Introduction:
The native token of OKX, OKB, has triggered market frenzy due to significant economic model adjustments, with its price soaring from $46.7 to a peak of $142 within 24 hours, an increase of up to 123.96%-200%, and its market capitalization jumping to about $6.5 billion, making it the best-performing mainstream cryptocurrency on August 14.
1. Drivers Behind the Surge
Supply Halving: OKX has destroyed 65.26 million OKB (about $7.6 billion), reducing the total supply to 21 million, removing minting and burning functions, creating a scarcity model similar to Bitcoin.
OKTChain Retirement: OKX will cease the operation of OKTChain on January 1, 2026, converting OKT to OKB at market average price, unifying the ecosystem tokens.
X Layer Upgrade: OKX's zkEVM public chain X Layer has completed the 'PP Upgrade', achieving a transaction throughput of 5000 TPS, with nearly zero gas fees, and OKB becoming the only gas token, attracting DeFi and RWA developers.
Market Sentiment: Bitcoin breaking through $124,000 and expectations of interest rate cuts in the U.S. have boosted overall market enthusiasm, with OKB trading volume surging by 13,000%-18,850%.
2. Impact on the Market and Investors
Holder Earnings: The soaring price of OKB has brought substantial profits to existing holders, but it is necessary to migrate OKB from Ethereum Layer 1 to X Layer, and OKT holders need to complete the conversion before 2026.
Ecological Integration: OKB has become the sole token for OKX wallet, exchange, payments, and X Layer, enhancing its use cases.
Market Dynamics: After a rapid price increase, there may be profit-taking, but the adoption rate of X Layer and the OKX ecological fund may drive long-term demand.
3. Future Outlook and Risks
Bullish Factors: The high performance and low cost of X Layer attract developers, the fixed supply of 21 million enhances scarcity, and OKX's IPO plans and favorable global regulations (e.g., new U.S. ETF rules) provide support.
Risks: Short-term pullback risks, regulatory pressures in Asia (e.g., restrictions in Thailand and the Philippines), and uncertainties in X Layer adoption rates may affect price stability.
4. Price Predictions and Investment Advice
Short-term Forecast: OKB may experience a slight pullback due to profit-taking, expected to fall to the $90-$100 range, but progress in the X Layer ecosystem and market enthusiasm are likely to drive prices up to $150-$180.
Long-term Forecast: If X Layer becomes the leading public chain for DeFi and RWA, the demand for OKB will steadily increase, potentially exceeding $200 by the end of 2026.
Investment Advice: Short-term investors can pay attention to buying opportunities after a pullback, while long-term investors can buy spot, focusing on tracking X Layer trading volume and developer activity. It is recommended to set stop-loss orders and diversify investments to reduce volatility risks.
In summary
OKB's surge is driven by the supply halving, X Layer upgrade, and the resonance of bullish market sentiment. There may be a slight pullback in the short term, but long-term potential is promising. Investors can seize the opportunity during pullbacks to accumulate spot while being vigilant about regulatory and market volatility risks.