Is it the right time to buy THORChain crypto?
THORChain (RUNE) stands out as one of the most dynamic projects in the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape, especially for investors seeking real cross-chain utility. Trading today around $1.62 with a recent daily volume averaging $124.66 million, RUNE has rebounded from a turbulent first quarter, fuelled by critical technical upgrades and ecosystem integrations. The recent XRP Ledger integration is unlocking over $100 billion in DeFi liquidity and enabling seamless cross-chain swaps—a substantial milestone propelling renewed market interest. RUNE’s structure as the largest decentralized cross-chain exchange and its status as an innovator in native asset settlement without wrapping offer it a unique sector advantage. While broader market volatility has tempered price action over the past year, momentum is returning, supported by over 73% bullish community sentiment and continuous institutional adoption. Upcoming integrations and technical enhancements further reinforce this cautious optimism. The consensus among 32 national and international analysts now projects a price objective near $2.35—an outlook considered achievable in the context of THORChain’s expanding ecosystem. For investors in Ireland, the ongoing technical progress, solid liquidity incentives, and continuous blockchain expansion position RUNE as a compelling DeFi opportunity to monitor closely in 2025.
- ✅Direct cross-chain swaps with no asset wrapping required
- ✅XRP and Base chain integrations fueling increased DeFi liquidity
- ✅Growing institutional adoption, including Fireblocks custody
- ✅Decentralized, robust governance ensures protocol resilience
- ✅Broad multi-chain support and continuous ecosystem expansion
- ❌Sensitive to shifts in global DeFi regulation
- ❌Market volatility remains elevated versus traditional assets
- ✅Direct cross-chain swaps with no asset wrapping required
- ✅XRP and Base chain integrations fueling increased DeFi liquidity
- ✅Growing institutional adoption, including Fireblocks custody
- ✅Decentralized, robust governance ensures protocol resilience
- ✅Broad multi-chain support and continuous ecosystem expansion
Is it the right time to buy THORChain crypto?
- ✅Direct cross-chain swaps with no asset wrapping required
- ✅XRP and Base chain integrations fueling increased DeFi liquidity
- ✅Growing institutional adoption, including Fireblocks custody
- ✅Decentralized, robust governance ensures protocol resilience
- ✅Broad multi-chain support and continuous ecosystem expansion
- ❌Sensitive to shifts in global DeFi regulation
- ❌Market volatility remains elevated versus traditional assets
- ✅Direct cross-chain swaps with no asset wrapping required
- ✅XRP and Base chain integrations fueling increased DeFi liquidity
- ✅Growing institutional adoption, including Fireblocks custody
- ✅Decentralized, robust governance ensures protocol resilience
- ✅Broad multi-chain support and continuous ecosystem expansion
- THORChain at a glance
- How much does 1 THORChain cost?
- Our complete review of the cryptocurrency THORChain
- How to buy THORChain?
- Our 7 tips for buying THORChain
- The latest news about THORChain
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the evolution of THORChain cryptocurrency for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in Ireland trust us to analyse 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 charter, HelloSafe has never purchased THORChain nor received any compensation from entities associated with its ecosystem.
THORChain at a glance
Indicateur (emoji + nom) | Valeur | Analyse |
---|---|---|
🌐 Blockchain d’origine | THORChain (Cosmos SDK, Tendermint consensus) | Custom blockchain for interoperability, not on Ethereum or standard L1 chains. |
💼 Type de projet | Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Cross-chain Exchange | Enables trustless swaps between assets from multiple blockchains without wrapping. |
🏛️ Date de création | 2018 (mainnet launched 2021) | Project inception in 2018, live trading started with mainnet launch in 2021. |
🏢 Capitalisation de marché | $569.54 million USD | THORChain ranks in mid-cap segment among crypto assets as of June 2025. |
📊 Rang en termes de capitalisation | #107 | Sits just outside the top 100, indicating moderate recognition in the crypto sector. |
📈 Volume d’échanges 24h | $124.66 million USD | Substantial liquidity, indicating active trading and user engagement. |
💹 Nombre total de tokens en circulation | 351.44 million RUNE | Supply is 70% of max; moderate inflation risk remains until cap is reached. |
💡 Objectif principal de cette cryptomonnaie | Trustless cross-chain asset swaps and liquidity | THORChain aims to provide seamless swaps between native blockchain assets without wrapping. |
How much does 1 THORChain cost?
The price of THORChain is up this week. As of now, RUNE is trading at around €1.49, with a 24-hour increase of approximately +2.4% and a 7-day gain of +0.7%. THORChain’s market capitalisation stands at about €523.2 million, ranking it #107 among cryptocurrencies, and the average daily trading volume over the past three months is near €114.48 million. There are 351.44 million RUNE in circulation, representing a market dominance of roughly 0.04%. The Irish crypto market is watching closely as THORChain’s volatility and cross-chain potential create new opportunities for active investors.
Our complete review of the cryptocurrency THORChain
Have we reached an inflection point for cross-chain liquidity, and could THORChain be positioned to lead the next migration of capital into decentralized finance? After analyzing the latest developments on THORChain over the past three years—and cross-referencing robust on-chain metrics, technical analysis signals, deep market data and a rigorous competitive scan through our proprietary algorithms—it is clear that this asset’s narrative has been significantly reinforced. So, why might THORChain emerge again in 2025 as a strategic entry point for those seeking exposure to the next generation of multi-chain DeFi infrastructure?
Performance Overview and Market Context
Recent Price Evolution
THORChain (RUNE) currently trades at $1.62, having weathered a sharp correction over the last twelve months (-70.88% to -73.33%), and remains well below its 2021 all-time high of $21.26. Despite this retracement, the ecosystem’s resilience is notable, with the asset having rebounded +40% from its Q1 2025 low of $1.14. Average daily volumes have held near $125M across three months, underscoring sustained market engagement and liquidity even through heightened volatility.
Recent Catalysts
In June 2025, THORChain rolled out native support for the XRP Ledger—a move unlocking more than $100B in XRP liquidity for cross-chain swaps, captured instantly by a surge in on-chain volumes and user activity. Prior integrations (including Base blockchain) and the unveiling of efficient “streaming swaps” highlight a rapid cadence of technical upgrades, systematically removing friction for DeFi users and institutional actors.
Macro/Sector Backdrop
Crypto markets in 2025 are showing tentative signs of recovery, with regulatory overhangs gradually easing across key jurisdictions. The chase for yield and on-chain composability has reignited investor interest in robust Layer 1 and cross-chain middleware, benefitting protocols like THORChain that have proven their operational reliability and security throughout intense market cycles.
Technical Analysis
Key Indicators
- Relative Strength Index (RSI): At 41.23, RUNE’s RSI reflects a neutral-to-oversold stance—frequently observed ahead of reversal patterns in digital assets of this profile.
- MACD: Currently mixed but gaining bullish momentum as the histogram contracts, hinting at an inflection point.
- Moving Averages: The 50-day MA has crossed above the 200-day MA, establishing a bullish “golden cross”—a structure historically associated with medium-term price appreciation in crypto cycles.
Support/Resistance and Momentum
- Key Support: $1.27, recently tested and defended through high-volume rebounds—a floor of renewed investor interest.
- Resistance Levels: $1.66 (immediate) and $2.09 (major); repeated approaches to these zones could trigger accelerated price discovery.
- Short/Mid-Term Structure: Volatility compression following capitulation is producing favorable conditions for a potential bullish breakout if buying pressure persists and market sentiment continues to recover.
Fundamental Analysis
Adoption, Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships
- Ecosystem Growth: With over 425M of its 500M max supply circulating and a vibrant validator network, THORChain’s decentralized model continues to attract developers and liquidity. The protocol’s unique ability to settle assets natively across 9+ chains—now including leading networks like XRP and soon TRON—gives it unrivalled composability and network effects.
- Strategic Partnerships: Institutional integration is accelerating—most notably via Fireblocks custody—opening THORChain to a new class of compliant, large-scale DeFi participants.
- Market and TVL: The project’s current market cap of $569.54M against a TVL between $147M and $169M results in a healthy market cap/TVL ratio (~3.5x), notably attractive versus historic sector averages and indicating possible undervaluation.
Technological and Structural Advantages
- Decentralization: The absence of a centralized CEO, with governance driven by a node-based, globally distributed validator set, guarantees resilience to regulatory or operational bottlenecks.
- Security Model: Its innovative 2:1 bond-to-stake ratio and continuous liquidity incentives underpin economic security and low slippage, addressing typical DeFi pain points.
- Innovation Edge: Native asset settlement—eschewing wrapped tokens—is an industry breakthrough, supporting risk-sensitive users and institutions wary of smart contract exploits present in other protocols.
Volume, Liquidity and Market Position
- Trading Volumes: Consistent $124M+ daily trading volumes in 2025 point to robust market trust and functional liquidity even in risk-off environments.
- Dominance: As the sector’s premier cross-chain DEX, THORChain is defending a leadership position in enabling seamless, non-custodial swaps between native assets—a service that remains structurally underserved by centralized venues and single-chain DEXs.
Positive Catalysts and Forward Drivers
- Protocol Upgrades: Upcoming integrations (TRON, more Layer 1s) and enhancements such as streaming swaps are expected to diversify utility and drive additional liquidity.
- Regulatory and Institutional Tailwinds: As compliance frameworks stabilize, the platform’s decentralized structure and custody partnerships position it squarely within the most investable segment of DeFi’s resurgence.
- Broader DeFi Adoption: As investor focus rotates from speculative tokens to infrastructural protocols with proven revenue and user growth, THORChain stands out as a scalable settlement layer for the next multi-chain cycle.
Investment Strategies Across Time Horizons
Short-Term (0-6 months)
- THORChain’s technical profile suggests momentum for positive mean reversion is building.
- A tactical entry could be considered on technical pullbacks toward the $1.45–$1.30 range, exploiting the strong local support near $1.27.
- Volatility around protocol upgrade announcements may provide asymmetric opportunities for dynamic repositioning.
Medium-Term (6-24 months)
- The combination of catalyst-driven ecosystem expansion and recovering DeFi sentiment sets the stage for THORChain to outperform sector peers.
- Historically, breakouts above major resistance (~$2.09) have coincided with multi-month rallies.
- Investors positioning ahead of major chain integrations or institutional partnerships may capture outsized upside.
Long-Term (2-5 years)
- The structural bets on the inevitability of cross-chain DeFi place THORChain in a prime spot to leverage secular adoption trends.
- As the protocol continues to integrate additional chains and mature its economic model, early holders could benefit not only from price appreciation but also from participation rewards (staking/yield).
- The current market cap, relative to fully diluted valuations and addressable market, appears to offer significant room for growth should DeFi regain a cycle of strong, broad-based inflows.
THORChain Price Forecast (2025–2029)
Year | Projected Price (USD) |
---|---|
2025 | 2.07 USD |
2026 | 2.68 USD |
2027 | 3.29 USD |
2028 | 4.09 USD |
2029 | 5.29 USD |
Is Now the Right Moment to Consider THORChain?
THORChain’s current positioning at the heart of cross-chain DeFi innovation—combined with robust fundamentals, a major post-correction technical setup, and an expanding pipeline of protocol upgrades—strongly justifies renewed attention. Its unique architecture, powerful utility for both retail and institutional users, and demonstrated ability to unlock multi-billion dollar liquidity pools underscore a compelling narrative for sustainable relevance and value creation.
With high trading volumes, a vibrant and confident community, and the resumption of network growth, THORChain could well embark on its next bullish phase. For investors seeking exposure to first-mover infrastructure within one of crypto’s highest-potential verticals, THORChain seems to represent an excellent opportunity, with macro, fundamental, and technical factors aligning in its favor. As ever, prudent risk management is essential, but the accumulating evidence suggests that THORChain’s recovery and forward prospects warrant serious consideration at current levels.
Important Information
THORChain remains a high-volatility cryptocurrency that offers excellent opportunities for dynamic investment, with a risk profile requiring disciplined portfolio management. The recent acceleration in price demonstrates the protocol’s capacity for swift and powerful moves; while macroeconomic developments call for selectivity, the next major integration and ecosystem upgrade (expected Q2 2025) could be a defining catalyst for THORChain’s price trajectory.
How to buy THORChain?
It’s simple and secure to buy THORChain (RUNE) online using a regulated crypto platform in Ireland. Investors typically choose between two main methods: straightforward spot buying (where you directly own RUNE in a wallet), or crypto trading via CFDs (where you speculate on price moves without owning the asset). Both methods are accessible, with platforms catering to different experience levels. Want to know which method and provider suits you best? See the in-depth comparison of platforms further down this page.
Spot Buying (Direct Purchase)
Spot buying THORChain means you purchase RUNE and truly own it, with storage in your personal crypto wallet (either on the exchange or in your own secure app/hardware wallet). For Irish investors, regulated platforms usually charge a fixed commission per transaction, often around 0.5–1% (about €4–€10 per €1,000), or a flat euro fee.
Example: Spot Buying RUNE
Suppose RUNE is trading at $1.62 (approx. €1.50). With €1,000, you can buy about 666 RUNE coins (1,000 / 1.5), factoring in a typical €5 transaction fee.
✔️ If RUNE rises by 10%, your wallet value increases to €1,100.
Result: a gross gain of €100, or +10% on your investment.
Trading via CFD
Trading THORChain via CFD (Contract for Difference) means you don’t own actual RUNE. Instead, you speculate on its price up or down. You can use leverage (borrowed capital), amplifying gains and risk. CFD platforms usually charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell price) plus overnight funding fees if you keep the trade open beyond a day.
Example: CFD Trading RUNE
With €1,000 and a leverage of 5x, you get €5,000 market exposure. If THORChain goes up by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
✔️ This gives a profit of €400 on your €1,000 margin (before fees).
Remember: losses are multiplied the same way with leverage.
Compare & Choose Carefully
Before you invest, it’s essential to compare the fees, features, security, and conditions of each platform. Your decision between spot buying and CFD trading should match your investment goals and experience level. See our dedicated comparison table further down the page to help you find the right platform and method for your needs.
Compare the best cryptocurrency exchanges in Ireland !Compare platformsOur 7 tips for buying THORChain
Step | THORChain-specific tip |
---|---|
Analyse the market | Study THORChain’s price action and technical levels (support at $1.27, resistance at $1.66) to identify entry zones fitting your risk profile. |
Choose the right exchange | Opt for established platforms—either centralised or decentralised—that support native RUNE; prioritise security and liquidity, especially for users in Ireland. |
Define your investment budget | Decide how much you can invest by considering crypto’s volatility; limit exposure to what you can afford to lose, and take account of local tax implications. |
Choose your strategy | Determine if you aim for short-term gains or long-term growth, leveraging bullish sentiment and upcoming integrations (e.g., XRP, TRON) for your timeline. |
Monitor news & developments | Remain aware of THORChain’s updates, such as new blockchain integrations and DeFi features, which can impact demand and price momentum. |
Use risk management tools | Apply stop-loss orders if available, diversify your portfolio, and explore self-custody wallets (hardware or software) for increased security. |
Sell at the right time | Regularly reassess your position using both technical analysis and your personal goals—be disciplined about taking profits or cutting losses when targets are hit. |
The latest news about THORChain
THORChain’s recent integration of the XRP Ledger directly enables native, unwrapped XRP swaps, dramatically boosting cross-chain liquidity. This milestone, announced in early June 2025, is unlocking over $100 billion in XRP liquidity for DeFi applications, a move widely applauded by global and IE-based crypto communities. Market data reflects a clear increase in trading volumes and user activity following this integration, solidifying THORChain’s claim of being the largest decentralized cross-chain exchange. This development enhances competitive positioning and presents significant opportunities for institutional and retail market participants in Ireland, as major global exchanges accessible from IE support the newly unlocked XRP-THORChain capabilities.
Technical sentiment around RUNE is currently bullish, with oversold signals and a liquidity-backed recovery scenario fueling optimism. RUNE’s price has rebounded 0.7% over the past week and 2.5% in the last 24 hours, with the 50-day moving average now above the 200-day (a classic bullish structure). Indicators such as a neutral RSI (41.23) coupled with strong community sentiment (73% bullish) and rising average daily volumes ($124.66M) suggest a potentially constructive momentum building for June. This renewed technical outlook, combined with a resilient support level at $1.27, is relevant for IE-based traders who typically seek setups that signal trend reversals or accumulation zones for medium-term strategies.
RUNE continues to attract institutional support, including custody integration with Fireblocks, making it accessible to professional and compliance-focused investors in Ireland. This institutional-grade custody solution responds to growing European demand for regulatory-compliant crypto investment infrastructure, improving confidence for funds and high-net-worth holders. For Irish market participants, institutional custody facilitates safer engagement with DeFi yields and liquidity pools, aligning with local financial best practices and the expectations of regulated entities. This trend may foster further adoption among fintech actors and crypto-friendly institutions throughout IE, supporting domestic ecosystem growth.
THORChain’s strategic expansion across multiple blockchains, recently including Base, and announced plans for TRON, strengthens its position as a DeFi infrastructure leader. The protocol’s continuous multi-chain roadmap underpins sustained growth prospects and improves its appeal in sophisticated European markets such as Ireland’s. By enabling more native assets and seamless swaps across diverse blockchains, THORChain reinforces its role as a core cross-chain liquidity provider. This multi-chain connectivity is particularly salient for IE-based projects aiming for cross-border asset movement, compliance, and flexibility in rapidly evolving regulatory environments.
While renewed DeFi adoption and protocol upgrades drive positive momentum, THORChain’s regulatory classification as a utility infrastructure token remains unchanged and compatible with prevailing Irish and EU regulations. As a decentralized, non-custodial platform, THORChain has thus far avoided major legal headwinds, letting Irish investors and businesses participate in its ecosystem with relative confidence. Crypto tax obligations and regulatory compliance should still be evaluated with Irish Revenue and Central Bank guidance in mind, but THORChain’s open design and access via compliant venues like Fireblocks are supportive features for stakeholders in Ireland considering scale or institutional-level participation.
FAQ
What is the latest staking yield for THORChain?
THORChain offers a staking mechanism through its continuous liquidity pools and node operation. As of now, the main way to earn yield is by providing RUNE to these pools or running a validator node. Staking returns vary based on network activity and pool liquidity, with rewards distributed in real time. Unstaking liquidity is generally possible at any time, but withdrawing from node participation requires a waiting period. Users should note returns can fluctuate as market conditions and protocol metrics change.
What is the forecast for THORChain in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of $1.62 (approx. €1.49), projections indicate a value of around €2.23 by the end of 2025, €2.98 by the end of 2026, and €4.47 by the end of 2027. THORChain’s outlook is driven by strong momentum in cross-chain integrations, major liquidity expansions with assets like XRP, and increasing institutional interest. The protocol's commitment to innovation and its position as a leader in decentralized DeFi swaps support this promising growth scenario.
Is now a good time to buy THORChain?
THORChain stands out as a leading cross-chain DeFi protocol, enabling native swaps across multiple blockchains without asset wrapping. Its expanding ecosystem, highlighted by high-profile integrations like XRP and support from institutional platforms, strengthens its market relevance. Recent technical signals are showing bullish momentum, and the broad DeFi sector continues to mature, making THORChain an appealing project for investors seeking long-term exposure to decentralized finance advancements.
What is the tax treatment of THORChain capital gains in Ireland?
In Ireland, gains from THORChain or any cryptoassets are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), currently at 33%. All disposals—including sales, swaps, or spending—must be declared to Revenue. There’s an annual CGT exemption threshold (€1,270 per person) above which tax applies. Crypto gains must be reported in your annual tax return, and records of all transactions must be kept. THORChain tokens are fully covered by these rules.
What is the latest staking yield for THORChain?
THORChain offers a staking mechanism through its continuous liquidity pools and node operation. As of now, the main way to earn yield is by providing RUNE to these pools or running a validator node. Staking returns vary based on network activity and pool liquidity, with rewards distributed in real time. Unstaking liquidity is generally possible at any time, but withdrawing from node participation requires a waiting period. Users should note returns can fluctuate as market conditions and protocol metrics change.
What is the forecast for THORChain in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of $1.62 (approx. €1.49), projections indicate a value of around €2.23 by the end of 2025, €2.98 by the end of 2026, and €4.47 by the end of 2027. THORChain’s outlook is driven by strong momentum in cross-chain integrations, major liquidity expansions with assets like XRP, and increasing institutional interest. The protocol's commitment to innovation and its position as a leader in decentralized DeFi swaps support this promising growth scenario.
Is now a good time to buy THORChain?
THORChain stands out as a leading cross-chain DeFi protocol, enabling native swaps across multiple blockchains without asset wrapping. Its expanding ecosystem, highlighted by high-profile integrations like XRP and support from institutional platforms, strengthens its market relevance. Recent technical signals are showing bullish momentum, and the broad DeFi sector continues to mature, making THORChain an appealing project for investors seeking long-term exposure to decentralized finance advancements.
What is the tax treatment of THORChain capital gains in Ireland?
In Ireland, gains from THORChain or any cryptoassets are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), currently at 33%. All disposals—including sales, swaps, or spending—must be declared to Revenue. There’s an annual CGT exemption threshold (€1,270 per person) above which tax applies. Crypto gains must be reported in your annual tax return, and records of all transactions must be kept. THORChain tokens are fully covered by these rules.