Polkadot – Is a breakout next for DOT’s price after test of $1.60 resistance zone?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-03-18Last updated on 2026-03-18

Abstract

Bullish momentum returned to Polkadot (DOT) as its price tested the key $1.60 resistance zone. Market data shows a significant shift in trader positioning, with long positions doubling shorts, indicating growing confidence. Open Interest surged by $10 million, suggesting fresh capital inflow and supporting trend continuation. Additionally, the funding rate turned slightly positive, reflecting improved sentiment and a willingness to pay a premium for long positions—a sign often seen in early bullish stages. On the daily chart, DOT approaches a critical phase. A successful breakout above $1.60 could target higher liquidity zones, but sustained buyer strength is essential to overcome selling pressure. Failure may lead to short-term rejection. Overall, rising buyer dominance, expanding Open Interest, and positive funding sentiment suggest a constructive market structure, potentially setting the stage for a breakout if bullish factors persist.

Bullish momentum returned to the larger crypto market over the last 24 hours. Among the notable movers was Polkadot (DOT) after the altcoin recorded strong gains during this period.

Thanks to the same, at the time of writing, the crypto’s price was testing a key supply zone near $1.60. This level could define the next move as buyers tighten control in the derivatives market.

Market positioning shifts in favour of bulls

The number of long positions in the market doubled the number of shorts. At press time the token long/short ratio stood at 2.191.

This imbalance hinted at growing confidence among traders. It also highlighted that Polkadot’s participants may be betting on higher prices.

Source: Coinalyze

At the same time, Open Interest surged by $10 million.

Usually, a hike in Open Interest, alongside price gains, often means fresh capital entering the market. Such a finding also supports trend continuation in the meantime.

Source: Coinglass

Funding rate shift adds to bullish case

Another key signal here is the funding rate. At press time, Polkadot’s weighted funding rate had turned slightly positive. In fact, it sat just above equilibrium at 0.0077%.

Such a shift usually alludes to improving sentiment. In this particular case, it meant that traders might be willing to pay a premium to hold long positions. This often happens during early stages of bullish expansion.

As a result, the current setup might present a window for accumulation for traders and investors who are willing to bag more orders.

Source: Coinglass

Momentum builds near resistance

Finally, on the daily chart, the token’s price action seemed to be approaching a critical phase. The strong supply zone at around $1.60-level might act as the next price barrier for market’s opportunistic bulls.

Historically, such zones attract selling pressure. Therefore, a breakout will require sustained buyer strength.

Momentum is already building too. However, continuation will depend on whether buyers maintain dominance or not.

A successful break above this level could open the door to higher liquidity zones.

Source: TradingView

What is ahead for Polkadot?

Put simply, the altcoin’s market structure has been turning constructive. Buyer dominance is rising, Open Interest is expanding and Polkadot’s funding sentiment also flipped positive.

If these factors persist, DOT could attempt a breakout. Failure to sustain pressure, however, may lead to a short-term rejection.


Final Summary

  • Polkadot’s price tested the $1.60 resistance as long positions doubled shorts in the market.
  • Open interest jumped by $10M while funding turned positive, signaling growing bullish sentiment and a potential accumulation phase.

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Related Questions

QWhat key resistance level is Polkadot (DOT) testing at the time of writing?

APolkadot is testing a key supply zone near $1.60.

QWhat does the long/short ratio of 2.191 indicate about trader sentiment?

AIt indicates that long positions have more than doubled the number of short positions, showing growing confidence among traders and a bet on higher prices.

QWhat is the significance of the $10 million surge in Open Interest?

AA surge in Open Interest alongside price gain often means fresh capital is entering the market, which supports the continuation of the current trend.

QWhat does Polkadot's slightly positive funding rate of 0.0077% suggest?

AIt suggests that sentiment is improving and that traders are willing to pay a premium to hold long positions, which is common in the early stages of a bullish expansion.

QWhat could a successful breakout above the $1.60 level lead to for DOT?

AA successful breakout could open the door to higher liquidity zones and further price gains.

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