SNX, the native token of the Synthetix protocol, jumped more than 80% in 24 hours to reach its highest price in 10 months as traders position ahead of the platform's perpetual decentralized exchange launch on Ethereum's mainnet. The token traded at $1.76 at press time, with daily trading volume reaching $626 million—an 834% surge that placed SNX atop CoinGecko's daily gainers list.
What to Know:
- SNX rebounded 98% on Sunday after Friday's market crash triggered by President Trump's tariff announcement, outpacing major cryptocurrencies in the recovery.
- Synthetix plans to launch the first perpetual DEX on Ethereum mainnet in Q4 2025, with a trading competition starting October 20 offering a $1 million top prize.
- Analysts remain divided on the token's prospects, with bulls citing renewed interest in perpetual exchanges while skeptics point to the protocol's history of unsuccessful product launches.
Market Recovery Propels SNX Past Major Cryptocurrencies
Synthetix enables users to create synthetic assets, known as "synths," that track the value of real-world assets including stocks, commodities and cryptocurrencies without requiring physical ownership. CoinGecko data shows SNX ranks as the second-largest token in the synthetic assets category, trailing only Chainlink.
The protocol, despite being an early market entrant, had struggled to maintain relevance in recent months.
That changed last week when SNX plummeted to a nearly three-month low on Friday as volatility spiked following the tariff announcement. The token's subsequent recovery proved more dramatic than the initial selloff.
Sunday's rally saw SNX soar 98% as broader market conditions stabilized. One analyst noted the magnitude of the move, posting that SNX showed "a god candle back to higher highs from before the market crash." The momentum carried into Monday, pushing the token to its highest level since January.
Perpetual Exchange Launch Drives Speculation
The timing of SNX's surge aligns with growing anticipation for Synthetix's perpetual decentralized exchange, scheduled to debut on Ethereum mainnet during the fourth quarter. The platform will launch alongside a trading competition on October 20, featuring 100 traders competing for prizes totaling $1 million, with the top performer claiming the full amount.
Interest in perpetual DEXs has accelerated in recent months, a trend some observers believe positions Synthetix to capitalize on shifting market dynamics.
"The new Synthetix perp dex will soon launch, and after both Hyperliquid and Lighter had some hiccups, I am sure there is new optimism on what Synthetix can deliver," one market analyst wrote.
Another analyst predicted the trading competition would generate substantial visibility as prominent traders discuss it publicly. "Mindshare/attention will begin to flow to SNX," the analyst stated, suggesting the coming months could prove "very interesting" for the protocol.
Synthetix is also developing its Liquidity Prover Vault, aimed at improving capital efficiency through mechanisms similar to those employed by Hyperliquid and Lighter. The analyst drew comparisons between SNX's current setup and recent moves in altcoins like ZCash and Dash, though acknowledged performance remains uncertain.
Skeptics Question Protocol's Track Record
Not all market observers share the bullish sentiment. Critics point to Synthetix's troubled history with product launches, questioning whether the protocol can execute its latest plans successfully.
"I'm sorry if you're bullish on anything Synthetix because [enter narrative here] you're beyond help.
They couldn't nail stables, nor borrowing and lending, nor trading, now people are buying into the fact they're gonna launch a perp dex and its gonna be a hit? lmao," pseudonymous trader Shual remarked.
Altcoin Sherpa, another analyst, warned investors about a potential pump-and-dump scheme, describing SNX as "dead for years." He acknowledged some positive factors, including minimal selling pressure from venture capitalists and high float, but dismissed the rally as artificial. "This is probably just going to be some supply controlled pump and dump, not based off real products imo," he wrote.
Understanding Key Terms
Perpetual decentralized exchanges allow users to trade futures contracts without expiration dates, combining the continuous trading of spot markets with leveraged exposure to price movements. Unlike centralized exchanges, these platforms operate through smart contracts on blockchain networks, eliminating intermediaries. Synthetic assets replicate the price behavior of underlying assets through collateralization mechanisms, enabling exposure to traditional markets through cryptocurrency protocols. Liquidity provider vaults pool capital from multiple users to facilitate trading, distributing fees and rewards based on contribution levels.
Closing Thoughts
The sustainability of SNX's rally hinges on whether Synthetix can deliver on its perpetual exchange promises. The protocol faces scrutiny given its checkered record with previous launches, though supporters argue current market conditions favor decentralized trading infrastructure. The trading competition and mainnet deployment will serve as critical tests for the platform's ability to attract users and generate lasting interest beyond speculative trading.