Litecoin (LTC) has managed to break free from its descending wedge pattern, a technical formation often interpreted as bullish. This breakthrough, achieved yesterday, signifies a potential shift in market sentiment towards the cryptocurrency. However, a closer examination of on-chain data paints a more complex picture.

While the breakout might signal a potential upward trajectory for LTC, the reality for many investors who capitalized on the rally by selling their holdings is far from rosy. The Network Realized Profit/Loss (NPL) metric, which tracks whether Litecoin holders across the network are selling at a profit or loss, has plunged significantly. This sharp decline indicates a prevalent trend of investors selling at a loss, suggesting panic selling and capitulation within the market. Such behavior often accompanies bearish sentiment and could potentially dampen the enthusiasm generated by the breakout.

Furthermore, the Price-Daily Active Address (DAA) Divergence metric raises concerns about the sustainability of Litecoin’s recent price surge. This indicator compares price movements with changes in the number of daily active addresses, offering insights into whether the price rally is supported by increased network activity. A negative divergence, as observed in Litecoin’s case, implies that the price is outpacing network growth, suggesting speculative buying or short-term interest rather than genuine adoption. This discrepancy increases the risk of a price correction, potentially erasing the recent gains.

Technically, while the breakout presents an opportunity for LTC to ascend to $78.11, the possibility of a pullback to $70 cannot be ruled out. The market’s reaction to the breakout and the subsequent on-chain data will be crucial in determining the next steps for Litecoin. Investors should approach the situation with caution, considering the mixed signals from both technical analysis and on-chain metrics.

Ultimately, the sustainability of Litecoin’s upward momentum will depend on a combination of factors, including broader market trends, investor sentiment, and the cryptocurrency’s ability to attract and retain users.

By Alex Wheeler

Alex is a lead writer at AltcoinsAnalysis, bringing the audience all leading developments in the blockchain industry and the latest trends in the cryptocurrency market.