Token Unlock Wave Approaching: Over $350 million worth of tokens such as HYPE, APT, ENA, and more will be released this week

For participants in the cryptocurrency market, closely monitoring token unlock schedules is a key part of risk management and opportunity discovery. This week (January 5 to January 11, 2026), the market will experience a wave of intensive token releases, including large-scale unlocks of tokens from well-known projects such as HYPE, APT, ENA, among others, with a total release value exceeding $350 million. These new supplies entering the circulation often have a direct impact on token prices and market sentiment. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the key unlock events this week and, combined with the latest market data, explore their potential impacts.

Overview of Core Token Unlock Data This Week

According to Token Unlocks data, here is a summary of the major upcoming token unlock events this week:

From the above table, it is evident that in this wave of unlocks, both in terms of release value and proportion of circulating supply, the unlock events for HYPE and ENA are particularly noteworthy for the market.

In-Depth Analysis of Key Projects’ Unlocks

) 1. HYPE: Significant Release at High Unit Price, Volatility Risks Noticeable

HYPE is undoubtedly the focus this week, with an unlock value of approximately $313 million, the highest among all projects. Although its circulating supply ratio (3.61%) is not extreme, the high per-token price means that such a large market cap release could test market liquidity. Typically, recipients of such unlocks include early investors, project teams, or foundations, who may have profit-taking motives, leading to short-term selling pressure.

Based on Gate market data, under the influence of the expected unlock, HYPE’s price has recently shown oscillations. The market is already digesting the increased supply expectations in advance. Investors should closely monitor changes in market depth and trading volume before and after the unlock to assess the strength of actual selling pressure.

2. APT: Routine Unlock, Potential Impact Relatively Limited

Aptos (APT) will unlock approximately 11.31 million tokens on January 11. For APT holders, this is more of a periodic event. Its 0.70% circulating supply ratio is the smallest among major projects this week, indicating that this unlock will have a relatively mild impact on the overall supply structure. APT’s unlocks are usually based on its established tokenomics and linear release schedule, with long-term market expectations already in place.

From Gate’s APT/USDT trading data, recent price movements have been more influenced by overall market sentiment and ecosystem development progress. This routine unlock may cause short-term volatility but is unlikely to alter the long-term trend.

3. ENA: Unlock Imminent, Watch for Market Absorption

Ethena (ENA) will unlock 171 million tokens, expected to be completed by 3 PM Beijing time on January 5. The 2.37% increase in circulating supply represents a significant supply shock. After the unlock, the key question is how long it will take the market to absorb this additional liquidity.

Looking at ENA trading data on Gate, after the unlock event, the market exhibited typical “buy the rumor, sell the fact” volatility. Whether the price can stabilize afterward depends on the project’s fundamentals (such as USDe stablecoin volume, staking yields, etc.) and whether they can attract enough buying to offset potential selling pressure caused by the unlock.

Understanding Token Unlocks: Why Are They Important?

Token unlocks are not necessarily negative signals but are part of tokenomics design. They mainly impact:

• Market Supply and Demand: The most direct effect is an increase in circulating supply. If demand (buying power) does not keep pace, prices may face downward pressure.
• Investor Psychology: Approaching unlock dates often trigger market concerns, leading to pre-event price adjustments.
• Project Health: In the long run, whether a project’s token price can withstand periodic unlocks depends on its ecosystem development and actual utility growth, which can create new demand.

How Should Investors Respond to Token Unlock Events?

For traders paying attention to such events, the following strategies can be adopted:

1. Advance Planning: Use data tools like Token Unlocks to incorporate key project unlock dates into your calendar.
2. Analyze Unlock Details: Focus not only on the unlock value but also on the circulating supply ratio, recipient types (team, investors, community), and the project’s historical holding behaviors.
3. Combine Technical Analysis: Before and after key unlock windows, analyze support/resistance levels, trading volume, and other indicators on Gate’s charts.
4. Maintain Long-Term Perspective: For projects with strong fundamentals, periodic price corrections caused by unlocks can sometimes be viewed as opportunities for long-term investors.

This week’s dense schedule of token unlocks, especially from mainstream assets like HYPE, APT, and ENA, adds uncertainty to the early 2026 cryptocurrency market. It serves as a stress test for project fundamentals and market liquidity, while also providing keen investors with a window into market sentiment.

As a leading global cryptocurrency trading platform, Gate is committed to providing users with timely, transparent market information and a stable trading environment. We recommend all market participants conduct thorough research before making any decisions and always prioritize risk management.