Solana's price has seen a notable 4.18% surge over the past 24 hours to $21.69, giving the asset a market capitalization of $8.85 billion. This price increase comes after a period of declines for Solana, with the crypto falling 6.59% over the past week. However, the recent single-day gain shows there is still bullish momentum in the Solana market.

In this technical analysis, we will break down Solana's latest price action and market data to uncover the key factors driving price movement. Additionally, we will provide an opinion on where Solana's price may be headed next based on the analysis. By the end, traders will have actionable insights into Solana that can inform trading decisions.

Examining the Data Behind Solana's Surge

In the past 24 hours, Solana's trading volume hit $402.63 million, showing there is significant interest from buyers right now. The 24-hour price change has outperformed Bitcoin and Ethereum, indicating strong altcoin strength.

Zooming out further, Solana remains down 11.80% over the past month, revealing this short-term bounce comes after an extended downtrend. The 6-month change paints a similar picture, with Solana still 6.06% lower than 6 months ago despite the latest single-day surge.

Solana's technical indicators also showcase the improving bullish momentum. The relative strength index (RSI) now sits at 51, exiting oversold territory after spending the past week below 30. Additionally, the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) crossed into positive territory for the first time in over a week.

Sizing Up Support and Resistance Levels

Looking at Solana's price chart, we can identify key support and resistance levels that will dictate where Solana heads next.

Solana found buying interest multiple times in the past week around $20, suggesting this is an area of strong support. As long as Solana holds above $20, the path of least resistance seems to be upward.

On the flip side, Solana faces overhead resistance around $24 - a price level that halted Solana's rise numerous times in July. Bulls will need to push Solana decisively above $24 for the rally to extend further.

Opinion: Solana Likely to Test $24 Again Soon

Given the improving momentum signals and bullish technical setup, my opinion is that Solana will likely retest the $24 resistance level soon. The surge in trading volume shows buyers are eager to get back into Solana, while holding above $20 provides a springboard for additional gains.

I expect Solana may trade sideways between $20 and $24 over the next 1-2 weeks as it consolidates recent losses. However, any spike in altcoin strength could give Solana the push it needs to break out above $24 and start a new uptrend. Traders should watch for a high-volume move above $24 as the signal to go long.

Will Solana See New All-Time Highs in 2023?

Solana reached its record high of $260 in November 2021. With Solana still trading 90% below its peak, many traders wonder if new all-time highs could be in store this year.

For Solana to surge back to $260, a few key factors would need to align:

• Renewed retail interest in altcoins
• Major protocol upgrades and developments
• Expanding ecosystem of dApps and NFT projects
• Return of bullish sentiment across crypto markets

While certainly possible, these stars aligning to drive 10x gains seems unlikely in 2023 given macroeconomic headwinds. A more reasonable target could be $100 - which would require a 3.5x gain from current levels.

Will Solana's Growth Outpace Ethereum?

As two leading smart contract platforms, Ethereum and Solana are often compared against each other. This begs the question - can Solana's growth outpace Ethereum in 2023?

While Solana has some advantages like higher transaction speeds and lower fees, Ethereum still boasts superior network effects and security. For Solana to outgrow Ethereum, it would need to rapidly expand its developer community and dApp ecosystem.

Realistically, Ethereum is likely to maintain its dominance in 2023 even as it navigates its ongoing transition to proof-of-stake. Solana succeeding in carving out a niche as a fast and low-cost Ethereum alternative seems more plausible than outright outpacing Ethereum's growth in the near term.