1.95 with targets at $2.30 and stops below $1.65, offering a favorable 2:1 reward-to-risk ratio.

The Verdict on TON’s Direction

TON faces a defining moment at current levels, with fundamental catalysts aligned but technical overhead creating uncertainty. The Telegram wallet launch provides genuine utility that distinguishes this rally from speculative pumps, yet the persistent whale selling represents a structural headwind that could reassert itself at higher prices.

The next 72 hours will likely determine whether TON can establish $1.95 as new support or faces another rejection that sends it back toward the $1.65-$1.70 consolidation zone. For now, momentum favors the bulls, but only a sustained break above $1.95 would confirm that this rally has legs beyond the current news cycle.

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