Litecoin (LTC ($102.27)) dropped to as low as $51 in October but has since rebounded above $100. Recent updates surrounding the potential launch of an LTC ETF and improving on-chain metrics suggest a positive short-term outlook.

However, trader sentiment remains cautious. The following analysis breaks down the details behind this hesitation.

Analysts See a Bullish 2026 for Litecoin Driven by the LTC ETF

Bloomberg’s ETF specialist recently revealed that several spot ETFs, including the Litecoin ETF by Canary Funds, have been approved and are scheduled to begin trading on NASDAQ tomorrow.

Journalist Eleanor Terrett explained that a special regulatory mechanism allows these ETFs to be automatically approved 20 days after the S-1 filing, even during a government shutdown.

Despite the ETF headlines, LTC’s price has stayed relatively stable, fluctuating between $98 and $105. This muted reaction likely reflects market caution as traders wait for concrete proof of the ETF’s real impact.

Other ETF-related news, such as Solana, has also failed to lift prices, showing that investors remain in a wait-and-see mode. However, forecasts from Polymarket indicate a 99% probability of ETF approval by the end of 2025, a potentially bullish catalyst for LTC.

Prominent LTC supporter Master believes Litecoin could soon enter a powerful uptrend.

He points to a long-term symmetrical triangle pattern that may be on the verge of breaking out, forming a strong yearly bullish candle after years of price consolidation.

On-Chain Data Paints a Positive Fundamental Picture

While Master’s expectations appear ambitious, the fundamentals support a continued LTC rally.

The average transaction value on the Litecoin network recently exceeded $80,000, marking the highest level in three years. This indicates a rise in large-scale transfers and stronger on-chain activity.

Litecoin Avg. Transaction Value vs Hashrate. Source: BitinfoChart

At the same time, Litecoin’s hashrate hit a new all-time high (ATH ($0.03)) of approximately 3.34 PH/s. A higher hashrate not only strengthens network security but also signals growing miner participation, which helps the network resist potential attacks.

Another key development is the expansion of Mimblewimble Extension Blocks (MWEB) on the Litecoin network.

This upgrade enables confidential transactions, enhancing user privacy without increasing fees or slowing down processing speed. According to the latest data from MWEB Explorer, the total MWEB balance has reached 260,000 LTC.

Litecoin MWEB Balance. Source: MWebExplorer

“Growing privacy on Litecoin one step at a time. 260k level reached. HIGHER,” X account Litecoin said.

This figure continues to rise and carries major implications, especially as global interest in privacy-focused coins grows.

Litecoin Price vs Zcash Price. Source: CryptoBullet

Analysts believe these factors could trigger a Zcash-like (ZEC ($339.03)) rally for Litecoin. Some investors even describe Litecoin as the potential first “privacy ETF” coin.

Litecoin was once dubbed the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold”, but over time, it lost much of that luster. Now, the intersection of two powerful narratives, ETF approval and privacy technology, may mark a defining turning point for the cryptocurrency.

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