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Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) may be forming potential “W bottoms,” according to John Bollinger, the creator of Bollinger Bands. His rare commentary on crypto markets has historically coincided with major market turning points, making this signal particularly noteworthy for traders and investors.
In a post on X on October 18, Bollinger wrote: “Potential ‘W’ bottoms in Bollinger Band terms in ETHUSD and SOLUSD, but not in BTCUSD. Gonna be time to pay attention soon I think.” This statement highlights the possibility that ETH and SOL are establishing key support levels, even as Bitcoin (BTC) lags behind.
Understanding the ‘W Bottom’ Pattern
In technical analysis, a W bottom is a two-trough reversal pattern. The second low generally holds above the first, signaling potential trend reversal. Within Bollinger Band methodology, this pattern is confirmed through volatility signals: a prior band expansion, contraction, and a failure to form a lower low on the second trough.
Stronger versions of the pattern involve the second low forming inside the bands, sometimes with positive divergence relative to the lower band. Confirmation comes when prices move through the middle band and eventually transition to the upper band, indicating the start of a more sustained uptrend.
Bollinger’s careful phrasing—using terms like “potential” and “time to pay attention”—suggests that pattern recognition comes before confirmation. Traders need to watch subsequent price interaction with the middle and upper bands before drawing conclusions.
Why Bollinger’s Calls Carry Weight
Bollinger’s crypto commentary is infrequent, which amplifies the significance of each signal. Crypto trader Satoshi Flipper highlighted that Bollinger rarely makes calls on Ethereum, with the last notable signal occurring three years ago. Historically, his alerts have coincided with generational bottoms.
For context, Bollinger’s last Ethereum alert in September 2022 preceded a rally from around $1,290 to over $4,000. Similarly, his Bitcoin call in April 2025 correctly identified a bottom near $74,508, followed by seven consecutive weeks of gains and a roughly 55% price increase. Such precedents make his latest ETH and SOL signals particularly compelling.
Ethereum and Solana in Focus
Ethereum and Solana are currently showing signs of W-bottom formations, suggesting potential bullish reversals. At press time, Ethereum traded at $4,037. Confirmation of this pattern would involve sustained closes above the Bollinger middle band (20-period moving average) and a disciplined stepwise advance.
Solana’s setup mirrors Ethereum’s, with the W-bottom structure forming along similar Bollinger Band signals. If these patterns hold, both ETH and SOL could see notable upside momentum in the near term.
Bitcoin Decoupling
Notably, Bitcoin is not currently displaying the same W-bottom formation in Bollinger Band terms. This indicates a temporary decoupling of volatility structures between BTC and major altcoins like ETH and SOL. Bitcoin may remain range-bound, enter mid-band consolidation, or fail its own setup if lower-band interactions continue without reclaiming the middle band.
This decoupling emphasizes the importance of tracking altcoin-specific patterns, rather than relying solely on Bitcoin as the market driver. Traders may find short-term opportunities in ETH and SOL even if BTC’s broader trend remains muted.
Technical Outlook and Risk Considerations
For Ethereum and Solana, a successful W-bottom pattern would typically produce a stair-step recovery. Immediate vertical surges are uncommon; instead, prices gradually climb with periodic checks at the middle band to reinforce support.
Failure of the W-bottom would involve a second low that undercuts the prior trough or a volatility spike that widens the bands without directional follow-through. Incomplete bases could trigger further short-term consolidation or minor pullbacks before any sustained rally.
Traders should also consider overall market sentiment. Despite Bollinger’s technical signal, the crypto market remains sensitive to macroeconomic events, regulatory updates, and trading volumes. Managing risk with stop losses and position sizing is crucial in periods of high volatility.
Historical Context
Historically, W-bottom patterns on Bollinger Bands have aligned with significant trend reversals. Bollinger’s past calls for Bitcoin and Ethereum highlight the reliability of these indicators when paired with disciplined price monitoring. Market participants familiar with his methodology often watch these rare alerts closely, using them as strategic entry points for medium- to long-term positions.
Conclusion
John Bollinger’s latest call on Ethereum and Solana suggests that both altcoins could be forming potential W-bottoms, signaling a possible turning point. While Bitcoin is not currently exhibiting the same pattern, the altcoins’ technical setups may offer trading and investment opportunities.
Confirmation will depend on price movement relative to the Bollinger middle band and subsequent upper band breakthroughs. If these conditions are met, ETH and SOL may experience renewed upward momentum, potentially defining the next major phase in their market cycles.
As always, traders should monitor volatility, volume, and broader market conditions alongside Bollinger Band signals to make informed decisions. For those following technical trends, this rare call provides a timely reminder to watch Ethereum and Solana closely in the coming sessions.
