Why traders are turning to Solana as another U.S. government shutdown looms

Solana’s market exercise has picked up sharply in latest weeks. On-chain information from Santiment confirmed that the variety of energetic addresses has practically doubled, rising from 2.5 million to 4.8 million for the reason that begin of 2026.
This improve alerts a return of consumer participation throughout the community.
Extra importantly, it means that latest exercise just isn’t pushed solely by worth hypothesis, but additionally by Solana’s rising utilization.
Supply: Santiment
Institutional demand is accelerating
Alongside on-chain progress, institutional curiosity in Solana seemed to be rising. In response to the derivatives market information, SOL’s whole Open Curiosity jumped by greater than $34 million within the final 24 hours alone.
From traditionally related situations, such a pointy surge in Open Curiosity preceded earlier rallies. In Solana’s case, the surging OI factors to a heavier positioning from massive merchants and funds.
Usually, rising Open Curiosity displays stronger market conviction, particularly when it coincides with enhancing community fundamentals.

Supply: Santiment
Macro uncertainty stays a headwind
That mentioned, broader macroeconomic issues haven’t disappeared. Fears surrounding a possible US authorities shutdown have lately unsettled world markets.
Polymarket predicts an 81% probability of one other US authorities shutdown by the thirty first of January—a growth that might shake the crypto and finance sector.
Threat belongings typically battle in such environments, as traders flip cautious. Crypto markets will not be resistant to this stress.
Nonetheless, SOL’s latest metrics recommend that merchants could also be focusing extra on crypto-specific energy than short-term macro noise.
What this shift may imply for SOL
Taken collectively, the information spotlight Solana’s rising resilience. Rising energetic addresses level to natural demand, whereas growing Open Curiosity alerts institutional confidence.
If spot shopping for continues to help this momentum, SOL may maintain its upward trajectory within the close to time period.
Nevertheless, elevated leverage additionally introduces threat. A sudden macro-driven shock may set off volatility, particularly if positions unwind shortly.





