BitMine Immersion Technologies has jumped into the top tier of institutional crypto treasuries with total crypto, cash and “moonshot” investments of $14.2 billion, anchored by a whopping 3,313,069 ETH position; seemingly the largest Ethereum treasury in the world.
Chairman Tom Lee has described the strategy as pursuing what the firm calls its “alchemy of 5%” of Ethereum’s total supply.
For BitMine Ethereum holdings, this means $ETH is no longer just a speculative token, but a corporate reserve asset.
BitMine Ethereum Holdings Scale
BitMine’s recent announcement divulged that they now hold 3.31 million ETH tokens, or roughly 2.8% of Ethereum’s total supply.
The breakdown includes 192 BTC, $305 million in unencumbered cash, plus their “moonshot” investments, all totaling $14.2 billion.
Earlier in August, they reported 1.71 million ETH and crypto + cash assets of $8.8 billion.
How BitMine Built Its ETH Treasury
BitMine’s ETH strategy started with a $250 million private placement announced on June 30 2025, specifically for ETH accumulation.
From there; they scaled fast and by July; they had over 300,000 ETH worth over $1 billion.
By early August, they had 833,137 ETH ($2.9 billion). By August 24th; they had 1.71 million ETH with $8.8 billion in assets.
BitMine’s move resonates with a trend in corporate treasuries where instead of just Bitcoin, Ethereum is becoming a reserve asset. By holding ETH as a core treasury holding, BitMine is signaling that they believe in ETH’s role in decentralized finance, staking, smart-contracts and tokenization.
Tom Lee drew a historical parallel, calling the ongoing evolution: “[The] end of Bretton Woods … as transformational to financial services in 2025 as ending Bretton Woods was 54 years ago.”
Market and Investor Impacts
BitMine’s ETH accumulation has had effects. Their stock (BMNR) has gone up big time and is now one of the most traded stocks in the US with daily volumes in the billions.
Big investors like ARK Invest, Bill Miller III, Founders Fund (via Peter Thiel) and others are also reportedly behind the strategy.
For ETH markets, big public-treasury holders like BitMine set a new precedent: corporate accumulation, staking and ecosystem integration are part of how ETH is valued.
Conclusion
Going forward, market observers could monitor include how BitMine manages and deploys its ETH; whether it stakes, uses it for DeFi yield or holds it passively. The firm’s target of 5% of ETH supply is ambitious.
Also; how other companies respond; will more firms add ETH to their reserves? The whole ecosystem may change if BitMine Ethereum holdings becomes the corporate crypto strategy.
Finally; how this accumulation impacts ETH tokenomics, staking; supply concentration and market perceptions will make headlines.
Glossary
Ethereum (ETH): a crypto-asset used for the Ethereum blockchain; for smart contracts; staking and DeFi.
Treasury holdings: assets held long-term by a company for reserve or strategic purposes; not for short-term speculation.
Staking: locking cryptocurrency to support blockchain operations; and earn rewards.
Tokenization: converting real-world assets or rights into digital tokens on a blockchain.
Circulating supply: total number of tokens available in the market; for a given cryptocurrency.
Private placement: issuing securities directly to a limited number of investors; often used to raise capital for strategic initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much ETH does BitMine hold?
As of October 27, 2025; BitMine holds approximately 3,313,069 ETH.
What is the total value of BitMine’s crypto and cash holdings?
$14.2 billion in crypto, cash and “moonshots.”
What percentage of the total ETH supply does BitMine own?
BitMine says its holdings are about 2.8% of the total ETH supply.
Who are the major investors in BitMine’s strategy?
ARK Invest, Founders Fund (via Peter Thiel), Bill Miller III, Pantera Capital and Galaxy Digital.
What is BitMine’s target for its ETH holdings?
The company’s internal target is 5% of the total ETH supply, its “5% alchemy” goal.
Mike Selig has just been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
According to multiple reports, crypto regulator Mike Selig is currently the chief counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Crypto Task Force and has experience at the CFTC under former chair Chris Giancarlo.
The nomination comes as the Trump administration is trying to refine the regulation, oversight, and institutional framework of the digital assets space.
Who is Crypto Regulator Mike Selig?
Mike Selig’s background is a mix of traditional financial regulation and crypto-policy experience. He’s currently Chief Counsel for the SEC’s Crypto Task Force and has advised SEC Chair Jay Clayton.
Before that, he worked at the CFTC as a law clerk or counsel and was a partner at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, specializing in asset-management and digital-asset regulation.
He’s publicly commented on the classification of digital assets, including saying in 2023 that “XRP itself is simply computer code. A fungible commodity, like gold or whiskey.”
Hence, experts say he would bring regulatory gravitas and crypto awareness to the role.
The Timing and Strategy Behind the Nomination
Selig’s nomination comes at a time when the U.S. regulatory framework for crypto is in flux. Legislation like the CLARITY Act and the GENIUS Act are being set to clarify which agency oversees which types of digital assets.
Reports share that the CFTC and SEC just had joint discussions to eliminate fragmentation in crypto oversight. Crypto regulator Mike Selig is to replaces a previously stalled candidate, Brian Quintenz, whose appointment was met with industry push-back.
White House crypto adviser David Sacks described Selig as “deeply knowledgeable about financial markets and passionate about modernizing our regulatory approach” in his announcement.
What Selig’s Nomination Means for Crypto Markets
With Selig in charge, the CFTC may get more responsibility in the digital-asset space. The nomination is about the agency’s role in overseeing commodities and derivatives, including digital asset-related products.
Sources reported that Selig is charged with just as the CFTC is expected to take on new authority over the nearly $4 trillion crypto market.
Moreover, Selig’s comments and analysis of the Ripple Labs litigation show he’s comfortable classifying digital assets as commodities rather than securities, a big holding block in regulatory terms.
His appointment may make market participants open up more access to regulated platforms and vehicles.
Agency Boundaries and Oversight
The big question in crypto regulation has been jurisdiction: which agency regulates what? The SEC has always focused on securities, while the CFTC handles commodities and derivatives.
Crypto regulator Mike Selig’s nomination aligns with recent signals of cooperation between the two agencies. A joint roundtable held in September featured SEC Chairman Atkins and acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham saying they would end decades of regulatory fragmentation.
Selig’s nomination reinforces that. According to expert analysis, his dual agency background means he can streamline overlapping regulatory mandates. That could mean clearer paths for token classification, custody frameworks, and digital-asset exchanges, fewer grey areas for issuers and investors.
Industry Reaction and Outlook
Industry has welcomed the nomination. The crypto community noted his previous comments and legal positions align with the adoption of digital assets. Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, wrote on X:
“Chairman Selig is going to do a great job at the CFTC. I have full confidence in his ability and leadership.”
The media also said crypto regulator Mike Selig is seen as a market-friendly regulator compared to previous enforcement-heavy regimes. While confirmation by the Senate is still needed, the nomination itself is a signal that the regulatory environment may favor of more structured crypto oversight.
Conclusion
Crypto regulator Mike Selig’s nomination as CFTC chair means a big change for digital-asset oversight in the US. With experience at both the SEC and CFTC, Selig is put uo to lead at a moment of regulatory convergence, institutional engagement and legislative momentum.
His nomination means the US is doubling down on its goal to be a global hub for crypto innovation, with clearer rules and coordinated oversight.
The impact is expected to be far-reaching, from institutional access to token classification, custody services, and trading venues.
Glossary
CFTC: US regulatory agency that oversees commodity futures, options, and derivatives.
SEC: US federal agency; that enforces securities laws and regulates securities markets.
Crypto-Task Force: A unit within the SEC, focused on crypto-asset regulation, compliance, and enforcement.
Token classification: The legal determination of whether a digital asset is a security, commodity, or other asset class with regulatory implications.
Confirmation (Senate): The process by which the US Senate approves presidential nominees for agency leadership.
Regulatory convergence: The alignment of rules, mandates, and enforcement approaches across multiple agencies, to reduce conflict and overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crypto Regulator Mike Selig
Who is Mike Selig and why is his background important?
Mike Selig is the current chief counsel for the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, previously worked at the CFTC and in private practice focused on asset-management and digital-asset regulation.
Why is this big for crypto?
He’s being nominated at a time of regulatory flux and legislative movement so clarity on oversight, token classification and institutional access might be seen.
What will the CFTC do under his leadership?
He may expand CFTC oversight of digital assets treated as commodities or derivatives and coordinate more with the SEC on securities-type tokens.
Is the nomination confirmed?
As of the latest report; he’s been nominated but still needs Senate confirmation before he can take the chair.
How is the crypto community reacting?
Many are positive; citing his prior legal commentary and regulatory experience. For example; Cardano’s founder is fully confident in his ability to lead the CFTC.
When market experts, watchers and enthusiasts speak of bull market in crypto, wild rallies, retail joy and altcoins mooning, are easily brought to mind . However, this cycle seems different. For many, the term crypto bull market no longer means euphoric highs, it feels like a grind.
The blockchains are active, big-name institutions are all in and the charts are up. But the energy and optimism of past cycles is missing. This is the backdrop that is making experts question why this crypto bull market grind has emerged, what’s shaping it and how it’s different from 2017 and 2021.
Institutions Took Over the Room
The tale around this cycle starts with institutions. Certain market reports call 2025 the year the “world went on-chain”, highlighting institutional adoption and stablecoins as the main themes. Traditional banking, asset management, and fintech firms have dabbled and built infrastructure, custody networks, and tokenization platforms.
As a recent sources put it, they say financial institutions have embraced crypto after years of watching from the sidelines.
This has changed the market. Instead of chasing altcoin hype, many big players are focused on regulated corridors, institutional custody and real-world asset tokenization.
In effect; they own the pipes through which retail traders must flow. The result therefore is that the cycle looks more like the maturation of crypto’s financial plumbing and less like the wild west of earlier years.
Memecoins Became the Culture Engine and the Drain
While institutions professionalized the space, the opposite force roared from the grassroots which are meme coins. Humor, irony and community tokens exploded across chains, changing the tone of the cycle. According to sources, what began as satire became the dominant narrative of 2024 and 2025.
Data shows meme coin market is still growing but in a weird way. In 2025, it is estimated to be 5-7% of global crypto market-cap, or $80-90 billion.
Platforms like Pump.fun on Solana enabled millions of tokens to launch, but most traders lost money while infrastructure owners made the money.
That changed the psychology of the cycle. Retail that once chased broad altcoin seasons found themselves playing mini-token launches and the odds were stacked against the individual.
The meme coin culture thrived but the era of alt-season joy became harder to sustain.
Macro Pressures Squeezed Risk Appetite
Beyond institutions and meme culture, the macro environment has had a big impact on this crypto bull market grind. High interest rates, risk-off sentiment and liquidity constraints reportedly killed speculative flows. And indeed in 2025, capital seems more expensive and speculative asset classes (many altcoins included) have fewer positive developments.
As a result, even though Bitcoin is at new highs, the rest of the market feels flat, lethargic or brutally repressed.
The interplay of institutional adoption which favors big, regulated assets, and macro caution which limits speculative leverage has created a cycle where growth exists but feels thin, incremental and far less exciting than previous bull runs.
Bitcoin’s Role in a Changing Narrative
Bitcoin on its own stays as the anchor. According to multiple market sources, Bitcoin price appreciation and growing legitimacy are backed by macro- and regulatory-driven forces not just hype. Reports say Bitcoin is core to crypto’s maturation.
This means the crypto bull market grind is less about risk-on altcoin explosions and more about consolidation, institutional ingress and standards of infrastructure.
For many in crypto, that is less exciting, but arguably more sustainable. The sentiment has shifted as this cycle is reinforcing the system rather than igniting wild outsized alts.
Conclusion
Combining these threads, a clearer picture of why the crypto bull market grind feels so different is obtained.
Institutional adoption has increased legitimacy but also anchored expectations around regulated assets rather than speculative up-swings.
Meme coins dominate cultural narratives but the upside is skewed and the environment is highly competitive and treacherous.
Macro conditions has restrained speculative flows and forced the market into a slower growth mode.
Bitcoin’s dominance means the broader market is less about wild rallies and more about incremental infrastructure growth and asset re-classification.
In short, this bull cycle is about transition from frontier experimentation to a more integrated, regulated, infrastructure-led phase of crypto.
This removes some of the fireworks but replaces them with the architecture of a financial system. For many who came for the “number goes up” style ride, the word “grind” feels apt.
Glossary
Altcoin: Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
Institutional adoption: The participation of big financial firms (banks; asset managers); in crypto assets and infrastructure.
Meme coin: A cryptocurrency built around internet memes; jokes or viral culture, with little underlying use.
Macro: Broad economic factors like interest rates, liquidity; inflation and risk appetite that affect asset markets.
Tokenization: Creating digital tokens to represent ownership of real-world assets; on a blockchain.
Bull: A market where prices are up everyone is positive and more people are buying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crypto Bull Market Grind
Why does the 2025 crypto bull market feel different from past cycles?
Because the market is being shaped by institutional infrastructure; meme coin culture and macro constraints rather than widespread retail frenzy and broad alt-season surges.
Are meme coins still important in this cycle?
Yes, they are still culturally prominent and active, but their value dynamics are different. The infrastructure around them captures most of the returns and the environment is more competitive and less favorable for the average retail trader.
Is Bitcoin dominating because of maturity rather than hype?
Exactly. Bitcoin’s increasing institutional support; regulatory clarity and role as a foundational asset means it’s less subject to wild swings and more aligned with long-term finance systems.
Does this mean altcoins are dead?
Not dead, but altcoins face a tougher environment. With less speculative capital, more scrutiny and higher expectations for utility, only those with strong fundamentals and product-market fit are likely to perform.
As the crypto market evolves, Aptos (APT) continues to attract growing attention from investors looking for long term value in high performance blockchain projects. Aptos is built for speed; scalability and security; and is one of the most promising Layer-1 blockchains backed by Google Cloud, Microsoft and a16z.
As the year winds down; many investors are looking at Aptos price predictions for 2025 to 2027 to see how network upgrades; ecosystem growth and broader market trends will impact its value.
About the coin
Aptos is a Move-based Layer-1 blockchain focused on scalability and security. It uses AptosBFT consensus and Block-STM execution engine for high throughput. Co-founders Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching (former Diem engineers) designed Aptos with novel tech (Parallel execution, Move smart contracts) to differentiate it from peers.
Experts call Aptos exceptional scalability; security and developer friendly; backed by institutional roots and funding. Its robust ecosystem is backed by major investors like a16z; Jump Crypto; FTX Ventures; and partners like Microsoft; Google Cloud, NBCUniversal; etc.
In 2024; Aptos saw explosive growth. Unique users quadrupled to 26 million and TVL hit about $668M. The network’s adoption with over 1 million daily active wallets in spurts; proves its use case for DeFi; NFTs, gaming and institutional use.
$APT is in the top 50 by market cap but 84% below its 2023 all-time high. Its tokenomics imply a slowly increasing supply. Ultimately, Aptos aims to compete with Ethereum/Solana by offering institutional grade”blockchain solutions.
Metric
Value
Coin
Aptos (APT)
Launch Date
Mainnet Oct 2022
Consensus
Proof-of-Stake
Market Cap
$2.32 billion
Circulating Supply
718.15 million APT
Total Supply
1.18 billion APT
All-Time High
$19.90 (Jan 2023)
All-Time Low
$2.22 (Oct 10, 2025)
% of Supply Staked
71% of circulating APT
Key Partnerships
Microsoft; Google; NBCUniversal; BlackRock
Recent Developments and Ecosystem Growth
Aptos has had some big updates recently. In Aptos Experience 2025, the team showed off Shardines horizontal sharding, Raptr consensus engine and AI integration (Microsoft Aptos Assistant).
These are expected to bring higher throughput and usability. Infrastructure integrations have also advanced. Chainlink oracles went live on Aptos in H1 2025; enabling secure real-time data feeds for DeFi.
Wrapped BTC (xBTC) was launched on Aptos; bringing Bitcoin liquidity into its ecosystem. Stablecoin support grew; major stablecoins (USDC, USDT) launched on Aptos to use its low-fee network.
Aptos Labs led a funding round for gaming hub KGeN and acquired HashPalette, entering Japanese markets.
Media partnerships include NBCUniversal’s multi-year deal to build blockchain games on Aptos. Brevan Howard and BlackRock funds launched on the chain via Aptos Ascend, signaling growing institutional interest.
Metrics also improved. Report notes daily active addresses often exceed one million, peaking above 1.4 million in early 2025. TVL on Aptos reached $668M by mid-2025, four times its level early 2024.
Experts summarize Aptos’s position saying it has strong growth in network activity, adoption and ecosystem development, backed by partnerships and an ambitious roadmap. These developments support long term fundamentals which can drive price if adoption continues.
Aptos Price Factors
Several key factors impact Aptos’s price. Active users, transaction volume and TVL drive demand for $APT. Growing DeFi/NFT usage on Aptos means higher price. Sources show Aptos has above 600k daily active wallets, a solid base usage.
Crypto markets are sensitive to macro conditions like interest rates, US Dollar and regulations like SEC actions, ETF approvals. If regulators crack down on altcoins or DeFi, Aptos could suffer.
Broad crypto market trend like Bitcoin price, altcoin cycles and social/media hype affects $APT’s short-to-mid-term price. Sentiment indicators like Fear & Greed index and news flow are also notable factors. Negative headlines or market fear can trigger overreactions, as with any crypto
Aptos Price Prediction 2025
As of 2025, $APT is still below its 2023 high of $19.90. Technical analysis shows $APT could trade in a channel of $2.30-$3.30 in 2025. Some analysts predict November 2025 to be between $2.61-$4.54. This assumes year-end bullishness. Assuming 5% monthly growth; other experts predict $APT will be around $2.77 in Nov 2025, and slightly higher in Dec.
Looking closely at $APT; it could be around $3 by end-2025 in a base scenario. Upside catalysts like RWA inflows, new dApps, could push it to $4-$5 but if selling pressure from unlocks or bearish crypto markets dominate; it could fall to the $2-$3 range.
Below shows these predicted ranges:
Month
Low Price (USD)
Average Price (USD)
High Price (USD)
Nov 2025
$2.61
$2.72
$2.82
Dec 2025
$3.31
$3.93
$4.54
Note the relative volatility: December’s range is higher due to potential year-end factors; possibly crypto-cycle sentiment in 2026 prep.
Aptos Price Prediction 2026
Looking into 2026, forecasts are for gradual growth under neutral-to-positive conditions. $APT could average around $3.8-$4.0 in Q1 and $8.6 by year-end (with huge monthly swings). These projections assume improving sentiment. Some aggregated forecasts show an average around $6.71 for 2026 based on strong growth.
In a bull scenario, $APT could hit $10+ by late 2026 driven by breakthroughs like a big dApp launch. In a bear case, it may stay around $3-$4 all year. It should be noted that real prices will reflect actual adoption and market cycles.
Summarizing by quarter:
Quarter
Estimated Price Range (USD)
Explanation
Q1 2026
$2.60 – $4.66
Starting flat, modest rise as ecosystem development continues.
Q2 2026
$2.58 – $5.97
Upgrades (Raptr/Move2) may boost activity; Volatility moderate.
Q3 2026
$2.56 – $7.28
DeFi and NFT launches could lift demand.
Q4 2026
$2.53 – $8.59
Year-end bullishness might push price higher if sentiment holds.
Aptos Price Prediction 2027
For 2027; continued development could see more gains. $APT could average $10.36 by Q2 and $12.49 by year-end. Analysts say by 2027; Aptos could either compete with Solana-level L1s if adoption surges or settle as a niche chain.
The range below reflects this uncertainty. Under strong demand and bullish market, $APT could double or more from mid-2025 levels, whereas in a subdued scenario, it could just creep up to low single digits.
Breaking it down by quarter:
Quarter
Estimated Price Range (USD)
Explanation
Q1 2027
$3.35 – $9.65
Continued growth if network maintains momentum.
Q2 2027
$5.00 – $10.72
Apex of many forecasts; high-end assumes full tech rollout.
Q3 2027
$7.47 – $11.78
Sustained ecosystem expansion (e.g. new staking, RWA projects).
Q4 2027
$10.76 – $14.63
Peak of bull scenario; base case would be lower if growth stalls.
Expert Forecasts for $APT
Different analysts and platforms have different $APT forecasts. Changelly’s analysts are super bullish, projecting multi-dollar $APT in 2025-27.
CoinCodex is bearish with 2025 averaging $2.58 and similar 2026 levels. SwapSpace aggregates show moderate growth to $7 in 2027. Binance community users’ consensus model suggests only small gains to $3.7 by 2027.
PricePrediction.net expects higher peaks of $6 by 2025 and $8.8 by 2026, whereas WalletInvestor is bearish with a low of $3 to $2 by late 2027.
These expert views show a big spread. Some think $APT will hit double digits, others expect it to stay at current levels.
The table below shows selected experts predictions for 2025-2027:
Source
2025 (Year-End)
2026
2027
Changelly
$15.61-$19.50
$22.71-$27.11
$32.12-$39.01
CoinCodex
$2.28-$3.25
$2.28-$3.25
—
SwapSpace
Avg $5.05
Avg $6.71
Avg ~$7.18
Binance (users)
$3.36
$3.52
$3.70
WalletInvestor
$3.03
$3.12
$2.42
PricePrediction
$5.97
$8.84
$12-$13
Conclusion
Looking at the remaining months in 2025; Aptos price prediction under different forecasts scenario could see $APT trading in the mid-single-digits by year-end.
Long-term speculations for 2026–2027 are extremely diverse. In a crypto bull-scenario and via the existing ecosystem expansion, $APT could run up to high single-digits and low double-digits.
However; in a neutral scenario, it may just creep up from current levels. Notable price drivers will be network adoption, big partnerships and overall market sentiment. Investors should note that no forecast is guaranteed; do your own research.
Glossary
Layer 1 Blockchain: Base blockchain network that processes and finalizes transactions on its own protocol.
Move Language: Programming language originally developed for Diem (Meta’s project) now used by Aptos for smart contracts, designed for safety and flexibility.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Financial applications (like DEXs; lending) that run on blockchains without intermediaries.
Throughput (TPS): Transactions per second.
TVL: Total value of crypto staked or deposited in the protocol.
Frequently Asked Predictions About Aptos Price Predictions
What is Aptos (APT)?
Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain launched in 2022; by former Meta developers. It uses the Move programming language and is aiming for high transaction throughput and security. The native $APT token powers staking and governance.
What affects Aptos’s price?
Aptos’s price is affected by supply-demand, network adoption (users, TVL), market sentiment and regulatory news. Positive factors are successful partnerships, new dApps and bullish crypto cycles. Negative factors are market crashes; regulatory crackdowns or token unlock pressure. Macroeconomic trends also play a role.
Who is supporting Aptos?
Aptos Labs and the Aptos Foundation are leading development with backing from investors like a16z; FTX Ventures, Jump Crypto and partners like Google Cloud; Microsoft, SK Telecom and others. Recent collaborations are with NBCUniversal and finance firms like Brevan Howard; showing diverse support.
What’s the outlook for Aptos in 2026-2027?
Assuming steady growth; many analysts are forecasting $APT to go up through 2027. Some experts estimate $3.52 by 2026 and $3.70 by 2027; and other analyses predicts up to $8-$14 in that timeframe. The actual outcome will depend on adoption and market conditions.
Updated on 25th October, 2025
This article was first published onThe Bit Journal.
Bull and bear traps in crypto are deceptive price patterns that can catch traders in volatile markets. These traps lure traders into false breakouts or breakdowns, causing big losses.
In crypto with thin liquidity and high volatility; spotting bull and bear traps early is essential to protecting one’s capital.
A bull trap is a fake breakout above resistance that reverses sharply down. A bear trap is the opposite; a fake breakdown below support that snaps back up.
Why Do Bull and Bear Traps in Crypto Happen?
Market psychology and manipulation are the main culprits. Whales or institutions can move crypto prices with big orders that create fake trends. Sudden news or events can also trigger temporary moves that look like real breakouts. Fear and greed play big roles. FOMO can get traders to buy into a fake rally, while panic can get them to sell into a fake dip.
The crypto market’s 24/7 nature and often-low liquidity amplify traps. For example, an altcoin with a small market cap can drop on one big sell order (a bear trap) or spike on a big buy (a bull trap).
Traders have noted that these engineered moves often serve to calm the bears or rack up stop losses. In other words, what looks like a new trend may be an attempt by insiders to feed on retail traders’ emotions.
Cryptos often swing 10-20% in a day and big players known as whales sometimes exploit this. Whales can push price above a key resistance, in other words, create a bull trap and then dump their holdings, forcing price down.
Conversely, whales can engineer a quick sell-off below support (a bear trap) to trigger panic selling, then buy the dip as price bounces back.
These maneuvers capture stop-loss liquidity and prey on FOMO (fear of missing out) or panic. Real crypto market examples show this. In June 2023, Solana (SOL) dropped 42% before a sudden rally caught shorts off-guard.
Likewise, Bitcoin had a false breakout in April 2021; briefly topped $54K then dropped 17%, trapping late buyers.
How to Spot Bull and Bear Traps in Crypto
These bull and bear traps in crypto can be spotted by watching technicals and context. Key signs include:
False Breakouts/Breakdowns: If price pops above resistance and then quickly drops, it’s a bull trap; if it drops below support and then bounces; it’s a bear trap. These fake moves often don’t hold.
Volume Divergence: Real breakouts have big volume. A breakout on low volume is to be suspected.
Indicator Divergence: Check RSI or MACD. If price makes a new high but RSI is flat or falling, that could be a bearish divergence and a bull trap. If RSI is oversold on a fake breakdown, it’s a bear trap.
No Retest: Real breakouts retest the broken level as new support or resistance on breakdowns. If price breaks a level and never comes back, it is important to be cautious. No retest can mean the breakout isn’t real.
Whale/On-Chain Signals: Watch on-chain data and large transfers. Unusual crypto inflows or outflows to exchanges may precede traps. For example, a large withdrawal or whale accumulation before price dips can be a bull trap, while a massive exchange inflow before a bounce can be a bear trap.
Advanced traders also use indicators like VWAP, On-Balance Volume (OBV) and on-chain analytics to confirm moves. If price goes far above the volume-weighted average price (VWAP), it may be an overbought move (bull trap).
How to Avoid Bull and Bear Traps in Crypto
Trade with Confirmation: Don’t act on a breakout immediately. Wait for the price to hold above resistance or below support and ideally retest the level as new support/resistance before entering.
Smart Stop-Losses: Place stop orders outside obvious trap zones. For example; set a stop just beyond a second support level rather than right at the first breakdown to avoid stop hunts.
Multiple Indicators: Don’t rely on one signal. Cross-check breakouts with volume; RSI/MACD, VWAP and on-chain data. Only go with moves that line up across several analyses.
Risk and Emotions: Trade smaller positions or go 50% size when in doubt. Avoid chasing breakouts driven by hype (FOMO) or panic. Use conservative leverage; since traps can trigger liquidations.
Stay Informed: Monitor crypto news and social media. If a price move lacks solid news or follows hype cycles; be cautious. Sometimes pausing trading for a bit after big news and watching how price behaves can prevent falling for a trap.
Learn from Experience: Keep a trading journal of setups. Reviewing past bull and bear traps in crypto helps train recognition skills and discipline when these patterns reappear in the market.
Signal/Indicator
Bull Trap
Bear Trap
Price Action
Spike above resistance then quickly fall
Drop below support then rapidly bounce up
Volume
Breakout on low volume (weak rally)
Breakdown on low selling volume
RSI/Indicators
Overbought reading, bearish RSI divergence
Oversold reading, bullish RSI divergence
Trader Psychology
FOMO-driven buying at highs
Panic-driven selling at lows
Crypto Example
Altcoin hype peak followed by crash
Sharp crypto dip that’s swiftly bought back
Expert Insights on Bull and Bear Traps in Crypto
Market analysts emphasize vigilance and context. A crypto strategist had previously said there could be a 2024-style bear trap in Bitcoin, when local highs aren’t broken, market makers might be setting shorts up for a squeeze.
His analysis had suggested traders should be skeptical of quick dips without fundamentals, as price can calm the bears with a sudden bounce.
Other experts also agree. Traders say bull/bear traps are all about herd behavior. Whales sometimes pump or dump prices to lure retail traders into buying at highs or selling at lows.
Experts advise waiting for confirmations such as a retest or multiple green indicators; before assuming a breakout is real.
Crypto trader Tokoni Uti suggests combining chart analysis with sentiment and on-chain data; since crypto can move on rumors. If a price move has no support, be it volume or on-chain activity, then it most likely a trap.
Conclusion
Bull and bear traps in crypto require caution from traders. By knowing what these traps look like and using multiple confirmation signals; investors can avoid being fooled by false breakouts or breakdowns.
Vigilance; strong risk management like stop-losses and small position sizes, and waiting for confirmation are really needed to surviving these unpredictable crypto moves. Remember; no strategy is foolproof; always be prepared to cut losses if a trap is suspected.
Glossary
Bull Trap: A deceptive breakout to the upside that reverses swiftly; catching the late buyers at the peak.
Bear Trap: A deceptive move downwards below support that reverses fast; catching the late sellers at the dip.
FOMO: “Fear Of Missing Out”; hype-induced buying; very frequent in bull traps, buyers are quite aggressive.
Liquidity: The degree of ease in buying/selling an asset.
Whales: The big players in the crypto market whose huge trades can influence the market direction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bull and Bear Traps in Crypto
What is a bull trap in crypto?
A bull trap in crypto is when the price breaks above a resistance level; it looks like an uptrend but then reverses hard down; trapping traders who bought into the breakout.
What is a bear trap in crypto?
A bear trap in crypto is when the price breaks below a support level; it looks like a downtrend; then reverses up, trapping traders who sold or shorted expecting more down.
How do traders know if a breakout is a bull trap?
Look for low volume and no momentum. If price breaks resistance but on low volume, or if indicators like RSI don’t confirm the move, be suspicious. A quick reversal back below the breakout point is a bull trap.
How do whales create traps in crypto?
Whales create traps by placing big buy/sell orders. In a bull trap, they buy heavy to push price above resistance to lure buyers; then sell off, and price collapses. In a bear trap, they sell to push price below support to lure sellers; then buy back on the bounce.
Can news events cause bull and bear traps?
Yes. Sudden news or announcements often trigger quick; temporary moves. Traders may jump in on a headline-driven breakout; which then fizzes. It is important to wait and see if the move is supported by volume and price action before acting.
Updated on 24th October, 2025
This article was first published on The Bit Journal.
The sudden news of President Trump’s full pardon to Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance’s founder, has sent shock waves through the crypto market. triggering a dramatic rally in Binance’s native token, BNB, which jumped by as much as 5-8% following the announcement
Analysts are calling this is a $BNB price reaction that is entirely driven by policy rather than actual fundamentals. With $BNB trading at a range of $1130 post pardon and a market capitalization of over $157 billion, this event is a stark reminder just how fast regulatory news can impact the valuations of digital assets.
The Pardon and Instant Price Effect
The pardon of CZ came after he had pleaded guilty to failing to maintain effective anti-money-laundering controls at Binance and served four months in jail.
Once the news came through about the pardon, $BNB price shot up. Sources reported that $BNB surged to about $1140 within minutes of the announcement.
With as much as 8% and its market value popping past $157 billion, market watchers have called this BNB price reaction, where regulatory relief acts as a trigger for a massive token price spike.
The Anatomy of the BNB Price Reaction
What makes this $BNB price reaction so notable is how fast and intense it was as well as the circumstances behind it. Unlike broad crypto rallies, this price surge was focused specifically on $BNB and was closely tied to the regulatory outcome affecting Binance and its founder.
According to news reports, analysts noted that the crypto market was clearly on edge and reacting sharply with $BNB price jump.
Traders were quick to point out that futures open interest had also spiked, along with sharp volume growth on $BNB pairs following the pardon news.
The rebound happened right after $BNB tested support levels around $1,050-$1,080; so experts say it was primed for an upside once the trigger came.
Tracking Volume, Transactions & Market Depth
While the market saw the raw price movement of $BNB, on-chain data also shows a massive increase in transfers and activity on the Binance chain and BNB Smart Chain. Reports shared that whale wallets snapped up $BNB right after the pardon announcement. Trading volume data matched typical relief rallies.
The market reaction was not limited to BNB. Aster, another digital asset associated with the Binance founder, also saw a rapid spike. Coingecko data shows that Aster, which had dipped below $1 for the first time since Sept. 20 just a day earlier, jumped by over 12% to reach $1.08 following the news.
Broader Implications of the BNB Price Move
For Binance, the pardon opens up the possibility of US re-entry, renewed banking relationships and institutional outreach. Crypto observers think this is a US policy shift:
“In their desire to punish the crypto industry, the Biden administration went after Mr. Zhao … I gave him a pardon.” – President Trump
For investors, the BNB price reaction means regulatory risk premiums might be compressing at least for the big players.
While the move was big, analysts caution that sustaining momentum will depend on tangible execution from Binance and follow-through on the regulatory front.
Conclusion
This BNB price reaction caused by President Trump’s pardon of CZ is a great example of how regulatory events can move crypto markets fast and hard.
With $BNB price surging and market sentiment flipping overnight, the event shows that policy and regulation are part of the the primary drivers of price in the digital asset space.
Whether this is the start of a sustained trend or just a sharp relief rally depends on what Binance does next and the evolving regulatory environment. For now the price has spoken and it reacted fast.
Glossary
Presidential pardon: An act by the US President to pardon a federal crime and restore civil rights.
Relief rally: A market bounce after a significant risk or overhang is removed.
On-chain volume surge: A sudden increase in blockchain transaction or token transfer volume.
Support band: A price level where buying interest is strong enough to stop the decline.
Regulatory overhang: An asset being discounted due to unresolved legal or regulatory risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About BNB Price Reaction After CZ Pardon
What triggered the BNB price reaction?
CZ’s pardon removed a big regulatory overhang for Binance, and traders piled into $BNB again and the price went up.
Will $BNB continue to go up strongly?
While the move was big, it depends on Binance’s actions, regulatory follow through and broader market context.
Was the price move BNB specific?
Mainly. Other tokens went up a bit, but $BNB went up much more, so it’s a token specific move rather than a market wide breakout.
What to watch now?
Key things to watch are BNB’s price consolidation, volume, Binance regulatory disclosures, chain activity and if the ecosystem grows.
Updated on 24th October, 2025
This article was first published on The Bit Journal.
Optimism might just be flowing back to certain digital assets and three coins are getting attention. World Liberty Financial (WLFI), Aave (AAVE), and Sui (SUI). As the Federal Reserve’s next decision approaches, volatility seems to be the crypto market’s new normal.
However, a new ChatGPT crypto prediction has traders wondering if these tokens will lead the way. With Trump’s tariff shock still ringing through markets, the question now isn’t if crypto will recover but which assets will move first.
WLFI: Trump-Backed Crypto in the Spotlight
ChatGPT crypto prediction says $WLFI, a crypto tied to Donald Trump’s ventures, could go to $1 but not by the end of the month, maybe by Christmas. The projection is big: from here, a multi-bagger would be required.
WLFI has a market cap of around $3.8-4.0 billion. The project sets itself as a DeFi/financial ecosystem bridging institutional and retail use, built on Ethereum and using Aave protocol elements.
WLFI’s narrative appears political and its backers say with US legal and regulatory clarity, WLFI could benefit from faster adoption or favorable legislation.
Some experts predictions are more conservative. StealTheX suggests $WLFI could range between $0.20 and $0.60 by the end of 2025, with an average of $0.35 under bullish momentum. Others warn about volatility, token locks or centralization of holdings.
ChatGPT’s prediction for WLFI is all about adoption, regulatory tailwinds and political alignment. To go from $0.14 to $1, $WLFI needs big catalysts, sustained demand and no negative pressure.
The more moderate external estimates suggest while there’s upside, $1 is a stretch without something big happening.
AAVE: DeFi Mainstay Eyes a Rally
ChatGPT crypto prediction model says $AAVE could go from around $227 to $500 in the short term, citing technicals like an expanding triangle pattern and 4% recent gain. The forecast is more than doubling before the end of the year.
According to CoinGecko, $AAVE is below all time highs but one of the core DeFi tokens with active lending, borrowing and yield protocols. Its supply is limited to 16 million AAVE total supply, and 15 million in circulation and has strong brand recognition in the DeFi space.
The DeFi space is growing and $AAVE has been evolving with cross-chain support, governance upgrades and liquidity enhancements. Some sector analysts see $AAVE as relatively well-positioned if risk appetite returns.
While ChatGPT is gunning for a bullish target, many analysts think $AAVE has a shot at upside if the market cooperates. Some technical say if $AAVE breaks above a key resistance zone, it could go back to previous areas.
ChatGPT crypto prediction for $AAVE is quite optimistic but not out of the question in a super-strong bull market. If this is going to happen, a broader market rally and all the right macro conditions need to align.
SUI: Speed and Ambition ahead
ChatGPT predicts SUI is going to keep going up, and is targeting $5 with an optimistic stretch goal of $10 by Christmas if everything else lines up. This is based on how well SUI’s network is performing, the smart contract design, and a recent breakout from a bullish flag formation.
It’s worth noting that $SUI’s transaction speed is reportedly 297,000 transactions per second.
What really stands out with SUI is their pitch for scalability; high TPS and fast finality are often highlighted.
Analysts note that SUI’s technical structure and growth makes it an interesting candidate in bullish markets. Some observers believe that if general alt sentiment returns, high-growth chains like $SUI could outperform. But few major forecasts commit to $5 or $10 in such a short window.
ChatGPT crypto predictions for SUI are based on how well SUI is doing so far, with the breakout patterns. If $SUI can keep building up developer support and keep the network stable, it might have some upside in a good market. But hitting $5 or $10 will need a lot more sustained interest and confidence in the protocol.
Conclusion
The ChatGPT crypto predictions for WLFI, AAVE, and SUI all offer compelling near-term forecasts. From WLFI’s $1 dream to AAVE’s leap to $500 and SUI’s possible run to $5 or $10.
Each coin has it’s own story. WLFI’s political angle, AAVE’s DeFi play, and SUI’s throughput innovation. While the predictions are quite bold, they are based on a lot of ifs and as a result, traders and investors should view them as speculative ideas rather than certainties.
Glossary
DeFi: Financial systems built on blockchain protocols without centralized intermediaries.
Total Supply / Circulating Supply: Total coins minted vs coins in public markets.
Technical Pattern: Chart patterns (e.g. triangles, flags) used by traders to predict price direction.
Throughput / TPS: Transactions per second; how many operations a blockchain can process.
Frequently Asked Questions About ChatGPT Crypto Predictions
Can WLFI really hit $1 by year-end?
Only if everything goes right; strong adoption, regulatory support, and capital inflows. Many other forecasts are more conservative.
What’s behind AAVE’s potential to double?
Its DeFi role, supply constraints, and renewed interest in decentralized finance.
Is SUI’s $10 prediction realistic?
It’s bullish. It’s all about network adoption, developer growth and sustained altcoin flows.
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