Pi Coin Price Struggles to Break $0.10 Resistance

Pi Coin (PI) price has climbed roughly 15% since August 23, but the cryptocurrency continues to struggle with the key psychological resistance level at $0.10. PI has not recorded a daily close above this threshold since July 2026, while declining open interest suggests speculative demand is weakening.

Pi Network fell 1.54% on September 10 to trade near $0.096, with broader market sentiment pressured after the European Central Bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points.

Coinalyze data shows Pi Coin open interest dropped from $27.10 million on August 23 to $24.57 million, a decline of $2.53 million. During roughly the same period, PI advanced from $0.086 to around $0.099. Rising prices alongside falling open interest may indicate that the rally is being driven partly by traders closing short positions rather than aggressive new buying.

The divergence comes despite continued development activity across Pi Network. Protocol 27, the network's final planned upgrade, is scheduled for September 15. Previous protocol upgrades have generated bullish interest in PI, meaning the upcoming rollout could potentially attract fresh demand.

However, macroeconomic uncertainty could increase volatility. Protocol 27 arrives just one day before the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on September 16. Markets are considering the possibility of another U.S. interest-rate increase, which could weigh on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, if expectations are not fully priced in.

From a technical perspective, $0.10 remains the critical level for Pi Coin price. PI has repeatedly tested this resistance since its last close above it on July 9, suggesting traders may be taking profits around the threshold.

A confirmed breakout above $0.10 could strengthen the bullish ascending-triangle setup. Momentum indicators also remain constructive, with the Relative Strength Index at 57 and the MACD line above its signal line.

However, weakening speculative demand and tighter monetary policy remain risks. If selling pressure increases, Pi Coin could retreat toward support around $0.089. A sustained move above $0.10 would be needed to provide stronger confirmation that PI's recent recovery can continue.