1. SOL_USDT Current Price Overview

Chart: https://www.gate.com/trade/SOL_USDT

Solana (SOL) is currently trading against USDT in the $198–$201 range. Over the past 24 hours, SOL has seen a slight decrease of about 1%. However, it has posted a 6% gain over the week, outperforming most major cryptocurrencies.

2. Core Drivers: Alpenglow Upgrade and RWA Growth

Solana is on the verge of its Alpenglow upgrade, which has received strong community approval. This upgrade is expected to significantly reduce block confirmation times and could further increase SOL’s price. Meanwhile, the combined market cap of real-world asset (RWA) projects on Solana has surpassed $500 million. Although momentum is building across the ecosystem, short-term prices have pulled back slightly due to profit-taking.

3. ETF Approval Window: Outlook for Institutional Capital Inflows

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to issue final decisions on several altcoin ETFs, including Solana, by October 2025. If approved, these ETFs could trigger concentrated inflows from institutional investors, providing strong price support.

4. Strategy Recommendations for Beginners

• Watch the price range: If SOL holds above $200, it could challenge the $215–$220 range. It could also potentially move toward $240–$270.
• Be aware that a drop below the $196 support level could increase downside risk.
• Monitor key events such as the Alpenglow upgrade, RWA developments, and ETF approval announcements, as these are critical price-sensitive signals.