HYPE price prediction – Why ‘trapped shorts’ could be key to next price breakout

HYPE has entered a critical phase after a well-tracked whale reshaped sentiment with decisive leverage and precise timing. After securing roughly $249k in realized profits, the trader in question immediately re-entered with a fresh 10× long worth about $7.9M. 

This rapid re-engagement matters because it occurred just below the key technical resistance level, not after confirmation. 

Instead of waiting for a breakout, the whale positioned early, signaling confidence in an upside resolution. 

However, broader traders did not follow with equal conviction. That divergence between capital commitment and crowd hesitation now defines the setup. 

As a result, HYPE at press time seemed to be trading under conditions where informed conviction clashes with cautious participation. 

Such conditions rarely persist quietly. Therefore, the whale’s action might be in anticipation of structural resolution, rather than just a reaction to momentum.

Are shorts crowding the wrong side?

At the time of writing, derivatives positioning continued to lean defensively, despite price stability and rising leverage participation. 

Taker data also revealed shorts controlling roughly 62% of the volume, while longs remained near 38%. This imbalance suggested that traders have continued to lean bearish, even as the price held firm. 

However, heavy short dominance near resistance often weakens downside follow-through. Each failed push lower increases exposure risk. 

Moreover, the whale’s leveraged long stood directly against this crowd bias. That contrast creates asymmetry. If the price pushes higher, shorts may need to react quickly rather than strategically. 

Consequently, the positioning now carries more risk than conviction. The market, therefore, might be increasingly sensitive to even modest upside expansion.

Source: CoinGlass

Leverage builds as Open Interest climbs

Open Interest has risen too, confirming that traders added exposure rather than exiting positions during consolidation. OI increased by roughly 3.38%, pushing total exposure to near $1.42 billion. 

This growth occurred while price remained range-bound, not during a breakout. That detail matters. 

Rising Open Interest without price expansion usually reflects anticipation rather than reaction. However, it also increases liquidation sensitivity around key levels. 

With leverage building on both sides, the price might no longer have any room to drift. 

Therefore, the next directional move will likely force positioning adjustments quickly, rather than gradually.

Source: CoinGlass

Funding stays calm despite leverage growth

OI-weighted funding has remained positive but restrained – A sign that leverage entered the market without excessive optimism. 

Funding hovered near +0.0057%, indicating longs hold exposure without paying extreme premiums. Importantly, funding did not spike alongside the Open Interest. That combination means traders maintain controlled risk, rather than aggressive speculation. 

Meanwhile, shorts have continued to dominate positioning without receiving outsized funding compensation.

This balance limits immediate downside acceleration. Consequently, the funding structure seemed to support stability, rather than stress.

While funding does not dictate direction, it does shape risk distribution. Press time conditions seemed to favor a clean technical decision, rather than forced liquidations.

Source: CoinGlass

What is the price up to?

Finally, on the price charts, HYPE seemed to be trading just below the upper boundary of its descending wedge, with the price repeatedly testing the $25.50–$26 resistance zone. 

This level seemed to align with the descending trendline that has capped every recovery since early November. Each attempt higher stalls near this zone, confirming its technical importance. 

However, pullbacks continue to find demand above $22.50–$23, preserving the broader structure. Therefore, the price no longer trends lower but compresses under resistance. 

A daily close above $26 would confirm wedge resolution, opening upside towards $28, then $34.90, and potentially $42.60 if momentum sustains itself.

Rejection, however, would likely force another rotation back towards $22 before any renewed attempt.

Source: TradingView

To sum up, HYPE might be ready to push higher rather than turn lower again. The altcoin’s price has spent enough time just under $26, and sellers no longer have strong control. 

If buyers clear this level, the move should carry quickly towards $28 as shorts rush to exit. The setup now favors follow-through instead of another rejection, making a breakout the more likely outcome from here.

Final Thoughts

• Sustained trading just below $26 revealed buyers absorbing supply, rather than stepping aside.
• Heavy short positioning near the resistance level leaves the market vulnerable to fast upside expansion if the price pushes through.