Multiple Token Unlocks Signal Market Volatility: HYPE, ZORA, and SUI Lead the Pack This Week

GasFeeLover · 2026-01-05T14:26:31+00:00

Market watchers anticipate major token releases across various blockchain projects, starting with Hyperliquid's unlock on December 29. This trend of simultaneous unlocks could create significant price pressure and volatility, impacting trading strategies as many tokens are set to be added to circulation.

GasFeeLover

2026-01-05 14:26:31

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Market watchers are bracing for significant token release events across multiple blockchain projects in the coming days. According to recent unlock schedules, the crypto market faces a cascade of unlocks that could influence price movements and trading volumes, particularly as the year draws to a close.

The Imminent Unlock Wave

The most immediate event kicks off with Hyperliquid (HYPE), which will release approximately 9.92 million tokens on December 29 at 3:30 PM Beijing Time. This represents 2.87% of HYPE’s current circulating supply, carrying an approximate valuation of $256 million based on prevailing market prices. With HYPE trading at $25.90, the token faces considerable supply pressure that traders should monitor closely.

Following closely, SVL (Slash Vision Labs) has scheduled a major unlock of 234 million tokens for December 30 at 8:00 AM, occurring simultaneously with Zora (ZORA), which will release 166 million tokens at the same time. This synchronized unlock event could create compounded selling pressure across both projects. Meanwhile, Kamino (KMNO) will add another 229 million tokens to circulation on December 30 at 8:00 PM, further extending the unlock period throughout the day.

Extended Release Timeline

Beyond December 30, the unlock calendar remains crowded. Sui (SUI), Optimism (OP), Eigenlayer (EIGEN), and Ethena (ENA) all have scheduled releases in the pipeline, though exact timing remains to be confirmed. These staggered unlocks reflect a common pattern in blockchain tokenomics, where project teams strategically face unlock events throughout defined periods.

What This Means for Markets

Token unlocks typically introduce fresh supply into the market, potentially creating downward pressure on prices if demand doesn’t absorb the new circulation proportionally. Traders employing face unlock strategies—monitoring these release events to anticipate volatility patterns—should pay particular attention to order book depth and trading volume around each unlock timestamp. The concentration of multiple major unlocks within a single week amplifies market uncertainty and may present both risks and opportunities depending on trading positions and market sentiment.

HYPE1,33%

ZORA1,64%

SUI0,63%

SVL-5,92%

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