Hedera drops 12% – But THIS upgrade could change HBAR’s outlook

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-13Last updated on 2026-01-13

Abstract

Hedera (HBAR) ended the week down 12%, but underlying fundamentals suggest potential for a shift. Despite the price decline, JPMorgan recently highlighted Hedera as a key example of public-permissioned distributed ledger technology (DLT), which offers open access with operational controls suited for enterprise and regulatory needs. Additionally, Santiment data ranked Hedera fourth globally for developer activity over the past month, indicating strong ongoing development. Technical analysis shows HBAR's price consolidating after a pullback, with the RSI at 44 indicating weakness but not oversold conditions. Open Interest remained flat near $55 million, and funding rates were slightly positive, suggesting a lack of aggressive selling or heavy shorting. The focus now turns to Hedera's planned mainnet upgrade to v0.69 on January 21st. This upgrade is seen as a critical test of the network's ability to execute smoothly. If successful, it could help bridge the gap between Hedera's strong development activity and its current market valuation, potentially serving as a catalyst for HBAR's price.

Hedera [HBAR] ended the week down 12%, but there’s more to look at.

JPMorgan recently highlighted Hedera as a key example of public‑permissioned DLTs, while Santiment data ranked the network fourth globally for developer activity over the past month.

With a mainnet upgrade scheduled in the coming days, the question remains: will this development impact HBAR’s price?

HBAR pulls back with contained sell pressure

Source: TradingView

The daily chart showed price slipping after an early January push, with the candles going lower toward the mid-range of the Bollinger Bands. Momentum hasn’t gone into panic mode yet.

RSI was around 44 at press time, so there’s weakness without being oversold. Bearish pressure, too, is easing.

Source: Coinalyze

Open Interest has stayed flat near $55 million, so there’s a lack of aggressive position unwinding. Funding rates are slightly positive; traders aren’t heavily betting against the price. It looks like consolidation while waiting for a clear sign.

Hedera back in focus

Source: X

JPMorgan recently cited Hedera Hashgraph as an example of a public-permissioned network. This is a model that brings open access to operational control, more compatible with enterprise and regulatory needs.

Source: Santiment

Meanwhile, Santiment data has Hedera on fourth globally for development activity over the past 30 days, along with some of crypto’s most actively built networks.

All eyes on the upgrade

The next immediate test for Hedera comes with its planned mainnet upgrade to v0.69 on the 21st of January. This comes with HBAR’s price in freefall, even with strong developer activity.

For the market, this upgrade will prove Hedera can keep executing smoothly without all the hype and noise.

Source: status.hedera.com

If all goes as planned and performance improves, the upgrade could help close the gap between development and how HBAR is currently valued.

Final Thoughts

  • HBAR price is weak, but fundamentals look much better.
  • The mainnet upgrade could be a short-term catalyst.
Next: Banks win on stablecoin yield, CLARITY Act delayed – ‘Still hopeful we get a bill’
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Related Questions

QWhat was the recent price performance of Hedera (HBAR) and by how much did it drop?

AHedera (HBAR) ended the week down 12%.

QWhich major financial institution recently highlighted Hedera and for what reason?

AJPMorgan recently highlighted Hedera as a key example of public-permissioned Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs).

QAccording to Santiment data, how did Hedera rank globally for developer activity?

ASantiment data ranked the Hedera network fourth globally for developer activity over the past month.

QWhat is the significance of the upcoming Hedera mainnet upgrade scheduled for January 21st?

AThe mainnet upgrade to v0.69 is a test of Hedera's ability to execute smoothly and, if successful, could help close the gap between its strong development activity and its current market valuation.

QWhat do the metrics for Open Interest and Funding Rates suggest about current market sentiment for HBAR?

AOpen Interest has stayed flat at around $55 million, indicating a lack of aggressive position unwinding, and Funding Rates are slightly positive, suggesting traders are not heavily betting against the price, pointing to a period of consolidation.

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