LayerZero (ZRO), the cross-chain messaging protocol's native token, surged 40% over the past week as traders absorbed a 25.71 million token unlock and shifted focus to a Feb. 10 ecosystem event that has fueled speculation of major announcements.
What Happened: Token Rally Defies Unlock Pressure
The token unlock on Jan. 20, representing roughly 6.36% of circulating supply, failed to trigger the selloff that typically follows such events.
Dip buyers stepped in immediately. The market also absorbed a separate 57.3 million ZRO transfer valued at $98 million to BitGo custody without visible price impact, which analysts interpreted as institutional accumulation.
Starknet announced its integration with LayerZero's architecture, connecting to more than 150 ecosystems through the Stargate interface for cross-chain transfers.
"LayerZero is now live on Starknet Mainnet," the project stated. "A massive milestone for Starknet's interoperability, connecting the network to 150+ ecosystems and unlocking omnichain liquidity at scale."
Trading volume rose two to three times above recent averages, according to market analyst CRYPTOMS, who noted the move "unfolds while the broader market stays quiet, showing this isn't random price action."
Also Read: What Drove Seeker's 200% Spike While Airdrop Recipients Rushed To Sell?
Why It Matters: Accumulation Signals Conviction
On-chain data shows active wallets increased 20% to 30% week-over-week, with cross-chain message volume climbing in parallel.
Futures open interest rose more than 30% alongside price, while funding rates remained neutral, suggesting measured leverage rather than speculative excess. Short liquidations totaling approximately $236,000 added fuel to the rally as ZRO cleared resistance near $2.04.
"Once it flips $2.56 resistance into support, ZRO could reach $3.35 this week," analyst CryptoGuru wrote, citing bullish MACD signals and an elevated seven-day RSI of 92.42.
Addresses holding at least 10,000 tokens have steadily increased over the past month.
"The airdrop drama weirdly helped," wrote analyst BlockViz. "What's left is a holder base that mostly understands the product and is willing to play the longer interoperability trade instead of insta-dumping."
Read Next: Paul Atkins Confirms Joint SEC-CFTC Meeting To Advance Trump's Crypto Capital Vision