KAITO rallies 13% as $14.9M token unlock tests bullish momentum

KAITO gained 13% in 24 hours with open interest at a 2026 high, while a $14.9 million token unlock in three days threatens to absorb buying pressure.

KAITO rose 13% to about $0.84 as open interest hit $70.88 million, the highest level this year, data from CoinGlass shows.

"The rally reflects genuine demand, with net buying reaching approximately 1.98 million KAITO tokens," according to Token Terminal data.

Daily trading volume more than tripled to $47 million from $15 million on July 12, while weekly volume totaled $209 million. The token broke above a $0.38-$0.54 range that had contained price action since late March, with Bollinger Bands expanding after a compression period to signal increased volatility.

The rally now faces a test. About 17.60 million KAITO tokens worth $14.93 million are scheduled to unlock in three days, per Tokenomist. If buyers absorb the supply, the uptrend may extend; if recipients sell, the $0.80-$0.85 resistance zone could cap further gains.

The token's price momentum slowed around the $0.80-$0.85 resistance band after the breakout, suggesting sellers are testing conviction at higher levels. Net volume remained positive, with cumulative buying pressure supporting the structure.

KAITO's derivative market showed the strongest participation of 2026, with open interest surpassing the $60 million mark that had stood as the year's high since January. Rising OI alongside price action typically signals that long positions are being added rather than closed.

The upcoming unlock represents roughly 1.8% of the circulating supply, a size that could create short-term selling pressure if early investors or team members choose to take profits. Token unlock events have historically triggered volatility across altcoin markets, with outcomes depending on whether new capital enters to match the increased supply.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.