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Report Shows Polygon Users Rivaled Ethereum In 2023, But Why Has Price Failed To Clear $1?

Layer-2 network Polygon is reported to have competed with Ethereum in 2023, as both networks saw the most influx of new users. This development has once again raised concerns about MATIC’s price, considering that such an achievement should potentially mean that new money moved into the ecosystem last year. 

Polygon and Ethereum Acquired The Most Users In 2023

According to a report by Blockchain analytics firm Flipside, Polygon and Ethereum led the pack with 30.6 million acquired users in 2023. Giving a further breakdown, Polygon is said to have acquired 15,24 million users, while Ethereum attracted 15.4 million users. Meanwhile, these users are defined as persons who performed at least two transactions on the networks. 

Despite falling about 160,000 short of Ethereum’s numbers, Polygon’s numbers are still impressive, considering that it ranked ahead of other networks like Bitcoin and Solana. The layer-2 network also outperformed other Ethereum L2 networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base, which recorded 7.3 million, 3.3 million, and 1.9 million acquired users, respectively. 

Notably, Polygon hit the ground running as soon as 2023 began, setting the record for monthly acquired users with 2 million in January. Interestingly, January 2023 was the first time MATIC rose above $1 in a very long while. It held above that level until the end of April 2023. After that, MATIC traded below that level for most of the year, only rising above $1 towards the end of December 2023. 

MATIC price chart from Tradingview.com (Polygon)

Why Has MATIC Failed To Rise And Hold Above $1

A recent analysis by Blockchain intelligence firm ChainArgos suggested that the Polygon team has been secretly selling off MATIC tokens, something which could have accounted for the significant sell pressures that have risen at different times for the crypto token. This could also serve as a plausible explanation for why MATIC has struggled to hold above $1 despite enjoying great utility. 

The Polygon team was accused of not executing its token allocations in line with the publicly stated plan, with part of the allocated funds accounting for some of the tokens that were sold. These secret sales, which have for long gone under the radar, are said to be circumvented through wallets linked to the crypto exchange Binance. 

So far, about 767 million MATIC have apparently been offloaded in these secret transactions. ChainArgos hinted at how these transactions have no doubt affected MATIC’s price on different occasions, as they noted that the outflows are a “good indicator for an upcoming top and subsequent move lower.”

At the time of writing, MATIC is trading at around $0.73, up in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap. 

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How To Buy, Sell, And Trade Tokens on The Polygon Network

Polygon (formerly Matic Network) is a game-changing Layer 2 scaling solution that addresses Ethereum’s scalability challenges. It empowers developers to create and deploy scalable, interoperable decentralized applications (dApps) by utilizing sidechains, plasma chains, and innovative scaling techniques. 

If you’re unfamiliar, sidechains are unique blockchains that are bound to the main Ethereum blockchain and are effective in supporting many Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols available on the Ethereum network. This enables rapid transaction speed and cost-effectiveness while maintaining the security and decentralization of the Ethereum network.

As a Layer 2 solution, Polygon operates in parallel to the Ethereum blockchain. Rather than individually validating each transaction, batches of transactions are sent to the Ethereum blockchain, significantly accelerating the validation process and reducing fees.

Polygon implements a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism wherein users can stake tokens for a predetermined duration to validate transactions. In return for their staking activities, participants are rewarded with MATIC tokens.

To ensure robust security, Polygon implements the advanced technique of “commit-chain” or “checkpointing.” It securely anchors the state of Polygon chains onto the Ethereum mainnet at regular intervals, enhancing data integrity and leveraging Ethereum’s inherent security. By capitalizing on Ethereum’s proven security measures, Polygon provides users with a reliable and resilient platform for their transactions and dApps.

The Polygon Network offers a comprehensive set of features that address scalability, security, and developer-friendliness. In this article, we will delve into the key attributes of the Polygon network and assess its substantial potential within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Features Of The Polygon Network

Cross-Chain Connectivity

Polygon network offers bridges that enable smooth transfers of assets and data across diverse blockchains. This fosters interoperability between chains, empowering users to leverage the advantages of multiple blockchain networks and access a broader array of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and applications. 

Polygon presents a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum by leveraging sidechains to address scalability challenges. This solution facilitates quicker and more economical transactions, alleviating congestion and mitigating high fees on the Ethereum network

Ethereum Compatibility

Polygon seamlessly integrates with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling developers to effortlessly migrate their existing Ethereum decentralized applications (dApps) to the Polygon network. This compatibility guarantees a seamless transition and adoption of Polygon while leveraging the extensive Ethereum ecosystem and developer tools.

Commit-Chain Checkpointing 

Polygon employs commit-chain checkpointing, securing the state of its chains by anchoring them onto the Ethereum mainnet. This approach guarantees the integrity of data, harnesses Ethereum’s robust security measures, and safeguards against any unauthorized alterations or tampering of the sidechain data.

Ethereum Network Security 

Leveraging Ethereum as its anchor chain, Polygon leverages the inherent security and decentralization of the Ethereum network. This integration fortifies the overall security of the Polygon ecosystem, ensuring users have access to a reliable and resilient platform for transactions and decentralized applications (dApps).

Developer-Centric Environment

Polygon provides an array of developer tools and infrastructure that empower developers to create and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) seamlessly. The Polygon Software Development Kit (SDK) offers a streamlined framework for building scalable applications on the network, simplifying the development process. 

Polygon also prioritizes the needs of developers by offering extensive documentation, guides, and resources. This ensures that developers have access to the necessary information and support to comprehend and harness the platform effectively. The availability of comprehensive resources fosters a vibrant developer community, encouraging collaboration and driving innovation on the network.

MATIC Token Utility And Exchange Availability

Polygon’s rebranding decision resulted in the retention of MATIC as its token ticker symbol. MATIC, an ERC-20 token, ensures compatibility with numerous Ethereum projects. Within the Polygon network, users rely on MATIC to secure and govern the network and cover transaction fees.

The MATIC token serves multiple purposes within Polygon’s ecosystem. Users can utilize MATIC for fee payments during transactions on the Polygon platform. MATIC can also be staked to contribute to the network’s security and earn rewards. 

Furthermore, MATIC holders have the ability to engage in governance activities by voting on proposed modifications, influencing the evolution of the network.

In terms of exchange availability, MATIC can be traded on various platforms, including prominent exchanges like UniSwap. This wide accessibility on exchanges enhances liquidity and provides individuals with convenient access to acquire or trade MATIC tokens.

How To Get Started On The Polygon (MATIC) Network

To engage in token transactions on the Polygon network, users must acquire a MetaMask wallet. MetaMask, a widely used browser extension wallet, provides a seamless interface for interacting with blockchain networks, including Ethereum. This user-friendly wallet is accessible as a browser extension for popular browsers like Google Chrome.

To ensure your MetaMask Wallet is added to your browser as an extension, click on the ‘Add to Chrome’ icon located at the top right corner, as depicted below:

Metamask

After installation and setup, MetaMask enables users to effectively manage their cryptocurrency wallets, seamlessly interact with decentralized applications (DApps), and securely execute transactions on supported blockchain networks, all directly from within their web browsers. 

Remember to diligently write down your seed phrase on a physical sheet of paper and store it in a secure location. Avoid storing it online or on any electronic device to ensure maximum security.

For the next step, add the Polygon (MATIC) network to your Metamask wallet by following the instructions provided on the Metamask website here.

Trading On The Polygon (MATIC) Network

In order to execute trades on the Polygon (MATIC) network, you will need to fund your wallet with MATIC so as to enable you to cover gas fees. These fees cover the expense associated with utilizing computational resources related to transaction processing and validation.

To purchase MATIC tokens, you can utilize centralized exchanges like Binance. Simply copy your wallet address from MetaMask and proceed to transfer MATIC tokens from your Binance account to your MetaMask wallet. 

In addition, it is possible to acquire MATIC directly within the MetaMask wallet by utilizing conventional payment methods such as credit or debit cards and other similar options.  

Simply click on the “Buy/Sell” button within the MetaMask interface to access the designated section. Within this interface, you can specify the desired amount of MATIC (or any other token) you wish to purchase in terms of US dollars. Additionally, you can select your preferred payment method before finalizing the transaction by clicking on the “Buy” button. 

It’s imperative for users to be aware that when purchasing cryptocurrencies directly within MetaMask, you will be required to provide information such as your country and state. However, rest assured that this process is simple and can be completed within a minute.

Buy MATIC Metamask

You can expect your MATIC tokens to arrive in your wallet within a few minutes at most. Once they have arrived, you are ready to start trading tokens on the Polygon network. To begin your trading journey, navigate to UniSwap and commence your trading activities.

How To Trade Tokens On The Polygon Network Using UniSwap

Uniswap is an Ethereum blockchain-based decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol that enables users to trade Ethereum-based tokens from their wallets directly, eliminating the necessity for intermediaries or conventional order books. Uniswap provides users with a hassle-free method to purchase and sell various tokens.

To safeguard your wallet against fraudulent activity, ensure that you are accessing the legitimate Uniswap website. 

Begin by clicking on the “Launch App” button located in the top right corner, as depicted in the image below:

Polygon Network

Next, proceed by selecting the “connect” option located at the top right corner of the UniSwap interface, as depicted in the provided image below:

Uniswap

Establish a connection with your preferred wallet, as shown in the image below. In this instance, the suggested wallet is Metamask:

Uniswap buy MATIC

After establishing the connection, adjust your Metamask settings to the Polygon (MATIC) network. (If you are already connected to the Polygon network, there is no need to make any network switches).

Polygon trading

Once you have successfully connected MetaMask to the Polygon network, navigate to UniSwap to begin trading on the Polygon network through the platform.

Moving forward, you need to choose your desired tokens within the UniSwap interface. As Uniswap operates on a token-to-token trading model, click on the “Select Token” button to designate the specific trading pair you wish to trade against.

To illustrate, if you intend to purchase USDT using MATIC, simply choose the MATIC – USDT trading pair, specify the desired amount, and click on “Swap” or “Trade Now.” Confirm the transaction in your Metamask wallet, and you will be able to view the tokens in your wallet’s asset list.

Trading tokens

Buying And Selling Tokens With Metamask

Metamask extension wallet, connected to the Polygon network, allows users to buy and sell tokens seamlessly. To proceed, ensure that you are connected to the Polygon network and possess MATIC tokens for swapping and covering gas fees.

Then, locate the “Swap” button, as illustrated below. Clicking on it will direct you to the Swap interface within the Metamask wallet.

Metamask Swap

Using the image above as a guide, users can search for tokens by name or contract address, just like on UniSwap. Enter the amount of MATIC you want to swap, make sure you have the correct token, and click on “Swap”. Once the transaction is confirmed, the tokens you bought will be sent to your wallet.

Tracking Token Prices on The Polygon  Network

Polygon network users can equip themselves with potential on-chain tools like Dexscreener, which opens up a world of new opportunities for traders. Dexscreener provides users with extensive market insights for specific tokens, ranging from real-time price data to in-depth contract information. It also helps users make well-informed trading decisions based on reliable and up-to-date data.

Stay ahead of the curve on the Polygon network with Dexscreener, keeping track of token metrics and market dynamics. 

Polygon Dexscreener

Dexscreener on the Polygon network offers invaluable features tailored to users. One standout feature is its charting functionality, which provides real-time and historical price data for various tokens.

By utilizing these charts, users can gain valuable insights into price trends, trading volumes, and other important metrics.

Check below for a visual representation:

Dexscreener charts

Conclusion

The Polygon network provides a robust and user-friendly environment for traders to thrive. With its innovative features, growing ecosystem, and commitment to scalability, Polygon is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized finance.

As Polygon continues to experience growth and wider adoption, we anticipate a broader selection of applications and services tailored to meet the diverse requirements of traders. The network’s dedication to scalability, interoperability, and user satisfaction establishes it as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving blockchain industry.

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Crypto Analyst Predicts 100% Price Surge For MATIC – Here’s What Needs To Happen

MATIC, the native token of the Polygon network, has been on an exciting run in the past few weeks, like several other altcoins in the market. Despite the positive price performance, the cryptocurrency has not been able to return above the $1 mark, seemingly facing rejection at the $0.9 zone.

However, it appears that the tides might be changing for MATIC following a crypto analyst’s projection. 

Will MATIC Price Skyrocket 100% If This Happens?

Prominent crypto analyst Ali Martinez has put forward their bullish projection for the MATIC price in the near future. In a post on the X platform, the analyst revealed that the altcoin could be set for a bullish breakout that could catapult its price to double its current value.

Martinez’s prediction revolves around the symmetrical triangle pattern forming on the Polygon weekly price chart. Interestingly, the MATIC triangular formation is around the $0.96 price point, intersecting with the 50% Fibonacci retracement level.

This pattern forms a basis of Martinez’s projection, as the analyst believes “a daily or weekly candlestick close above $0.96 could be the spark for a bullish MATIC breakout.” According to the analyst, a break through this critical price level could send the altcoin to $1.82.

This projection represents an approximately 100% rally from the current price point. As of this writing, the Polygon token is valued at $0.905165, reflecting a nearly 2% price decline in the past 24 hours. Nevertheless, MATIC ranks as the 15th-largest cryptocurrency, with a market capitalization of roughly $8.42 billion.

On-Chain Data Reveals Minimal Resistance Ahead

A particular on-chain data revelation adds even more strength to Martinez’s $1.82 projection for MATIC price. In an earlier post on X, Martinez revealed that the Polygon token might be set to go on a bullish run.

This theory is based on price data from the analytics platform IntoTheBlock. According to the blockchain platform, about 42,000 addresses purchased 5.8 billion tokens between $0.80 and $0.86, making the price range a “key” support zone.

MATIC

As displayed in the chart above, the small size of the dots indicates the low density of investors and no major on-chain resistance above the current MATIC price. “Given the minimal resistance ahead, Polygon seems primed for a bull run as long as this level holds,” according to the analyst.

MATIC

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Polygon Network Metrics Explode: Is It Time For MATIC Price To Reach $2?

It’s been a relatively quiet period of price action for Polygon (MATIC) in the past few weeks. On this day last month, MATIC was trading around its October bottom of $0.5154 before the inflows into the crypto market. 

Although the cryptocurrency has performed reasonably well and has increased by 82% since then, its rise has mostly been overshadowed by inflows into Bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies such as Solana, which has seen an 188% increase in the same period.

After briefly falling below $0.9 many times this week due to consolidations, MATIC has now blasted off minor support at the $0.91 level. On-chain metrics like transaction count addresses making a profit and open interest on futures contracts all point to a continued surge for MATIC. 

Polygon Network Metrics Explode

Data from various market analytics platforms have shown a spike in transactions on the polygon network. Cryptoquant puts the total transaction count at its highest levels since September. At the same time, data from IntoTheBlock shows that large transaction volume (transactions of over $100,000) reached $636 million in the past 24 hours, an increase of more than 387% from yesterday. According to the analytics website, this is a surge of more than 3,800% compared to 30 days ago.

The volume of MATIC futures trading has also increased in the past week, as shown by the amount of open interest. According to chart data from Coinalyze, open interest on various MATIC futures markets has jumped by 120% this month. 

As shown by the chart below, the total open interest is now at $260 million from $118 million on November 1. This dramatic increase shows that more traders are betting on MATIC’s price rising significantly in the future.

Polygon network metrics

MATIC currently has one of the highest percentages of addresses who bought around the current price in profit. Data from IntoTheBlock’s “In/Out of the Money Around Price” metric show that 71.23% of MATIC addresses that bought between $0.800122 and $1.08 are making a profit at the moment. In comparison, around 66.99% of Bitcoin addresses who bought around the current price are making a profit.

MATIC price profit

MATIC Price To Reach $2?

Technical analysis of MATIC’s price chart shows the token could be gearing up for over $1 or higher in the coming weeks. MATIC has already bounced off a support level around $0.86 more than four times this week, indicating that the bulls are not willing to give up momentum yet. 

MATIC is trading at $0.94 at the time of writing, and the next resistance is around a bearish order block proving resistant at $9.8. A break over this resistance could see MATIC reach above $1, and a move above $1 would confirm the uptrend and open the door for a run toward $2 or higher.

According to Dave The Wave, Polygon is set to enter an uptrend against Bitcoin. The crypto analyst’s technical analysis points to a 200% increase from its current value to approximately 0.0000618 BTC, equivalent to $2.25.

MATIC price chart from Tradingview.com (Polygon network metrics)