Should You Buy THORChain in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the evolution of the cryptocurrency THORChain for over three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users in the US rely on us to analyze market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical guidelines, HelloSafe has never purchased THORChain or received compensation from any entities associated with its ecosystem.

THORChain in brief

How much does 1 THORChain cost?

The price of THORChain is up this week. Currently trading between $1.66 and $1.74, RUNE’s 24-hour performance has swung between a drop of 7.43% and a gain of 5.01%, reflecting its volatile nature, while weekly trends remain mixed. With a market capitalization of around $600 million, an average daily trading volume over the past three months near $110 million, and a circulating supply of approximately 350 million RUNE, THORChain holds a market cap rank in the mid-80s and represents about 0.065% of the total crypto market. These rapid shifts highlight THORChain’s dynamic character in the U.S. market and offer both challenges and unique opportunities for investors seeking exposure to DeFi innovations.

Our complete review of the cryptocurrency THORChain

After analyzing the latest trends impacting THORChain (RUNE), as well as its three-year evolution, we leveraged proprietary algorithms that synthesize on-chain metrics, technical signals, market data and competitive positioning. This multi-faceted approach gives us an enhanced perspective on where THORChain stands within the rapidly shifting DeFi landscape. So, why might THORChain become a strategic entry point for investors looking at the next wave of cross-chain innovation in 2025?

Recent Performance & Market Context

Price Evolution: Resilience and Recovery Potential

RUNE is currently trading in the $1.66–$1.74 range (as of June 4, 2025), positioning it almost 95% below its all-time high near $20. Despite this correction, recent trading activity reveals increasing volatility and renewed market interest:

• 24h price moves: from –7.4% up to +5.0%, underlining a high-beta profile typical for DeFi protocols on the cusp of updates.
• 6-month range: a volatile $1.14–$2.07, suggesting that RUNE is trading near the lower bound of its historical support zone—a highlight for value-seeking market participants.

The Q1 2025 operational data signals a period of challenge—network liquidity decreased (from $329m, latest figure undisclosed), and processed volumes dropped 24% quarter-over-quarter. Yet, this context has catalyzed a regime shift: THORChain suspended its THORFi lending products after a $200M deficit, pivoting to a more sustainable, deflationary tokenomics structure.

Positive Developments: Signs of Inflection

• Deflationary Switch: Protocol now burns 5% of on-chain revenue, making RUNE supply-reducing for the first time—a fundamental long-term value driver.
• Protocol Recovery Plan: Financial restructuring is underway, paired with a clear commitment to service restoration and innovation.
• Market Sentiment: Despite recent shocks, the Fear & Greed index is at 70 (“Greed”), indicating robust appetite for DeFi sector rebounds.

Macro Tailwinds

• DeFi as a whole is showing signs of renewed capital inflows, particularly targeting projects with a proven use-case in genuine cross-chain operations—THORChain’s core niche.
• Anticipated global crypto regulation clarity and prospects of an institutional “rotation” into DeFi blue-chips could provide further lift.

Technical Analysis

On-chain and Technical Indicators: Opportunity Zone

• RSI: Trading between 48.3–63.6, RUNE is out of oversold territory and flirting with a breakout above the neutral band—classic territory for the early stage of bull reversals.
• MACD: Mixed but steadily flattening, with the daily charts showing a reduction in downward momentum and a bottoming formation.
• Moving Averages: RUNE’s current zones are hugging $1.28–$1.66, precisely at long-term support levels historically associated with eventual trend reversals.

• Support: $1.27, $1.57, $1.65 (firm multi-touch historical base; technical invalidation below $1.00)
• Resistance: $2.09, $2.20, $2.49—strong “air pockets” if volume steps in.

Momentum Snapshot: Structure suggests a consolidating bottom, often preceding price discovery phases—especially as protocol upgrades and integrations approach.

Fundamental Analysis

Adoption, Partnerships, Ecosystem Expansion

• Core Product: THORChain enables permissionless native asset swaps (BTC, ETH, BNB, AVAX, ATOM, DOGE, LTC, BCH)—without wrapped assets, giving it a unique technical edge.
• Upcoming Integrations: Solana, Ripple (XRP), and Cardano support are slated, substantially expanding addressable market and cross-chain liquidity depth.
• Deflationary Tokenomics: With supply now contracting via protocol burns, RUNE’s value proposition mirrors that of successful deflationary models (cf. BNB, ETH post-EIP-1559).
• Active Ecosystem: Despite challenges, the protocol remains technically innovative, with a committed developer base and resilient community.

Valuation Metrics: Undervalued Relative to Peers?

• Market Cap ($590–610m) / Trading Volume ($84–162m) ratio of 0.21, signaling ongoing interest and credible liquidity.
• Positioning: RUNE is trading at a severe discount to its ATH—suggesting asymmetric risk/reward for contrarian capital allocators.
• TVL Outlook: While network liquidity has slipped, the deflationary turn and roadmap for protocol relaunch position it well for a TVL recovery.

Volume and Liquidity

• High 24h Volume: Up to $162m—indicating THORChain remains a “liquid” asset despite sector rotations.
• Exchange Access: RUNE is listed on leading global exchanges, ensuring deep pools and efficient price discovery.

Dominance and Competitive Moat

• First-Mover Cross-Chain DEX: Trustless native swaps with no wrapped tokens—a distinct advantage versus Cosmos, Polkadot, and emerging competitors.
• Technology Lead: Cosmos SDK-based, pioneering true cross-chain interoperability.

Catalysts & Forward-Looking Drivers

• Protocol Upgrades: Near-term integrations (Solana, XRP, Cardano) unlock T+1 inflows from external ecosystems.
• Deflation Mechanics: Ongoing token burn removes sell pressure long-term.
• Macro DeFi Rebound: Broad sector recovery spotlights “real utility” chains—THORChain ticks every box.
• Institutional Interest: Clarity around DeFi regulation plus structural innovations could drive further institutional adoption.
• Restoration of THORFi: Full relaunch of lending and savers modules would be a major positive event.

Regulatory & Market Risks Remain

• Scrutiny: Enhanced visibility brings regulatory question marks.
• Competition: Cross-chain tech is a crowded field, but THORChain’s head start and continuing innovation mitigate disintermediation risk.

Investment Strategy: Tactical Entry Points by Horizon

Short-Term (1–3 months)

• Setup: RUNE trades at strong historical support; technical bounce likely as the protocol transitions to a deflationary model.
• Potential: Breakout above $2.09–$2.20 resistance could accelerate a sharp rally.

Medium-Term (3–12 months)

• Catalyst-Driven: The roadmap for new chain additions and DeFi rebound suggests strong tailwinds.
• Strategy: Positioning on pullbacks into $1.50–$1.65 zone allows risk-managed exposure ahead of major protocol events.

Long-Term (1–5 years)

• Structural Play: Macro DeFi adoption, token burns, cross-chain interoperability make THORChain a prime candidate for multi-year capital deployment.
• Conviction: Relative undervaluation vs. ATH offers compelling asymmetry for patient investors.

Ideal Entry Context

• Accumulating during technical weakness or in anticipation of infrastructure upgrades maximizes risk-adjusted return potential.
• Staking or protocol participation rewards can supplement “HODL” exposure.

THORChain Price Forecast (2025–2029)

Is Now the Time to Consider THORChain?

Summing up: THORChain is showing remarkable adaptability, transitioning to deflationary tokenomics right when the DeFi sector is regaining momentum. Its unique cross-chain utility, imminent new integrations, and resilient community make it fundamentally stronger than at any time in the recent market cycle. With price still near multi-year supports, the combination of technical setup and fundamental realignment justifies a renewed focus from sophisticated investors—whether for tactical trades or as a core holding in a forward-looking DeFi allocation.

The risk/reward profile appears especially attractive against the broader backdrop of crypto and DeFi recovery. THORChain could well be entering a new bullish phase, as protocol innovation and market structure converge to create an environment ripe for price re-rating—making it an opportunity that deserves close and active consideration.

How to buy THORChain?

It’s simple and secure to buy THORChain (RUNE) online through a regulated financial platform. As an investor in the US, you generally have two main options: direct “spot” purchase, where you own actual RUNE coins, or using crypto CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which let you trade price movements without owning the underlying asset. Both methods are accessible to retail investors, each with distinct potential, risks, and fees. To help you make an informed choice, you’ll find a detailed comparison of the leading platforms further down this page.

Spot Purchase

Spot buying RUNE means you acquire the token itself and store it in a compatible crypto wallet—you become the real owner of your RUNE coins. Most US exchanges charge a fixed fee per transaction, typically between $2 and $5, or about 0.25% in commission.

Example

If RUNE trades at $1.70 and you invest $1,000, you can buy approximately 588 RUNE (excluding fees: $1,000 ÷ $1.70 ≈ 588). With around $5 in transaction fees, you own ~588 coins.

Profit Scenario

If RUNE’s price rises by 10%, your portfolio is now worth $1,100.
Result: You gain $100 (a 10% gross return on your initial investment).

Trading via CFD

Trading THORChain via CFD (Contract for Difference) means you speculate on the price movement—without ever actually owning RUNE. Instead, you open a position on a regulated CFD platform. Fees are typically charged as a spread (the price gap between buy and sell), plus overnight funding fees if you hold the position after market close.

Example

You deposit $1,000 and use a 5:1 leverage. This gives you market exposure of $5,000.

Profit Scenario

If RUNE’s price increases by 8%, your CFD position gains 8% x 5 = 40%.
Result: You make $400 profit ($1,400 total, less any fees), based on your $1,000 deposit.

Final Advice

Before investing, always compare fee structures and trading conditions of different platforms—the differences can have a real impact on your returns. Your choice between spot buying and CFD trading should match your investment goals and experience level. For further guidance, check our platform comparison tool lower on this page.

Our 7 tips for buying THORChain

The latest news from THORChain

THORChain has started burning 5% of all protocol revenue, introducing a deflationary mechanism for RUNE. This fundamental protocol change, implemented after suspending block rewards, directly reduces the circulating supply of RUNE and aligns with major positive developments in DeFi tokenomics. The move is aimed at reinforcing token value and supporting investor confidence, especially relevant for US-based holders considering long-term supply constraints. The mechanism, made official and transparent by the protocol’s governance, reassures the market regarding THORChain’s focus on sustainable growth and robust tokenomics.

THORChain is expanding its cross-chain integrations, with upcoming support for Solana, Ripple (XRP), and Cardano. This expansion further strengthens THORChain’s role as a leader in the cross-chain liquidity sector, catering to high demand in the US for decentralized trading between diverse blockchain ecosystems. The plan is widely viewed as a key growth driver for the protocol, as it increases accessibility, attracts more user volume, and positions THORChain as a critical infrastructure layer for native asset swaps, notably on platforms favored by US retail and institutional investors.

Despite a recent market drop, technical analysis points to stable support and potential for upside from current levels. RUNE’s price, currently trading near significant historical support around $1.28–$1.65, benefits from a volume/market cap ratio (~0.22) that signals ongoing market participation. The 14-day RSI remains in neutral to slightly overbought territory, reflecting the possibility of renewed upward momentum, especially if positive catalysts—such as further DeFi adoption in the US—materialize in the near term.

The US remains a key market for THORChain, with RUNE available on major US-regulated exchanges and broad tax clarity. RUNE can be accessed by American traders on leading US platforms, and its treatment as a cryptocurrency asset is in line with IRS guidance, lending an extra layer of legitimacy and accessibility. Staking rewards are an additional draw for prospective US investors, supporting engagement within the THORChain network regardless of protocol headquarters or decentralization.

Sentiment has shifted to neutral–optimistic following strong protocol recovery efforts and sustained demand for decentralized DEX solutions. Market recovery efforts—such as service restoration plans and the swift adoption of deflationary tokenomics—have been well received by professional analysts. The Fear & Greed Index at 70 (“greed”) suggests growing appetite for risk among US investors, reflecting both renewed confidence in DeFi and particular interest in cross-chain infrastructure as regulatory discussions continue to permit open innovation domestically.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.