Global markets moved into a clear risk-off mode on Thursday, with investors reacting to worsening geopolitical tensions, rising energy prices, and growing doubts about economic stability heading into the end of the quarter.

A Full Market Selloff: Everything Falls Except Oil

The selloff was widespread and aggressive across asset classes:

• Nasdaq fell 2.4%, entering correction territory
• S&P 500 dropped 1.7%, Dow down around 1%
• European markets declined over 1%, Asia sharply lower with KOSPI -3.5%
• Bitcoin slid 4%, falling back below $70,000
• Gold dropped 3%, silver plunged 5%

Meanwhile, oil surged 5%, reinforcing fears that inflation could rise again just as central banks were hoping for stability. Sector-wise, the pain was concentrated in growth:

• Communication services: -3.5%
• Tech: -2.7%
• Industrials: -2.3%

In contrast, energy stocks gained:

• Energy sector: +1.6%
• Individual names like Valero surged +8%

Major tech names were hit hard: Meta -8%, Nvidia -4%

The Core Driver: War, Oil, and Inflation Fears

Markets are being driven almost entirely by the escalating Iran conflict and its impact on energy. The latest developments suggest:

• Peace talks remain unclear and inconsistent
• Iran has dismissed US proposals as “one-sided”
• Oil supply risks remain elevated

This uncertainty is creating a dangerous feedback loop:

1. War risk pushes oil higher
2. Higher oil fuels inflation
3. Inflation forces central banks to stay restrictive
4. Stocks reprice lower

Investors are struggling to interpret conflicting headlines, leading to sharp and often irrational market swings.

Bond Market Sends a Warning Signal

The bond market is flashing serious stress signals. Recent US Treasury auctions have been weak:

• Poor demand for 2-year, 5-year, and 7-year bonds
• Rising yields to the highest levels since mid-2025
• “Bear flattening” of the yield curve continues

This suggests:

• Investors are demanding higher returns to hold US debt
• Inflation expectations are rising
• Confidence in stability is weakening

Falling foreign central bank holdings of US Treasuries are adding to the pressure.

Technical Breakdown Adds to Panic

Beyond fundamentals, markets are now breaking key technical levels. All three major US indices have fallen below their 200-day moving averages, a critical long-term support level. This matters because:

• Many institutional investors use this level as a signal
• Breaking it can trigger automated selling
• It reinforces bearish sentiment

As one famous market saying goes:

“Nothing good happens below the 200-day moving average.”

This shift suggests the market is no longer just reacting to news, but entering a more structural downturn phase.

Despite Chaos, Some See Upside

Interestingly, not everyone is bearish. Strategists at Barclays have raised their S&P 500 outlook, arguing that:

• Markets may already be pricing in worst-case scenarios
• Economic resilience could still support equities
• Panic-driven selloffs may create opportunities

This highlights a growing divide on Wall Street:

• Short-term: fear, volatility, uncertainty
• Long-term: cautious optimism

What Comes Next

Markets are now fully dependent on a few key drivers:

• Middle East developments
• Oil price movements
• Central bank signals (Fed and ECB)
• Consumer sentiment and inflation expectations

Upcoming data points include:

• US consumer sentiment and inflation expectations
• UK retail sales
• Speeches from Fed and ECB officials

This was not a normal down day. It was a broad, multi-asset selloff driven by geopolitical risk and inflation fears, with technical breakdowns accelerating the move.

Yet beneath the panic, a key question remains: Is this the start of a deeper correction, or another buying opportunity in a volatile market cycle? Right now, markets are caught between those two narratives and reacting violently to every new headline.

isclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related: Fed’s Best Move Now? Do Nothing

The post Trading Day: Oil Up, Everything Else Down first appeared on Finblog.

Despite the heavy fog of risk — including Donald Trump’s tariff threats, his public feud with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and growing global political pressure on central banks — the rally appears undeterred.

Markets Surge as Risk Appetite Grows

Monday saw a broad-based rally:

• S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at record highs, lifted by strength in tech and communications services.
• Verizon ($VZ) surged 4%, leading gains after raising its annual profit forecast.
• The MSCI World Index rose 0.2%, also hitting a new high as gains in Asia offset weakness in Europe.
• Gold jumped 1.4% to a one-month high above $3,400/oz.
• US Treasury yields fell as much as 8 basis points at the long end, flattening the curve.
• The US Dollar Index dropped 0.6% — its steepest one-day fall in over a month — with a 1% decline against the yen.

Traders Shrug Off Tariff Risks — For Now

Markets appear to be brushing off Trump’s escalating trade threats, at least for the time being. As McGeever notes, the effective US tariff rate has climbed close to 20%, the highest since 1933, driven by threats of:

• 30% tariffs on EU and Mexican imports
• 20–50% tariffs on goods from Canada, Brazil, Japan, and others
• Ongoing letters from the Trump administration laying out baseline levies to over 150 countries

Still, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CBS Sunday he’s confident a deal with the EU will happen before the Aug. 1 deadline, and that negotiations are “moving along.” EU diplomats confirmed that they are preparing broader retaliation options, but still prioritise a negotiated resolution.

Investors seem to be betting on a similar outcome as in April’s “Liberation Day” volatility: a last-minute deal or watered-down tariffs.

Trump-Powell Feud Reignites Central Bank Independence Debate

Trump’s weekend tirade against Fed Chair Powell has reignited global debate around central bank independence. After the Wall Street Journal claimed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised Trump not to fire Powell, both Bessent and Trump publicly denied the story.

Trump posted:

“If it weren’t for me, the Market wouldn’t be at Record Highs… People don’t explain to me. I explain to them!”

Bessent reinforced that his focus is on inflation data:

“If inflation numbers are low, we should be cutting rates. That would unlock the mortgage market.”

While Fed policy remains intact for now, Reuters’ McGeever cautions that Trump’s open pressure may puncture the veneer of independence the Fed has long operated under — an issue with global ramifications.

As former Fed Chair Janet Yellen recently told The New Yorker:

“These are the kinds of things you’d expect from a banana republic.”

Earnings, Data, and Global Watchlist

Corporate earnings remain solid, with over 83% of S&P 500 firms beating EPS forecasts so far. Strong performance has been seen from banks, tech, and telecoms, including:

• JPMorgan, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs — all beat on trading revenues
• TSMC, PepsiCo — blew past expectations on AI and consumer demand
• More than 100 companies report this week, including Alphabet, Tesla, Philip Morris, and Coca-Cola

Economic data has also surprised to the upside:

• The Citi US Economic Surprise Index has been steadily rising
• Meanwhile, Europe’s equivalent is flat, and China’s is declining

Japan Reopens After Election Shock

Japanese markets reopened Tuesday after a holiday closure, giving investors their first chance to react to the upper house election, which saw Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition lose its majority for the first time since 1955.

Ishiba said he will stay on, citing the importance of ongoing US–Japan trade talks ahead of Trump’s tariff deadline. Nikkei futures point to a flat open.

Looking Ahead

• Tuesday’s calendar features earnings from Coca-Cola and Philip Morris, along with UK public borrowing figures and Bank of England testimony.
• Investors are watching how Japan, China, and Europe respond to shifting US trade tactics.
• The Fed’s next moves — and how political pressure shapes them — remain a key macro driver.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related:

Markets Brace for Tech Earnings and Trump Tariff Deadline

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The 60/40 Portfolio Under the Microscope: 150 Years of Market Stress‑Testing

Trump To Open 401k Market To Crypto, Gold, And Private Equity

93.5 % Battery Material Tariff by US: 5 Stocks Poised to Benefit Most From It

How Nvidia Jensen Huang Persuaded Trump to Sell AI Chips to China

Trump Strikes Major Trade Deal With Indonesia: $15B in US Energy, 50 $BA Jets, and a 19% Tariff Imbalance

Stocks Inch Up as Trump Softens Tariff Talk; CPI and Bank Earnings Ahead

JPMorgan Targets KOSPI 5,000; Short Bets Hit Record

The post Trading Day: Global Stocks Rise as Equity Optimism Proves Hard to Quell first appeared on Finblog.

First Things First: What Is Options Flow?

Options flow is the record of big trades being made in the options market — it’s like watching what the smart (or big) money is doing. These trades show when someone buys or sells a lot of options contracts at once.

Now, what’s an option?

An option is a contract that gives you the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell a stock at a specific price (called the strike price) before a certain expiration date.

There are two types of options:

• Call option = You expect the stock price to go up
• Put option = You expect the stock price to go down

Each options contract controls 100 shares of the stock. So when someone trades 10,000 contracts, it’s a very large trade — they’re betting on 1 million shares.

Example 1: Confusing Flow – PDD $129 Calls

• Stock: PDD Holdings ($PDD)
• Option: $129 call (means they expect PDD to go above $129)
• Expiration: April 4
• Trade size: 10,000 contracts
• Price paid per contract (premium): $0.70
• Total money spent: $700,000
• Fill type: Ask-side fill (they paid the full asking price)
• Bid/Ask spread: $0.00 (bid) / $0.70 (ask)

Bid = highest price a buyer will pay
Ask = lowest price a seller will accept

Why this is confusing: The bid was $0.00, meaning no one was trying to buy this contract at all — that’s a red flag. The trader jumped in and paid the full ask price, but with no real buyers lined up, it’s hard to know why they did it.

• Was it a hedge?
• Were they already short the stock?
• Was it even a bullish bet?

Key takeaway: If a trade doesn’t make sense, don’t force it. Just move on.

Example 2: Mixed Signals – DAR $40 Call Spread

• Stock: Darling Ingredients ($DAR)
• Trade: 10,000 contracts of $40 calls (buying the right to buy at $40)
• Fill: At $1.37 (near the ask side)
• But… it’s a multi-leg trade (more than one option was involved)

When we look deeper, we see the trade was paired with:

• $35 calls (5,000 contracts)
• Both trades were ask-side fills, meaning they were both likely being bought

Normally in a spread, you buy one option and sell another to limit risk or cost.

So why are both legs being bought?

This is where things get confusing again:

• Could be a ratio spread (complex strategy)
• Could be two different traders
• But we can’t know for sure

Key takeaway: If you can’t tell what someone’s doing, don’t guess — just skip it.

Example 3: Clean and Simple – TECK $39 Calls

• Stock: Teck Resources ($TECK)
• Option: $39 call
• Expiration: May 16
• Type: Single-leg trade (just one option)
• Repeated activity at the ask price
• Volume is high, and open interest suggests new positions

Open interest = total number of existing contracts that haven’t been closed
If volume is higher than open interest, it likely means new trades

Also:

• This option was traded earlier on April 2
• Back then, the contract cost 3x more, but now it’s cheaper — likely a new entry

Key takeaway:

• Clean flow
• Single-leg trade
• Repeated ask-side fills
• Much more reliable signal than the last two

Example 4: Full Round-Trip – TSLA $200 Puts

• Stock: Tesla ($TSLA)
• Option: $200 puts (expecting stock to go down)
• Expiration: April 25
• March 30: Big bid-side action (means someone was selling puts, probably bullish)
• But the same amount of contracts were traded at the ask on March 27 — likely buying puts

And then what happened?

• Open interest dropped the next day — meaning someone closed their position

Chart data shows two equal-sized trades:

• One buy-to-open
• One sell-to-close

Key takeaway:

• Use volume + open interest to see if a trade is opening or closing
• This trade tells a full story: entry and exit

How to Think About Options Flow (Especially During Volatile Markets)

Options flow is a helpful tool — but only when you can understand what’s going on.

Here’s your simple checklist as a beginner:

• Stick with single-leg trades (one option, not a combo)
• Look for repeated trades at or near the ask price
• Check open interest — if volume is higher, it might be a new position
• Avoid trades with wide bid/ask spreads or zero bids — that’s a red flag
• If you’re confused, skip it. No shame in that.

And remember: just because a trade is big doesn’t mean it’s smart.

Main source: Unusual Whales

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Related: 

Bear Market Survival Guide: How to Stay Smart, Calm, and Positioned for the Rebound

De-Dollarization: The Global Shift That Could Redefine the Future of Money

Dollar Role in Global Economy: Analyzing US dollar future’s reserve currency status

The Dot-com bubble burst: How irrational exuberance led to tech stock collapse

Energy Transition and Its Macro Impact

Collapse of Enron (2001) – How corporate fraud reshaped corporate governance

The post Beginner’s Guide to Reading Options Flow — Especially in Volatile Markets first appeared on Finblog.

What is Spot Trading in Cryptocurrency?

Spot trading involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies directly on an exchange for immediate settlement. Unlike futures or margin trading, spot trading is ideal for traders who want straightforward transactions without leveraging positions. It suits both beginners and advanced users.

Top Crypto Exchanges for Spot Trading in 2025

1. Binance

Binance is one of the largest and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges globally, known for its extensive range of cryptocurrencies and high liquidity. It supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, making it ideal for traders seeking diversity in trading pairs. The platform also provides competitive trading fees, starting at just 0.10%, along with advanced tools for technical analysis. Binance caters to both beginners and seasoned traders by offering an intuitive interface and robust trading options, including staking and spot trading.

Pros: Global accessibility for traders from most regions, wide range of trading pairs and additional features like staking to earn passive income.

Cons: Faces regulatory scrutiny in several jurisdictions, which may limit certain features in those regions.

2. Coinbase

Coinbase is a user-friendly platform that simplifies cryptocurrency trading, particularly for beginners. It supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, providing seamless fiat-to-crypto conversions. The platform is designed with an intuitive interface, making it easy for new users to navigate. Security is a key focus, with features like two-factor authentication and insured wallets to protect user funds. Coinbase is also well-regulated, ensuring compliance with legal standards in various jurisdictions.

Pros: Simple and beginner-friendly interface, robust security features, including insured wallets for added protection.

Cons: Higher fees compared to other exchanges, especially for small transactions, limited advanced tools for experienced traders.

3. Kraken

Kraken is a reliable choice for traders seeking advanced tools and analytics. With support for over 150 cryptocurrencies, it caters to both beginner and professional investors. Kraken offers competitive trading fees with volume-based discounts, making it appealing to high-frequency traders. It provides access to advanced charting features, margin trading, and futures trading. Additionally, Kraken is well-known for its excellent customer support and strong focus on security.

Pros: Competitive fees with discounts for large-volume traders, advanced trading features and analytics tools.

Cons: Limited fiat currency support in some regions, the platform may seem complex for first-time users.

4. KuCoin

KuCoin has established itself as a hub for altcoins, supporting over 750 cryptocurrencies. It offers various features, including staking, lending, and a user-friendly mobile app. KuCoin also provides competitive trading fees, starting at 0.10%, and gamified rewards for active traders. While it is known for its wide range of altcoins, KuCoin also includes tools for spot trading and futures trading, making it a versatile platform.

Pros: Extensive selection of altcoins and trading pairs, low fees and additional earning opportunities like staking and lending.

Cons: Lower liquidity for lesser-known tokens compared to major exchanges, the user interface can be overwhelming for beginners.

5. Gemini

Gemini is a highly secure exchange known for its regulatory compliance. It offers a clean and straightforward interface designed for both beginners and experienced traders. Supporting over 100 cryptocurrencies, Gemini also provides insurance-backed wallets, ensuring funds are safeguarded against potential breaches. It’s ideal for users who prioritize security and transparency, though its altcoins selection is smaller than competitors.

Pros: High-security standards with insurance-backed wallets, transparent fee structure and strong regulatory compliance.

Cons: Limited selection of altcoins compared to other exchanges, fees are higher for low-volume traders.

Comparison Table: Top Crypto Exchanges for Spot Trading

Benefits of Spot Trading

How to Choose the Best Spot Trading Platform

1. Liquidity
   Higher liquidity ensures smooth transactions and minimal slippage, especially for large trades.
2. Fee Structure
   Compare trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees to minimize costs.
3. User Experience
   Platforms with intuitive designs and robust mobile apps are more convenient.
4. Supported Cryptocurrencies
   Ensure the platform supports the coins and tokens you want to trade.
5. Security Features
   Look for exchanges offering two-factor authentication, insurance, and secure storage options.

Tools for Successful Spot Trading

Related articles:

1. What is Crypto Analysis: Types and Strategies – Part 1
2. What is Crypto Analysis: Techniques and Indicators – Part 2
3. What are some benefits of using cryptocurrency as a method of payment?
4. What is cryptocurrency mining? A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
5. What is Cryptocurrency Solana (SOL) and How Does It Work?
6. How to Buy Solana Meme Coins and Create Your Own on Solana
7. How to Sell Bitcoin: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
8. How to Pay with Cryptocurrency: A Guide to Digital Payments
9. What Are Meme Coins & How Do They Work?
10. How to Buy Meme Coins: A Beginner’s Guide
11. How to Trade in Crypto: Risks and Rewards
12. Which are Best FREE Crypto Exchanges & Apps in 2024
13. How to Invest in DeFi: A Step-by-Step Guide
14. Cryptocurrency Trading: What it is
and How to Trade?
15. Cryptocurrency vs. Stock Market: Where to Invest for 2025
16. Top DeFi Projects and Where to Trade Them in 2025
17. Top Crypto Wallets and How to Use in 2025
18. What is Copy Trading and How Does It Work?

Sources:

• Investopedia: Best Crypto Exchanges
• Investopedia: Spot Trade Definition
• Coinbase: What is Spot Trading in Crypto
• Bitpanda Academy: What is Spot Trading?

The post Best Crypto Exchanges for Spot Trading in 2025 first appeared on Finblog.

The crypto industry faces another black swan event as Hayden and Gideon Davis, founders of Kelsier, allegedly manipulated Solana-based token launches, siphoning $200M through insider trading and sniper bots. Using privileged access, they front-ran high-profile memecoin launches like $MELANIA and $LIBRA, profiting off unsuspecting traders while destabilizing the broader Solana ecosystem. This scandal implicates key platforms like Meteora and Jupiter, both integral to Solana’s liquidity infrastructure, raising concerns about deeper systemic fraud. The controversy echoes past collapses like Terra/Luna and FTX, highlighting persistent issues of unchecked speculation, financial engineering abuse, and the lack of effective regulation. As Solana’s price declines and trust erodes, the industry must confront whether it is doomed to endless cycles of grift or capable of evolving into a legitimate financial system.

The new crypto black swan event is here.

Buckle up, let’s look at it.

This guy’s name is Hayden Davis, and he is the CEO of Kelsier. This is his LinkedIn.

Pretty impressive background, with a degree from an online university in International Business.

This is his brother, Gideon Davis. He is the host for the Young Dumb & Woke Podcast.

Gideon is also the co-founder of Kelsier, and this is his LinkedIn. Here is what the company website, which happens to still be up, says. Are you ready for synergy and expertise?

Incredible.

The brothers Davis had the dubious honor of stealing $200MM by market manipulation of Solana-based token launches. They ran the dumbest destructive playbook for likely dozens of projects, including for those at the presidential level — $MELANIA and $LIBRA.

Read here:

Yes, these two guys, with their deep experience in the financial industry and blockchain production development — pardon the sarcasm — were able to get access to both the American and Argentinian Presidential teams and launch multi-billion dollar memecoins, only to steal the liquidity for themselves through sniping and market manipulation.

It wasn’t Vitalik Buterin that reached Trump or Javier Milei.

It was a young podcast bro who is about to get the President of Argentina to face impeachment proceedings.

Does any of that sound right to you?

If not, let us add a couple more exhibits before we start pulling things apart.

Here is the confession interview by Hayden where he admits to “sniping” the Melania coin and using insider information to profit.

He is sitting on $100MM of siphoned off assets, and freaking out while people are threatening his life. This interview is meant to shine a full light on all the industry activities. There is brazen market manipulation and awareness of the significance of this activity.

Hayden admits he coordinated a token launch, told people who were his “clients” that he will market make the launch smoothly, then got his own sniper bots ready, got a group of other people ready to benefit from the launch, and on $Melania and $Libra sniped enough of the token at launch to sell $200MM into the market rugging the price on both. He is implicating himself, the inner circle, and the launch platforms.

Of course those are just the big names. There are lots of smaller ones.

Here is another video following the breadcrumbs of those involved. A founder of market making platform DeFi Tuna, whose developer implemented the launches coordinated by Kelsier, records a conversation with the manager of Meteora, which is a token launch platform that creates liquidity provision pools that power trading.

Meteora was founded by the team from Jupiter, a decentralized exchange with $2.4B in TVL according to DeFi Llama.

The purpose of Meteora was to compete with Pump.Fun, the retail memecoin launcher that has taken Solana by storm in 2024, and single-handedly revived the chain’s relevance. Solana’s massive trading volumes and various exchange fees are largely built on these meme token volumes.

We remind everyone of these charts about onchain revenues, and Solana’s relative outperformance compared to Ethereum and Base recently shown below. The crypto ecosystem generated $500MM of revenue per month, and most of that from Solana.

Within Solana, we can see that Pump.fun accounted for nearly 30% of the entire chain, with $234MM in revenue last quarter. Welcome to your clown world.

It’s the memeplex Nasdanq and we all lose.

Mechanism Design for Memecoin Launches

Let’s spend the time to unpack some terms.

First, how do these token launches work?

You have to understand the core ideas underneath onchain markets. As with FTX before this, the fault doesn’t necessarily lie with the system, but the human behavior around the system. It is the custody of funds and the decision to manipulate markets that is at issue, not decentralized finance on its own.

Blockchains have little processing power and they have to sync all their nodes. So the compressed version of a giant exchange and settlement house has to be clever. At a high level, decentralized exchanges have (1) pools of capital provided by liquidity providers that are used as a trading slush-fund, (2) a formula that creates a relationship between a pair of assets, (3) bands of liquidity, meaning price ranges, to which the assets apply, and (4) an algorithm that automatically moves price.

There is no offer and bid as you would have it in an order book.

So, we know that supplying liquidity is necessary to stand up trading in a token pair.

There is another mechanism called the bonding curve. This is what is behind projects like Friend.tech, BitClout, or any other large set of assets that need a programmatic way to change the token price depending on demand automatically. We discuss this here in detail. You can think of this as a reverse utility function, or as a measure of willingness to pay.

The thing about bonding curves is that you do not need prior liquidity from LP providers. The market cap of the token generates the value that can be sold off for marketable assets. This is “one sided liquidity”.

Pump.fun recombined these ideas on Solana in a way that created a huge speculative boom. First, it adopted a bonding curve, so that anyone can create tokens for no fees other than paying for the smart contract.

Once the token reached a marketcap price of $69,000, a liquidity pool was created on Raydium, an automated market maker and exchange. The total value in Raydium peaked around $3B and has already fallen $1.5B in the last month.

As a reminder, Solana has a habit of fraud associated with its DeFi protocols. In 2022, its main DeFi protocols rehypothecated their own assets to create a fake $4B of value.

At the time, this was one of the events that led to the sell-off in Solana and the negative reputation it accrued. How time flies.

Meteora was not associated with Raydium, but with Jupiter. It does not have the same mechanisms involving bonding curves, and therefore likely requires more “hands-on” involvement on market makers in creating liveness. Projects would pay market makers some portion of the token supply along with cash to act as the “bonding curve” up to a higher enterprise value, where the project was no longer as fragile in its reaction to supply and demand.

This is the part that Kelsier pocketed, instead of using to manage the market. As a side note, traditional investment bankers sometimes also contractually act as a buyer of last resort in IPOs they offer as a standard practice.

Where we are currently with the story is that the CEO of Meteora has resigned, while the CEO of Jupiter exchange is hiring a law firm to investigate. Who, how, and where was involved is unclear. Jupiter is the much bigger fish to fry, of course. And after that, Solana.

High Frequency Sniping

So high frequency trading firms, can’t live with them, can’t live without them.

Our equity markets are made by HFT firms, not by brokers yelling at each other on the stock exchange.

All of this above is now code.

And to be the fastest to execute trades, you end up arbitraging location and data centers and so on. These are now large quant shops. They arbitrage enormous trading venues for tiny differences and eat up most of the supply and demand in the market. This is their job and it is why Robinhood is free.

In crypto, you also have market makers and high frequency bots. But not all are created equal.

What is being alleged here is “sniping”, which is the equivalent of a ticket scalper for token launches.

If you ever tried to buy a ticket for a concert only to have it sell out in 15 seconds, you never had a chance. A bunch of robots bought up all the ticket and will re-sell them at a mark-up. No Taylor Swift for you!

Token snipers do this for new token launches, scanning blockchain code to find new tokens about to hit the market. If they like it, the bot will immediately buy things using the equivalent of APIs, and humans waiting to click on a button on a website will never have a chance.

In the case of $MELANIA and $LIBRA and the rest, Kelsier also had inside information about the token launches that nobody else knew. They controlled when the launches would happen and where. And they got their bots out just as the coin launched.

Here’s Hayden admitting and rationalizing the act — remember, he is sitting on $100MM of these funds.

“A lot of the discussion has turned to wallets that have been linked back to me—wallets that sniped the coins I launched. In the case of Libra, the wallet that refunded Dave, which he said was my personal funds, was linked to an Avalanche wallet that was used to snipe Libra.

But if I launched the coin, is it unfair for me to snipe it? I would say no, and I have a couple of reasons for that. Most of the time when we’re sniping, it’s not about insiders making money. It’s about preventing other snipers from getting in.

Most of the time when we snipe, we’re doing it to avoid getting overrun by expert snipers—guys who are throwing in millions right at launch and crushing the market. If we don’t take action, they get in first, dump their positions, and tank the project.

The money we use for sniping isn’t personal profit; it’s project money. That’s how we do it every time. If there’s enough volume, we use the sniped funds to stabilize the project and make sure it has a chance to continue.”

Hayden’s excuse for using insider information to grab the money is to get to it before others do. Sometimes he would use it to “manage liquidity”, and then sometimes he would just sell it onto unsuspecting market participants if the projects were not his close friends.

“Yeah fellas tbh we are trying to max extract on this one.” Pretty clear implication of their role in the industry.

Unlike these human market makers, bonding curves do not automatically take your assets before you can invest, and then sell them back to you at a higher price. This is human judgment and behavior. Maybe they taught it wrong in International Business at online university.

Broader Implications

I am sure more will come out here as various parties deepen their investigations of the situation.

It feels a lot like the first days of the Terra/Luna collapse, before FTX, Silvergate, and Three Arrows Capital unwound on their bad leverage, fake tokens, and the stealing of customer funds.

We are looking at industry mechanisms and questioning how they work and where they fail. We are hoping that this can be fixed with better math. We have not faced the 60% drawdowns in the major coins like BTC and ETH. But this may come.

In reality, it is probably the tip of the iceberg.

There have been 8 million tokens deployed to date. I wrote last week that they are like YouTube videos, not like big blockbuster movies. There are only more YouTube videos.

It is hard to imagine regulation coming to address this in the Trump era, with the President being at the heart of memecoin culture today, and financially incentivized to keep it going.

It is hard to imaging that this will slow down. Only more tokens will be launched.

But something must change in the market structure. This financial nihilism is poison — it restricts crypto from being a real financial infrastructure for the world. It turns away customers, founders, and investors as they lose faith and interest in the space. And it attracts low quality grift over and over again.

The questions are coming about Meteora. Did they incentivize or direct this behavior? Certainly the DeFi Tuna video suggests that they did.

And if so, how is Jupiter involved? Already, assets are leaving and Solana’s price is falling.

And if so, what was Solana’s role? It was founded in the shadow of FTX and was famous for its market-manipulation, hyper fake growth culture. Did it grow out of those roots into a clean ecosystem with real developers? Or are we just now going to uncover the same grift and opportunism as before?

And if so, what can Crypto do as a whole? Is the industry doomed to repeat speculation manias until there is nobody left in the world that hasn’t been rugged, phished, and hurt by the market participants? Is the opening up of financial infrastructure, is the democratization of financial engineering the great evil itself? Should only the ivory tower wizards of Goldman Sachs touch this forbidden art?

And if so, what of human nature? Why is it that when we choose between Vanguard and Schwab, people choose Schwab. And between Betterment and Robinhood, Robinhood and options trading win? And between Ethereum and Solana, the casino thrives and celebrates?

How much more is there to take? How not to despair from exhaustion.

This article is written by Gm Fintech Architects

Related: Javier Milei just DESTROYED market: Are meme coins officially DEAD?

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The post Analysis: Is Kelsier’s $200MM insider trading scandal the next FTX? first appeared on Finblog.

How Does Copy Trading Work?

Copy trading operates through a straightforward process that includes the following steps:

1. Choosing a Platform
   Platforms like eToro, ZuluTrade, and CopyMe offer comprehensive tools for beginners and advanced users.
2. Selecting a Trader
   Users can browse and evaluate professional traders based on key metrics like historical performance, risk level, and trading strategy.
3. Allocating Funds
   Investors decide the percentage of their portfolio to allocate for mirroring a trader’s moves. Proportional allocation ensures scalability.
4. Automated Execution
   Once set up, all trades executed by the chosen trader are automatically mirrored in the user’s account in real-time.
5. Performance Monitoring
   Users can track portfolio performance and make adjustments, such as stopping replication or diversifying their strategy.

Popular Platforms for Copy Trading

1. eToro

eToro offers a user-friendly interface designed for both beginners and experienced traders. Its CopyTrader tool allows users to replicate strategies from top-performing traders. The platform supports a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, forex, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs.

Pros: Low minimum investment requirements, making it accessible to most users. Social trading features promote community engagement and knowledge sharing.

Cons: Withdrawal fees and currency conversion charges can reduce profitability.

2. ZuluTrade

ZuluTrade provides advanced analytics to compare traders’ performance, along with robust risk management tools like stop-loss limits and ROI-based rankings. It supports a variety of markets, including forex, crypto, and other financial instruments.

Pros: Offers diverse account options to cater to varying trader needs. Allows a combination of copy trading and manual interventions for greater flexibility.

Cons: Higher initial deposit requirements may deter some users.

3. CopyMe

CopyMe focuses on cryptocurrency markets, offering customizable copy settings and risk management tools. The platform is mobile-friendly, enabling users to trade conveniently while on the move.

Pros: Excellent platform for crypto enthusiasts with transparent performance metrics. Customizable tools ensure better risk management.

Cons: Limited to cryptocurrencies, with no support for stocks or forex markets.

4. AvaTrade

AvaTrade integrates seamlessly with forex and CFD trading platforms, offering market analysis tools and multiple account types to suit traders of all expertise levels.

Pros: Competitive spreads and advanced risk management features. Compatibility with MT4 and MT5 platforms offers flexibility for advanced traders.

Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners, especially those unfamiliar with CFD trading.

5. NAGA

NAGA is a social trading platform that includes in-app messaging for enhanced community support. It allows both copy trading and independent investing across various asset classes like crypto, forex, and stocks.

Pros: Comprehensive educational resources for traders at all levels. Strong customer service ensures a better user experience.

Cons: Fees on trades and withdrawals can add up over time, affecting returns.

Benefits and Risks of Copy Trading

Advanced Tips for Copy Trading Success

1. Vet Traders Thoroughly
   Examine their historical performance, trading strategy, and risk profile. Favour those with consistent returns over a long period.
2. Diversify Your Choices
   Avoid putting all your funds into copying one trader. Distribute allocations across different strategies and markets.
3. Monitor Trades Regularly
   Stay informed about ongoing trades and market conditions to make necessary adjustments.
4. Limit Allocation
   Allocate a small portion of your overall portfolio to copy trading to mitigate risks.

Related articles:

1. What is Crypto Analysis: Types and Strategies – Part 1
2. What is Crypto Analysis: Techniques and Indicators – Part 2
3. What are some benefits of using cryptocurrency as a method of payment?
4. What is cryptocurrency mining? A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
5. What is Cryptocurrency Solana (SOL) and How Does It Work?
6. How to Buy Solana Meme Coins and Create Your Own on Solana
7. How to Sell Bitcoin: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
8. How to Pay with Cryptocurrency: A Guide to Digital Payments
9. What Are Meme Coins & How Do They Work?
10. How to Buy Meme Coins: A Beginner’s Guide
11. How to Trade in Crypto: Risks and Rewards
12. Which are Best FREE Crypto Exchanges & Apps in 2024
13. How to Invest in DeFi: A Step-by-Step Guide
14. Cryptocurrency Trading: What it is
and How to Trade?
15. Cryptocurrency vs. Stock Market: Where to Invest for 2025
16. Top DeFi Projects and Where to Trade Them in 2025
17. Top Crypto Wallets and How to Use in 2025

Sources:

1. Axi Copy Trading Guide
2. Pepperstone Trading Guide
3. PrimeXBT: What is Copy Trading?

The post What is Copy Trading and How Does It Work? first appeared on Finblog.

Key Types of Crypto Trading

Differences Between Crypto Trading and Crypto Investing

Investors often seem to take crypto trading and crypto investing as the same thing. However, the two are quite different in terms of their time horizon, risk tolerance, strategies, etc. Here are some common differences between crypto trading and crypto investing. 

How Does Cryptocurrency Trading Work?

1. Trading Pairs

Crypto trading often involves pairs like BTC/USD (Bitcoin to U.S. Dollar) or ETH/BTC (Ethereum to Bitcoin). Traders profit from fluctuations in the relative values of the paired currencies.

2. Order Execution

Orders on trading platforms can be:

• Market Orders: Instantly executed at the current market price.
• Limit Orders: Execute only when the price hits a specified level.
• Stop Orders: Automatically trigger to minimize losses or secure gains.

3. Decentralization

Unlike traditional stock exchanges, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks powered by blockchain technology. This structure ensures transparency and reduces the need for intermediaries.

Benefits and Challenges of Cryptocurrency Trading

The Role of Exchanges and Brokers

Exchanges

If you’re ready to dive into cryptocurrency trading, Binance, Kraken, and other major exchanges are excellent platforms to get started. These exchanges act as intermediaries, enabling you to buy, sell, or trade various digital currencies. They offer features like:

• Wide Variety of Trading Pairs: Trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or lesser-known altcoins.
• Advanced Tools: Access margin trading, futures contracts, and in-depth analytics for a professional trading experience.

Brokers

For beginners looking for a simpler and more user-friendly experience, crypto brokers are the way to go. Platforms like eToro and Coinbase make it easy to start trading by offering fixed prices for cryptocurrencies. Benefits include:

• Secure Transactions: Reliable platforms to trade without worrying about technical complexities.

• Streamlined Interface: Perfect for those new to the crypto space.

Key Trends in Cryptocurrency Trading

1. Growth of Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

DEXs like Uniswap and PancakeSwap are gaining popularity for their privacy and absence of intermediaries. They allow direct peer-to-peer transactions, enabling greater user control.

2. Institutional Participation

Major financial institutions, including banks and hedge funds, are increasingly investing in cryptocurrencies, adding credibility and liquidity to the market.

3. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI-powered tools analyze market data, predict trends, and automate trading strategies, making trading more efficient for professionals and beginners alike.

4. Tokenization of Real-World Assets

Cryptocurrencies are now being used to tokenize real-world assets like real estate and company shares, expanding their utility beyond traditional trading.

Cryptocurrency trading offers both immense opportunities and considerable risks. By understanding its core principles, tools, and challenges, traders can navigate the complexities of this dynamic market effectively. With proper knowledge and resources, cryptocurrency trading can be a rewarding endeavor for investors worldwide.

Related articles:

1. What is Crypto Analysis: Types and Strategies – Part 1
2. What is Crypto Analysis: Techniques and Indicators – Part 2
3. What are some benefits of using cryptocurrency as a method of payment?
4. What is cryptocurrency mining? A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
5. What is Cryptocurrency Solana (SOL) and How Does It Work?
6. How to Buy Solana Meme Coins and Create Your Own on Solana
7. How to Sell Bitcoin: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
8. How to Pay with Cryptocurrency: A Guide to Digital Payments
9. What Are Meme Coins & How Do They Work?
10. How to Buy Meme Coins: A Beginner’s Guide
11. How to Trade in Crypto: Risks and Rewards
12. Which are Best FREE Crypto Exchanges & Apps in 2024
13. How to Invest in DeFi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sources:

1. Bitpanda Academy
2. IG: Cryptocurrency Trading Basics
3. Cointelegraph: Trading Guide
4. Bajaj Broking: Understanding Crypto
5. Investopedia: Cryptocurrency Overview
6. Pepperstone: Trading Explained

The post Cryptocurrency Trading: What it is
and How to Trade? first appeared on Finblog.

Crypto trading refers to the process of buying, selling, or exchanging digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others through cryptocurrency exchanges. Unlike traditional stock trading, crypto trading operates 24/7 on decentralized platforms, offering traders flexibility and unique opportunities. Traders profit by speculating on price movements, using strategies that range from day trading to long-term investment.

Crypto trading allows individuals to engage in global markets with low barriers to entry, making it a popular choice for those seeking financial independence.

Steps to Start Trading Crypto

Starting your journey to trade in crypto requires a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

1. Choose a Reliable Cryptocurrency Exchange
   Begin by selecting a crypto exchange that matches your needs. Exchanges serve as platforms where buyers and sellers trade cryptocurrencies.

• Centralised Exchanges (CEXs) like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken are beginner-friendly and offer tools for spot trading.
• Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): These operate without intermediaries and are ideal for trading niche tokens. Examples include Uniswap (Ethereum-based tokens) and PancakeSwap (Binance Smart Chain tokens).

When choosing an exchange, consider factors like fees, liquidity, supported coins, and security features.

2. Set Up a Secure Digital Wallet
   A cryptocurrency wallet is essential for storing your assets securely. Depending on your trading style, you’ll choose between two main types:

• Hot Wallets: These are connected to the internet and suitable for active trading. Examples include MetaMask and Trust Wallet.
• Cold Wallets: These are offline and offer maximum security for long-term storage. Hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X and Trezor are popular choices.

Ensure you back up your wallet’s private keys or recovery phrase. Losing these details could mean losing access to your funds forever.

3. Fund Your Trading Account
   Once your wallet and exchange account are set up, deposit funds to start trading.

• Fiat Currency: Most exchanges allow deposits via credit cards, bank transfers, or PayPal.
• Cryptocurrency Transfers: If you already own crypto, transfer it to your exchange wallet. For example, you can transfer Bitcoin (BTC) from an external wallet to fund your trades.

Take note of deposit fees and processing times, which vary by platform.

4. Learn Trading Basics and Market Types
   Understanding the market and its tools is crucial for successful trading.

• Trading Pairs: Cryptocurrencies are traded in pairs, such as BTC/ETH or BTC/USD. You’re essentially exchanging one asset for another.
• Types of Orders:

5. Develop a Trading Strategy
   Before trading, outline a strategy based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Here are common strategies:

6. Place Your First Trade
   Use the exchange interface to execute your first trade. Start small to minimize risk as you learn.

• On Centralized Exchanges: Use their straightforward buy/sell buttons to enter the market.
• On Decentralized Exchanges: Connect your wallet to the platform, select your trading pair, and confirm the transaction.

7. Monitor and Manage Your Portfolio
   Track your investments using portfolio management tools provided by exchanges or third-party apps like Blockfolio. Stay informed about market movements and adjust your strategy as needed.

8. Withdraw Your Crypto to Your Wallet
   For added security, transfer your cryptocurrency from the exchange to your personal wallet after trading. Exchanges are vulnerable to hacks, so storing funds in a secure wallet minimizes risks.

Tools and Resources for Crypto Trading

1. Charting Platforms: Tools like TradingView help analyze price movements and set strategies.
2. Portfolio Trackers: Apps like CoinMarketCap track portfolio performance across multiple platforms.
3. News Aggregators: Stay updated with real-time news through platforms like CoinTelegraph or CryptoPanic.
4. Automated Trading Bots: Bots like CryptoHopper or 3Commas can execute trades based on preset strategies.

Risks and Rewards of Trade in Crypto

1. Volatility
   Cryptocurrency prices can swing by 10% or more within a single day. While this offers profit opportunities, it also means traders face the risk of significant losses.
2. Lack of Regulation
   The decentralized nature of crypto trading can expose traders to fraud, scams, or poorly executed trades.
3. Security Risks
   Cybersecurity threats are prevalent, including phishing attacks and exchange hacks. Always use two-factor authentication and store funds in secure wallets.
4. FOMO and Emotional Decisions
   The fear of missing out (FOMO) or panic selling during market downturns can lead to poor decision-making.

1. High Profit Potential
   Price volatility creates opportunities for traders to achieve significant short-term gains. For example, Bitcoin’s price surged over 100% during certain bull markets.
2. 24/7 Market Access
   Crypto markets never close, enabling traders to operate on their own schedules.
3. Global Reach
   Cryptocurrencies remove barriers to entry, allowing anyone with an internet connection to participate in trading.
4. Portfolio Diversification
   Adding crypto assets to an investment portfolio can help hedge against traditional market risks.

Related articles:

• What are some benefits of using cryptocurrency as a method of payment?
• What is cryptocurrency mining? A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started
• What is Cryptocurrency Solana (SOL) and How Does It Work?
• How to Buy Solana Meme Coins and Create Your Own on Solana
• How to Sell Bitcoin: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• How to Pay with Cryptocurrency: A Guide to Digital Payments
• What Are Meme Coins & How Do They Work?
• How to Buy Meme Coins: A Beginner’s Guide
• Which are Best FREE Crypto Exchanges & Apps in 2024

Sources:

1. https://cointelegraph.com/learn/articles/how-to-trade-cryptocurrencies-the-ultimate-beginners-guide
2. https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-cryptocurrency
3. https://management.org/how-to-trade-crypto

The post How to Trade in Crypto: Risks and Rewards first appeared on Finblog.

A quieter week ahead includes the May retail sales report and updates on manufacturing and services activities, along with weekly jobless claims. Markets will be closed on Wednesday for the Juneteenth holiday.

Inflation and Interest Rates

The May Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed “core” CPI increased by 0.2% month over month, the lowest reading since June 2023. The “core” Producer Price Index (PPI) was unchanged from April, below the expected 0.3% increase. This data supports the view that disinflation is the most likely path forward, suggesting that the Fed might reduce its policy rate later this year.

Economic Outlook

Bank of America economist Stephen Juneau noted that recent inflation data reduces the likelihood of the Fed raising rates again, though quick rate cuts are also unlikely. Renaissance Macro’s Neil Dutta emphasized that unemployment is up and core inflation is down, suggesting it’s time for the Fed to “stick the landing” with policy adjustments.

Retail Sales and Consumer Spending

The May retail sales report, expected on Tuesday, is a key indicator of consumer resilience amid higher rates. Economists forecast a 0.3% increase, which would signal a rebound from April’s flat performance.

Market Impact

The latest inflation data has buoyed the stock market rally, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting record highs. UBS’s Jonathan Golub believes this data could provide even greater upside to the market.

Upcoming Economic Data and Earnings

Monday: Empire manufacturing index

Tuesday: Retail sales, industrial production; Earnings from KB Home

Wednesday: Markets closed for Juneteenth

Thursday: Initial jobless claims, housing starts, building permits; Earnings from Accenture, Kroger

Friday: Leading index, S&P Global US manufacturing, services, and composite PMIs; Earnings from CarMax, FactSet

The post Stocks enter shortened trading week near record highs: What to know this week first appeared on Finblog.