DASH Technical Analysis February 18, 2026: Market Structure

DASH market structure is showing sideways consolidation, but downside risk is increasing with price below EMA20 and Supertrend bearish signal. Structure break (BOS) levels stand out as critical thresholds that will determine the trend direction.

Market Structure Overview

DASH's current market structure has been moving within sideways consolidation recently. The price is stuck in the 35.69$ - 38.29$ range and under negative pressure with a 24-hour change of -4.14%. The higher highs (HH) and higher lows (HL) structure has broken down, with a lower highs (LH) and lower lows (LL) tendency observed, which could signal a bearish change of character (CHoCH). In multi-timeframe (MTF) analysis, a total of 14 strong levels were identified across 1D, 3D, and 1W charts: 2 supports/2 resistances on 1D, 2 supports/3 resistances on 3D, 2 supports/4 resistances on 1W. This distribution indicates more resistance pressure on the upside. RSI at 38.68 is near oversold, but the MACD histogram shows a slight bullish divergence with positive bars. The overall structure is weak with a bearish short-term EMA setup (price below EMA20 at 40.73$) and Supertrend resistance at 51.75$. The market is range-bound rather than in a clear trend, increasing the importance of swing points.

Trend Analysis: Uptrend or Downtrend?

Uptrend Signals

For an uptrend, the classic HH/HL structure is sought: each new high higher than the previous, each low higher than the previous. In DASH, while limited HH has been observed recently, holding above the 34.95$ swing low carries short-term HL potential. The positive MACD histogram signals slight momentum recovery. For bullish continuation, price needs to break above the 37.71$ swing high to form HH and cross above EMA20. If this happens, the HL structure strengthens toward 40.77$ resistance and could open the path to the 58.95$ structural target. However, the current sideways structure weakens these signals.

Downtrend Risk

A downtrend is defined by LH/LL: new highs lower, new lows even lower. In DASH, the bearish bias strengthened after testing and failing to break the recent 37.71$ LH. A break below the 34.95$ swing low would form LL and trigger CHoCH. Supertrend bearish and price remaining below EMA20 confirm the short-term bearish structure. Although RSI at 38.68 limits downside momentum, a break of 30.83$ support would accelerate the drop to the 10.86$ structural bearish target. Risk of transitioning from sideways to bearish is high.

Structure Break (BOS) Levels

Structure break (Break of Structure - BOS) confirms trend changes. For bullish BOS, price must break above the recent LH at 37.71$ to form a new HH; this targets the 40.77$ EMA20 zone and confirms the uptrend. Bearish BOS occurs with a break below the 34.95$ swing low, forming LL and leading to 30.83$ support. By CHoCH definition, these levels must be clearly broken to disrupt the current sideways structure. In MTF, 1W resistances (e.g., higher timeframe LHs) cluster above 40$, increasing the difficulty of bullish BOS. To watch: Close above 37.71$ is considered bullish BOS, below 34.95$ is bearish BOS. These levels should be tracked with volume confirmation against fakeouts.

Swing Points and Their Importance

Recent Swing Highs

Recent swing highs: 37.71$ (score 74/100, strong LH), 40.77$ (score 65/100, resistance overlapping EMA20). These points act as resistance in the bearish structure as LHs. Breaking 37.71$ would invalidate the current LH/LL structure and bring bullish momentum. Importance: Rejection at these levels when tested strengthens LH, while a break triggers BOS. In 1D MTF, these swings are critical short-term trend reversal points.

Recent Swing Lows

Recent swing lows: 34.95$ (score 64/100, nearby support), 30.83$ (score 70/100, strong MTF support). These lows are levels that must hold for HL formation. Breaks create LL and accelerate the bearish trend. Importance: A bounce from 34.95$ preserves sideways, but below 30.83$ confirms CHoCH. Swing lows are used as stop-loss points for risk management; e.g., invalidation below 34.95$ for long positions.

Bitcoin Correlation

As an altcoin, DASH shows high correlation to BTC (generally 0.8+). BTC is currently in a downtrend at 66,197$ level, with 24h -2.17% drop and Supertrend bearish. BTC supports at 64,806$, 60,000$, 47,080$; resistances at 67,973$, 71,135$, 78,223$. Rising BTC dominance crushes altcoins; DASH's sideways is weakening in parallel with BTC downtrend. If BTC drops below 64,806$, DASH's 34.95$ BOS could trigger. Conversely, a BTC break above 67,973$ could propel DASH to 37.71$. Key: Prioritize monitoring BTC movements, as DASH has limited independent action. Details for DASH Spot Analysis and DASH Futures Analysis.

Structural Outlook and Expectations

Current structure is sideways with bearish bias: LH/LL tendency dominant, no HH/HL. For bullish outlook, 37.71$ BOS and BTC recovery are required; target 58.95$. In bearish scenario, 34.95$ break leads to 30.83$, then to 10.86$. CHoCH pending, swing levels decisive. Traders should enter positions with volume, MTF alignment, and BTC correlation. Structure is dynamic; be prepared for rapid changes. Educational note: Market structure is analyzed objectively with HH/HL/LH/LL rules, not subjectively – always base on the latest swings.