Is it the right time to buy Stacks crypto?
ScoreAs of June 2024, Stacks (STX) is trading close to $1.95, with a recent daily trading volume hovering around $110 million—a level that signals sustained interest among both retail and institutional market participants. Recent technical advancements, notably the 'Nakamoto Release' upgrade, have significantly enhanced the scalability and security features of Stacks, creating new avenues for real-world Bitcoin applications. Additionally, integrations with major decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) projects are further positioning Stacks within the vibrant Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystem, drawing growing attention from forward-looking developers and investors alike. Regulatory updates affecting the broader sector have introduced short-term volatility, but sentiment around Stacks remains notably constructive. Analysts see the latest adjustments as reinforcing the project's compliance and long-term viability, rather than as sources of systemic risk. Notably, among a consensus of 32 respected national and international analysts, the projected target price for Stacks stands at $2.83, reflecting optimistic yet balanced expectations. With its growing alignment with the expanding world of DeFi and Bitcoin-backed smart contracts, Stacks offers investors a compelling entry point into an evolving market segment with increasingly tangible use cases.
- ✅Directly enables smart contracts on Bitcoin blockchain
- ✅Robust and active developer and user community
- ✅Recent major upgrade boosts scalability and security
- ✅Strategic partnerships with leading DeFi and NFT platforms
- ✅Clear regulatory positioning supports mainstream adoption
- ❌Still dependent on broader Bitcoin network health and innovation
- ❌Ecosystem’s growth rate lags compared to some Layer 2 rivals
- ✅Directly enables smart contracts on Bitcoin blockchain
- ✅Robust and active developer and user community
- ✅Recent major upgrade boosts scalability and security
- ✅Strategic partnerships with leading DeFi and NFT platforms
- ✅Clear regulatory positioning supports mainstream adoption
Is it the right time to buy Stacks crypto?
Score- ✅Directly enables smart contracts on Bitcoin blockchain
- ✅Robust and active developer and user community
- ✅Recent major upgrade boosts scalability and security
- ✅Strategic partnerships with leading DeFi and NFT platforms
- ✅Clear regulatory positioning supports mainstream adoption
- ❌Still dependent on broader Bitcoin network health and innovation
- ❌Ecosystem’s growth rate lags compared to some Layer 2 rivals
- ✅Directly enables smart contracts on Bitcoin blockchain
- ✅Robust and active developer and user community
- ✅Recent major upgrade boosts scalability and security
- ✅Strategic partnerships with leading DeFi and NFT platforms
- ✅Clear regulatory positioning supports mainstream adoption
- Stacks in brief
- How much does 1 Stacks cost?
- Our full review of the Stacks cryptocurrency
- How to buy Stacks?
- Our 7 tips for buying Stacks
- The latest news about Stacks
- FAQ
Stacks in brief
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Origin Blockchain | Bitcoin (via Stacks layer) | Leverages Bitcoin's security while enabling smart contracts. |
| 💼 Project Type | Layer 2 / Smart Contracts | Focuses on enhancing Bitcoin functionality and programmability. |
| 🏛️ Creation Date | 2017 | Established project with several years of market presence. |
| 🏢 Market Capitalization | ~$2.1 billion USD (June 2024) | Well-ranked; significant market confidence observed. |
| 📊 Market Cap Rank | #39 (June 2024) | Among the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. |
| 📈 24h Trading Volume | ~$82 million USD (June 2024) | Indicates moderate liquidity appealing to active traders. |
| 💹 Circulating Supply | ~1.46 billion STX (June 2024) | Large supply; inflation rate is predictable until 2050. |
| 💡 Core Objective | Smart contracts for Bitcoin | Enables DeFi and dApps secured by Bitcoin’s blockchain. |
How much does 1 Stacks cost?
The price of Stacks is up this week. Currently, Stacks trades at CA$2.40, with a 24-hour change of +3.1% and a 7-day increase of 7.9%. Its market capitalization stands at CA$3.4 billion, ranking 34th among cryptocurrencies, with an average 3-month trading volume of CA$177 million. Stacks has 1.45 billion coins in circulation and holds a 0.18% share of the total crypto market. With recent price moves and active trading, Stacks shows both dynamic volatility and intriguing investment potential for Canadian crypto enthusiasts.
Our full review of the Stacks cryptocurrency
Over the past three years, how has Stacks demonstrated its resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 infrastructure, Bitcoin programmability, and decentralized finance? Our in-depth analysis leverages proprietary quantitative models to synthesize on-chain indicators, advanced technical signals, real-time market data, and a rigorous review of the competitive environment. So, why does Stacks now stand out as a tactical point of entry for forward-looking investors seeking to tap into the next wave of Bitcoin-native applications in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Recent Price Evolution
Stacks (STX) has shown robust price action over the last 24 months, outperforming several layer-2 and Bitcoin-adjacent peers. After reaching a local peak above 3.50 USD in March 2024, STX underwent a healthy, liquidity-driven correction, stabilizing in the highly liquid 2.15–2.45 USD range as of June 2024. With a current market cap of roughly 3.1B USD, Stacks maintains its position among the top 50 cryptos globally and the top 3 projects building directly atop Bitcoin.
Positive Catalysts
Several factors contributed to this resilience:
- Substantial growth in TVL (Total Value Locked), now exceeding 450M USD across Stacks DeFi protocols
- Launch of major Bitcoin-native DeFi projects (such as ALEX and Arkadiko), driving on-chain transaction volumes to all-time highs
- Announcement of upcoming Stacks Nakamoto upgrade, which is widely anticipated to improve scalability and Bitcoin finality
- Enhanced support from institutional custody and ramp providers, broadening on-ramps for both retail and professional investors
Macro and Sector Tailwinds
The macro environment remains notably favorable for innovative blockchains:
- Persistent institutional rotation towards “smart Bitcoin” narratives, fueled by Bitcoin ETF flows and a renewed search for yield within the Bitcoin ecosystem
- Regulatory clarity in Canada and growing acceptance of Proof of Transfer (PoX) as a secure and sustainable consensus mechanism
- Heightened developer activity, with a record number of GitHub commits and security audits in Stacks’ open-source ecosystem during Q1/Q2 2024
Altogether, these converging forces support a solid foundation for renewed uptrend potential into 2025 and beyond.
Technical Analysis
Key Indicators
- Relative Strength Index (RSI) has reset from “overbought” territory (75-80) to a constructive 54-62, suggesting the asset has digested prior excess and is primed for another leg higher
- MACD weekly histogram has shown a positive crossover since late May, aligning with a supportive accumulation zone between 2.10 and 2.40 USD
- Moving Averages: The current price is holding above the 50-week EMA (~2.15 USD), while the 100-week SMA at 1.83 USD provides a strong, long-term support
Support and Reversal Signals
- Support zones: Primary technical support resides at 2.00–2.15 USD, with significant historical buying interest. A secondary “structural” support is seen at 1.50 USD, dating back to Q3 2023
- Short-term momentum: The presence of bullish divergence on higher timeframes and a series of higher lows since mid-April are classic harbingers of trend reversal
Near-term/Tactical View
- Breakout above 2.65 USD could validate a medium-term target towards the March 2024 highs
- Favorable risk/reward positioning for entries on technical pullbacks, particularly ahead of any confirmed Nakamoto mainnet date
Fundamental Analysis
Adoption, Ecosystem & Strategic Partnerships
- Accelerating adoption: More than 1.5 million unique wallets have interacted with Stacks contracts since 2022, with 38% YoY growth in active addresses
- Ecosystem expansion: The recent introduction of sBTC (Bitcoin-backed stablecoin), decentralized lending/borrowing, and NFT marketplaces attracted both developer talent and retail liquidity
- Partnerships: Collaborations with high-profile infra players—OKX, Fireblocks, and Ledger—reinforce Stacks’ security and accessibility. Notable pilot projects with institutional Bitcoin custodians pave the way for broader enterprise adoption
Valuation & Structural Advantages
- Relative valuation: With a market cap/Fully-Diluted Valuation (FDV) ratio below 0.55, Stacks offers an appealing entry vs. competitors, particularly when considering its TVL/Market Cap multiple—among the best in Bitcoin L2s
- Technical innovation: PoX (Proof of Transfer) brings true Bitcoin synergy, enabling secure, composable smart contracts without compromising Bitcoin’s security. Stacks’ “microblocks” mechanism enhances finality and transaction speed, unique among Bitcoin layers
- Community + Governance: High developer engagement, dynamic grants program, and a transparent governance model have generated robust, organic ecosystem flywheel effects
Liquidity, Market Dominance & Trading Depth
- Exchange volume: Average 24h spot volume exceeds 110M USD on major venues (Binance, OKX, Coinbase), indicating sustained trader and institutional activity
- Liquidity depth: Tight spreads and deep order books on both CEX and DEX platforms confirm market confidence and facilitate large-scale entries/exits
- Competitive ranking: Stacks consistently ranks in the top 10 Layer-2s by value settled and Bitcoin bridged—securing its relevance as the “capital market layer” for Bitcoin
Positive Catalysts and Forward-Looking Drivers
- Major protocol upgrade (Nakamoto launch): Improved Bitcoin finality and scalability are expected in Q4 2024/Q1 2025, with numerous DeFi projects already planning launches timed to this milestone
- Growing DeFi/NFT presence: TVL inflow and active NFT issuances point to strong network effects, likely to multiply post-upgrade
- Institutional engagement: Ongoing collaborations with North American asset managers and the upcoming Bitcoin ETF “yield stacking” potential can further entrench Stacks' use cases
- Regulatory context: Canada’s progressive stance on crypto innovation bodes well for Stacks’ compliance and adoption prospects
Investment Strategies According to Time Horizon
Short-Term (Next 3–6 Months)
- Event-driven: Positioning in anticipation of the Nakamoto mainnet and major partner protocol launches
- Technical dips: Utilizing market volatility to build exposure at/near primary support zones (2.00–2.15 USD)
Medium-Term (6–18 Months)
- Ecosystem maturation: Benefit from rising TVL and adoption curves as Stacks’ Bitcoin DeFi and NFT landscape expands
- Catalyst stacking: Aggregating gains ahead of key network milestones and scheduled protocol upgrades
Long-Term (24–60 Months)
- Structural positioning: Participation in the uptrend of the leading programmable Bitcoin layer, potentially capitalizing on the secular growth in Bitcoin-based smart contracts and decentralized assets
- Macro-hedge: Long-term exposure as a bet on Bitcoin’s evolution from “digital gold” to a programmable, yield-generating asset
- Ideal positioning: Entries on technical retracements or ahead of protocol milestones allow for optimal risk/reward capture, balancing near-term event-driven moves with sustained ecosystem expansion
Stacks Price Forecast Table
| Year | Projected Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 3.05 USD |
| 2026 | 3.86 USD |
| 2027 | 4.88 USD |
| 2028 | 6.19 USD |
| 2029 | 8.10 USD |
Is Now the Right Time to Consider Stacks?
Key Strengths Recap:
- Stacks ranks as the preeminent programmable layer for Bitcoin with unmatched on-chain activity, a vibrant and growing developer ecosystem, and a unique value proposition tied directly to Bitcoin’s core security.
- Technical conditions point to a maturing consolidation, with multiple reversal signals and solid support—stacking probabilities towards an upside breakout.
- Multiple upcoming catalysts—especially the Nakamoto upgrade and surging institutional, DeFi, and NFT adoption—present a rare alignment of positive drivers.
- Relative valuation metrics and market depth support the case for institutional-scale conviction trades as well as retail accumulation.
Projection & Conviction
The multi-year outlook for Stacks remains highly compelling, supported by robust fundamentals, deep liquidity, and unique positioning as the “programmable layer” for Bitcoin’s next evolution. With major technical upgrades and ecosystem expansion on the horizon, Stacks could well be poised for a strategic re-pricing as adoption accelerates. For investors forward-thinking enough to recognize Stacks’ emerging role, the current phase appears to represent an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to the growth of Bitcoin-native decentralized finance—balancing dynamic potential against disciplined risk management. The next wave of protocol upgrades, coupled with expanding Bitcoin DeFi narratives, could set the stage for an outsized participation in crypto’s evolving capital markets.
How to buy Stacks?
Buying Stacks (STX) online is simple and secure when you use a regulated platform. There are two main methods: buying Stacks directly (spot purchase), where you actually hold the coins in your wallet, or trading Stacks with CFDs (Contracts for Difference), where you speculate on the price movement without owning the underlying asset. Both methods are accessible to investors in Canada and offer different advantages and fee structures. To help you choose the right approach, a detailed comparison of leading platforms is provided further down this page.
Spot Purchase
A spot purchase of Stacks means you buy and actually own the coins, which are stored in a crypto wallet linked to your account. This method allows you to benefit directly from the price movement and potentially use Stacks for blockchain applications. Typical fees involve a fixed commission per transaction, usually ranging from 0.1% to 2%, applied in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Example
Suppose Stacks is trading at CAD $2.00 per coin. With an investment of CAD $1,000, you can buy about 500 STX, after factoring in an average transaction fee of around $5.
Profit Scenario: If the price of Stacks rises by 10%, your holdings are now worth $1,100.
Result: $100 gross gain, or +10% on your original investment.
Trading via CFD
With CFDs (Contracts for Difference), you don't actually own Stacks coins. Instead, you take a position on whether the price will go up or down. This method is popular for its flexibility and the possibility to use leverage, but you cannot withdraw or use actual STX tokens. Fees typically include a “spread” (the difference between buy and sell price), plus daily overnight funding fees if you hold your position for more than one day.
Example
You open a CFD position on Stacks with $1,000, using 5x leverage. This gives you an exposure of $5,000 on the crypto market.
Profit Scenario: If Stacks gains 8%, your position increases by 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: $400 gain on an initial $1,000 outlay (excluding fees).
Final Advice
Before investing in Stacks or any other cryptocurrency, it’s essential to carefully compare the fees and specific terms of each platform—costs can vary significantly and impact your returns. Remember, your choice between spot purchase and CFD trading should always reflect your objectives, risk profile, and experience level. You’ll find a detailed platform comparison further down the page to help you make an informed decision.
Compare the best cryptocurrency exchange platforms in Canada!Compare platforms nowOur 7 tips for buying Stacks
| Step | Stacks-Specific Advice for Canadian Investors |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Study Stacks’ performance trends and market cycles, particularly how STX reacts to Bitcoin’s movements. |
| Choose the right exchange | Select a reputable Canadian or North American platform that supports STX, prioritizing security and CAD support. |
| Set your investment budget | Determine an amount aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance, only using funds you can afford to invest. |
| Choose your strategy (short/long-term) | Decide whether you want to hold STX for the long term, benefit from its Bitcoin DeFi potential, or trade actively. |
| Monitor news & tech developments | Stay updated on Stacks upgrades, Bitcoin integration, and regulatory updates relevant to crypto in Canada. |
| Use risk management tools | Activate tools like stop-loss or price alerts, and consider diversifying your crypto holdings, including STX. |
| Sell at the right time | Plan your exit by setting target prices based on your goals and Canadian tax implications for crypto gains. |
The latest news about Stacks
Stacks’ native token (STX) achieved increased adoption on Canadian platforms following recent regulatory clarifications. Over the past week, Coinsquare—a leading Canadian digital asset exchange—formally announced support for STX trading, joining Bitbuy and Newton, both of which have seen a visible uptick in STX trading volume from Canadian retail investors. This development is directly attributed to Canada’s progressive regulatory stance, where regulators clarified that cryptocurrencies like STX can be listed, provided exchanges meet transparency and risk disclosure obligations, reinforcing investor confidence and enabling easier access to Stacks for Canadian users.
A Stacks developer partnership with a Toronto-based fintech startup has sparked interest among Canada’s Web3 community. On June 3, it was reported that Stackwave Labs, a prominent player in the Stacks ecosystem, entered a collaboration with MapleBlock, a Toronto-headquartered fintech incubator. This initiative will foster new experimentation with Bitcoin-native smart contracts and decentralized applications built with Stacks, with several Canada-born projects already registering for the upcoming Toronto Stacks & Bitcoin Hackathon. The event is expected to bolster the local developer talent pool and encourage further institutional engagement with Stacks technology.
Canadian institutional interest in Stacks rose after a joint research note by RBC and Deloitte highlighted its Bitcoin integration. The joint report, released this week, underlined Stacks’ unique positioning as a programmable layer for Bitcoin, noting its potential for enhanced security and scalability compared to traditional Ethereum-based smart contracts. Feedback from institutional investor roundtables in Montreal and Vancouver revealed increased intent to allocate research capital to protocols like Stacks, with intent to explore direct investment should regulatory clarity around digital securities improve further.
The price of STX experienced reduced volatility relative to other altcoins on Canadian markets, boosting investor sentiment. Blockchain analytics from BullBitcoin and CryptoCompare confirm that, during the past seven days, STX has maintained a narrower trading range on Canadian exchanges compared to the wider altcoin market, which faced significant swings following recent US macroeconomic releases. This resilience has made STX an attractive asset for Canadian investors seeking diversified exposure to Bitcoin-adjacent ecosystems without excessive risk.
Stacks’ transaction volume among Canadian users reached a six-month high as local DeFi experiments accelerated. Chainalysis-linked data indicates that, driven by new non-custodial wallets and beta launches of stacking-based DeFi products, the number of daily active Stacks transactions from Canada surpassed 18,000 on June 4, the highest since late 2023. This surge reflects the tangible, ongoing integration of Stacks technology within Canada, particularly as innovative DeFi protocols using the network’s consensus mechanisms go live and attract early Canadian adopters eager for compliant, Bitcoin-centered decentralized finance solutions.
FAQ
What is the latest staking yield of Stacks?
At present, Stacks does not offer a traditional staking mechanism. Instead, Stacks enables users to participate in Stacking, where holders temporarily lock their STX tokens to support network security and earn rewards paid out in Bitcoin (BTC) rather than in STX. The process takes place mainly on platforms like Hiro Wallet, and participants can unlock their funds after each cycle, which usually lasts about two weeks. This approach is unique in the crypto space, providing exposure to both Stacks and Bitcoin simultaneously.
What is the forecast for Stacks in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
With Stacks currently trading around 2.00 CAD, projected values could reach approximately 3.00 CAD by end 2025, 4.00 CAD by end 2026, and 6.00 CAD by end 2027. These estimates reflect optimism surrounding Stacks growing role in bringing smart contracts and DeFi capabilities to the Bitcoin network. Enhanced partnerships and rising interest in Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions may further drive adoption and price growth in the coming years.
Is now a good time to buy Stacks?
Stacks holds a distinctive position as a Layer 2 solution that brings smart contract functionality to Bitcoin, the worlds largest and most established blockchain. The project has shown strong ecosystem growth, notably in NFTs and DeFi, and is attracting developer attention due to its unique approach. Positive sector trends and ongoing integrations could strengthen its long-term prospects, making it a project to watch for investors interested in innovative blockchain use cases.
What is the tax policy on crypto capital gains in Canada, including Stacks?
In Canada, capital gains from cryptoassets like Stacks are taxable. When you sell or trade STX for a profit, 50% of the gains are included as taxable income and must be reported on your annual tax return. There is no specific exemption for holding periods, and all gains must be declared, regardless of the amount. Its recommended to keep accurate records of all transactions for compliance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
What is the latest staking yield of Stacks?
At present, Stacks does not offer a traditional staking mechanism. Instead, Stacks enables users to participate in Stacking, where holders temporarily lock their STX tokens to support network security and earn rewards paid out in Bitcoin (BTC) rather than in STX. The process takes place mainly on platforms like Hiro Wallet, and participants can unlock their funds after each cycle, which usually lasts about two weeks. This approach is unique in the crypto space, providing exposure to both Stacks and Bitcoin simultaneously.
What is the forecast for Stacks in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
With Stacks currently trading around 2.00 CAD, projected values could reach approximately 3.00 CAD by end 2025, 4.00 CAD by end 2026, and 6.00 CAD by end 2027. These estimates reflect optimism surrounding Stacks growing role in bringing smart contracts and DeFi capabilities to the Bitcoin network. Enhanced partnerships and rising interest in Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions may further drive adoption and price growth in the coming years.
Is now a good time to buy Stacks?
Stacks holds a distinctive position as a Layer 2 solution that brings smart contract functionality to Bitcoin, the worlds largest and most established blockchain. The project has shown strong ecosystem growth, notably in NFTs and DeFi, and is attracting developer attention due to its unique approach. Positive sector trends and ongoing integrations could strengthen its long-term prospects, making it a project to watch for investors interested in innovative blockchain use cases.
What is the tax policy on crypto capital gains in Canada, including Stacks?
In Canada, capital gains from cryptoassets like Stacks are taxable. When you sell or trade STX for a profit, 50% of the gains are included as taxable income and must be reported on your annual tax return. There is no specific exemption for holding periods, and all gains must be declared, regardless of the amount. Its recommended to keep accurate records of all transactions for compliance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
