Hyperliquid (HYPE) holds above $40 as futures activity stalls

Key takeaways

Hyperliquid holds steady around $40 on Thursday, up 1.1% in the last 24 hours.
The negative funding rate gives HYPE a mixed signal in the market.

Hyperliquid (HYPE) is trading around $40.95 at press time on Thursday, stabilizing after a 3%+ gain in the previous session. 

While the decentralized exchange (DEX) token has managed to hold recent levels, weakening retail demand in the leverage market and a developing rising wedge pattern on the chart are keeping the broader outlook neutral-to-bearish.

HYPE’s futures market suggests a cooling demand

HYPE initially attracted strong retail interest during heightened geopolitical tensions around the US–Iran situation and the Strait of Hormuz, as its platform enabled 24/7 trading of commodities such as oil and precious metals. 

However, as geopolitical pressure eased following signals of extended diplomatic timelines, speculative interest in the token has started to fade.

Data from CoinGlass shows HYPE futures open interest at about $1.63 billion, moving mostly sideways—an indication that trader participation has plateaued. 

Meanwhile, the funding rate sits at -0.0061%, suggesting a growing tilt toward short positioning as traders increasingly bet on downside risk.

Technical outlook: Bears could push the price lower

The HYPE/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as HYPE remains supported above both the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near $38.46 and the 200-day EMA around $34.51. 

The 4-hour structure is forming a rising wedge pattern, typically considered a bearish setup when momentum weakens. The momentum indicators also paint a bearish picture. 

The MACD remains in negative territory, signaling fading bullish strength, while the RSI at 47 reflects a growing bearish condition. 

If the sellers remain in control, they would encounter immediate support at the trendline near $40.33. A break below this level could open a path toward the 50-day EMA at $38.46, followed by stronger support near the 200-day EMA at $34.51.

However, if the bulls push higher, resistance is first seen at $43.71, with further upside capped near $45.77 at the upper trendline boundary.