SEC Approves 21Shares Spot Solana ETF: Traders Point to $SOL Price Directions

• SEC Approves 21Shares Solana Spot ETF in the US
• Traders assess whether the price of SOL will rise or fall after the ETF
• Analysis indicates critical levels between $178 and $260

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 21Shares' Form 8-A (12B) for custody of the Solana (SOL) spot ETF, boosting positive market sentiment. With the product officially listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, trading is expected to begin soon.

#fading Spot ETF approved!

SEC approves @21shares 8-A. pic.twitter.com/RHtmGjp5d1

— MartyParty (@martypartymusic) October 17, 2025

The regulatory advance has increased projections that the SOL token could reach new highs, with analysts projecting a price close to $260 if the fund attracts significant institutional volume. The approval reinforces confidence that Solana will remain among the leading layer-1 projects in the cryptocurrency market.

Despite the Form 8-A approval, the launch still depends on other legal requirements under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Acts of 1933 and 1934. Additionally, the recent U.S. government shutdown temporarily suspended some SEC reviews, affecting S-1 filings for other cryptocurrency spot ETFs.

Despite the delays, several asset managers continue to update their Solana ETF applications, some of which plan to include staking to generate additional yield. Analyst Nate Geraci noted that new authorizations are likely to be granted later this month as the SEC resumes its pending reviews.

Meanwhile, recent data shows that digital treasury firms have been significantly increasing their SOL holdings. According to Ray Youssef, CEO of NoOnes, "DATs like Forward Industries and Helius have allocated over $2 billion to SOL accumulation, leading to an over 230% increase in treasury holdings in September alone."

With the SEC's approval, optimism is spreading among investors, who are now awaiting the debut of the 21Shares ETF on the US market. The product is expected to bring greater liquidity to the SOL and fuel the search for new highs in the first quarter of 2026.

Will Solana's price rise or fall? Traders point to opposing directions

The Solana market remains divided following the announcement of the ETF's approval. Some analysts see room for a further rally, while others warn of signs of a deeper correction.

In Ali's view (@ali_charts), the asset is showing strength after the recent correction. "Solana looks ready to bounce back. Next target: $210!" the analyst said, projecting a recovery after the pullback to $178.

Solana $ SOL looks ready to bounce. $210 next! pic.twitter.com/pDP5LG3Amv

— Ali (@ali_charts) October 18, 2025

Crypto Tony has already maintained a perspective more cautious, noting that the current pattern "screams correction." The trader noted: "I'm in a short-term long position to recover some profits, but I believe we'll see another big drop afterward. $193 will be the area to watch."

On the other hand, Lennaert Snyder assessed that "Solana is forming a bearish structure." He explained that, after testing resistance at $250, the asset lost momentum and broke the uptrend. Snyder believes the outlook will only turn positive if the price manages to reclaim the $233 range, with support at $170, $150, and $130.

$ SOL is forming a bearish structure.

After testing key $250 resistance, price crashed and SOL lost the uptrend.

The downtrend isn't broken until price claims $233 resistance.

I mapped out all support area's beneath us, only long reversals and shorting the continuation. pic.twitter.com/VDolGZPXuC

— Lennaert Snyder (@LennaertSnyder) October 18, 2025

The SOL's behavior in the coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the market is facing a temporary pause before new highs or the beginning of a sharper correction.