Apr 7, 2025: Our weekly Institutional Insights explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

 explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

Weekly highlight — Fed not ready to adjust rates 

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the central bank will not rush to respond to the Trump administration's tariffs or the resulting market turmoil stemming from fears of a global economic downturn. At a conference in Virginia, he acknowledged that tariffs could significantly impact the US economy, leading to slower growth and higher inflation. However, he stated that the Fed will wait for more clarity before considering interest rate cuts.

With inflation still elevated, Powell stressed the Fed's responsibility to prevent a temporary price surge from evolving into a persistent inflation issue. Julia Coronado, President and Founder of MacroPolicy Perspectives, noted that due to current inflation levels, the Fed is not as well positioned to offer economic support as during previous trade disputes.. Even if rate cuts become necessary, they’re likely to be delayed and cautious.

Following Trump’s announcement of new tariffs, stocks fell sharply, with the S&P 500 facing its worst week since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Economists have raised concerns that these tariffs could lead to a recession, prompting increased speculation about the timing of potential rate cuts. Powell's recent comments marked a shift from his earlier stance that inflation effects from tariffs would be short-lived.

He reiterated the Fed's commitment to maintaining stable long-term inflation expectations and acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs' economic impact. Despite signs of deteriorating consumer sentiment and business spending, Powell argued that definitive data has yet to emerge.

As the Fed prepares for its next meeting, futures markets have adjusted expectations regarding rate cuts. Powell's remarks suggest that a preemptive rate cut is unlikely before assessing the broader economic implications of the recent tariffs.

Weekly crypto highlight — Bitcoin’s resilience amid tariffs’ induced volatility

On Apr 2, 2025, Donald Trump announced aggressive U.S. tariffs: a universal 10% on all imports, with specific rates of 34% on China, 24% on Japan and 20% on the European Union (EU), while notably exempting Russia. This policy shift triggered significant volatility in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. The announcement’s timing, just after US stock markets closed, appeared strategically timed to limit immediate reaction.

The next day, the S&P 500 fell over 5.1% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped more than 5.6%, reflecting investor fears of economic disruption and rising inflation. This was the fifth-worst trading day of the 2020s, reminiscent of Black Thursday in March 2020. In contrast, Bitcoin showed resilience, trading at around $81.7K, only a 6% decline from its recent low, indicating that investors may see cryptocurrencies as hedges against geopolitical uncertainties.

Trump framed the tariffs as the start of a "Liberation Day," introducing a two-tier system: the universal tariff effective April 5, with reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries starting April 9. This approach aims to counteract existing tariffs on U.S. goods, compelling nations and regions like China, Japan and the EU to reconsider their trade policies.

Asian countries face severe impacts, with tariffs as high as 49% on Cambodia and 48% on Laos. Supporters view these tariffs as negotiation tactics, challenging nations to accept favorable trade terms or incur higher export costs. Trump argues this will lead to fairer trade conditions, while critics warn of potential retaliatory tariffs, increased costs for American consumers and broader economic uncertainty.

The success of this policy depends upon whether nations opt for cooperation over confrontation. Proponents believe nations will negotiate to avoid losing access to the lucrative US market, potentially boosting US jobs and profits.

Amid this turmoil, Bitcoin has shown surprising stability, holding at around $80K despite traditional market volatility. Its drawdown was significantly less severe than that of major stock indices, suggesting it may be viewed as a safe haven during economic uncertainty.

Factors contributing to Bitcoin’s resilience include its decentralized nature, which insulates it from traditional market shocks, and growing acceptance as a legitimate asset class. Continued institutional interest, driven by entities such as Strategy and BlackRock, reinforces its appeal.

In conclusion, Bitcoin's strength amid tariff-induced volatility underscores its potential as a digital asset, and signals a growing acceptance among investors seeking stability in uncertain economic times. This could signify a pivotal shift within the world’s financial landscape toward viewing cryptocurrency as a mainstream financial instrument.

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Weekly Institutional Insights: Tariffs rattle market as Bitcoin holds better than TradFi

Current US president Donald Trump introduced a universal 10% tariff on imports and higher specific rates for countries like China and Japan, signaling a major shift in US trade policy.

On Apr 2, 2025, Donald Trump announced aggressive US tariffs, including a universal 10% levy on all imports alongside specific rates of 34% on China, 24% on Japan and 20% on the European Union (EU), while the absence of tariffs on Russia was a notable exception. This policy shift resulted in significant volatility in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets.

The timing of Trump's announcement was widely speculated to be strategic, occurring shortly after US stock markets closed in order to mitigate immediate market reactions. However, the following day, Apr 3, 2025, saw substantial declines: the S&P 500 dropped over 5.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell more than 5.6%, reflecting investor anxieties about potential economic disruptions and heightened inflation. 

This marked the fifth-worst trading day of the 2020s, with parallels drawn to the infamous Black Thursday in March 2020. But in stark contrast, Bitcoin displayed remarkable resilience, trading around $81.7K, a mere 6% drop from its local bottom of $77K recorded on Mar 10, 2025. This stability suggests that investors may increasingly be viewing cryptocurrencies as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties, since Bitcoin’s decentralized nature allows it to operate independently of tariffs and supply chain disruptions that affect traditional assets.

Trump characterized the tariff announcement as the beginning of a "Liberation Day," introducing a two-tier system where the universal 10% tariff would take effect on Apr 5, 2025, while reciprocal tariffs targeting around 60 countries would follow on April 9. This reciprocal approach aims to counterbalance existing tariffs imposed by other nations on American products, pushing countries and regions like China, Japan and the EU to reconsider their trade policies. During his speech, Trump presented a chart illustrating the disparities in tariff rates, using it to justify the administration's stance on the need for these measures to correct long-standing trade imbalances.

The implications for Asian countries are particularly severe, with many facing the highest tariffs, including Cambodia at 49%, Laos at 48% and Madagascar at 47%. Economists who favor proactive trade policies view these tariffs as a negotiation tactic, often referred to as a "game of chicken," whereby the US essentially dares other nations to either accept new, more favorable trade terms or face increased costs for their exports to the US. 

Trump argues that many countries impose heavy taxes on American goods that make them less competitive abroad. He believes that by introducing these tariffs, other nations will be compelled to lower their own export taxes on US products, fostering fairer trade conditions. However, critics warn that this strategy could backfire, potentially igniting a trade war damaging to every country and area involved. They express concerns that retaliatory tariffs from other countries might lead to increased costs for American consumers and economic uncertainty for businesses. 

The success of Trump's tariff policy ultimately hinges on whether other nations choose cooperation over confrontation. Proponents of the strategy argue that countries might fear losing access to the lucrative US market, prompting them to negotiate more favorable terms for American exports. If successful, this could theoretically boost US jobs and profits.

In summary, as the situation evolves, the effects of these tariffs on global trade dynamics and market stability remain to be seen, with potentially far-reaching implications for both traditional and cryptocurrency markets.

Amidst the tumultuous landscape created by the recent tariff announcements, Bitcoin has demonstrated a surprising level of resilience. Despite the significant volatility affecting traditional markets, Bitcoin maintained robust support around $80K, showcasing its ability to withstand external economic pressures. This stability is particularly noteworthy when compared to mainstream public equities, which experienced substantial declines in response to the tariffs.

The magnitude of Bitcoin's price drawdown was considerably less severe than that of many established stocks, highlighting its unique position in the financial ecosystem. While indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite plummeted over 5%, Bitcoin's relatively mild decline suggests that investors may increasingly view it as a safe haven and alternative asset during times of economic uncertainty.

This resilience can be attributed to several factors. First, Bitcoin's decentralized nature allows it to operate independently of traditional market dynamics and geopolitical influences, making it less susceptible to the same shocks that impact equities tied to physical goods and international trade. Additionally, the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class has bolstered investor confidence, leading to a more stable demand for Bitcoin, even in volatile environments. In particular, Strategy’s (formerly MicroStrategy) continued accumulation of Bitcoin and BlackRock’s launch of ETP products in Europe continues to cement Bitcoin’s unique position in equity portfolio allocation.

Furthermore, the current market sentiment indicates a shift in the way that investors perceive Bitcoin, particularly as an effective hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. As traditional markets grapple with the ramifications of aggressive tariff policies, Bitcoin's ability to hold steady at the $80K level may attract more institutional interest, reinforcing its position as a viable alternative investment.

In conclusion, Bitcoin's resilience within the tariff-induced volatility not only highlights its potential as a digital asset, but also suggests a broader acceptance among investors seeking diversification and stability in uncertain economic times. This comparative strength against mainstream equities could signal a pivotal moment in the evolution of cryptocurrency as a mainstream financial instrument. 

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Bybit x Santiment: Tariffs-led whipsaw solidifies Bitcoin’s resilience

Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events; the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume; and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

As markets near US president Trump's "Liberation Day" for tariffs, crypto remains volatile. BTC has dropped from a local high of $88K to $82K amid signs that tariffs will affect many countries. Implied volatility has spiked and then eased. Other derivatives market metrics show that BTC and ETH volatility smile skews remain significantly skewed toward puts, a level last seen in March 2023.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

BTC options show signs last seen in March 2023

As crypto prices remain highly correlated with macro-sensitive assets, the week began with a surge in short-tenor implied volatility for BTC and ETH. The sell-off continued as President Trump announced tariffs affecting about 90 countries. BTC's front-end volatility quickly fell below longer maturities, and short-dated volatility smiles briefly favored OTM puts, reminiscent of levels seen during the March 2023 US banking crisis. 

SOL options remain the least traded among major cryptocurrencies (i.e., BTC and ETH), but there was a significant rise in call options this week, dominating both volume and open interest. Following the Mar 28, 2025 expirations, many contracts weren’t reopened, with the notional size of call contracts decreasing from over $3.2M to around $2.5M. However, there has been a slight increase in the notional size of open put options, as traders respond to a continued decline from the January all-time high of $250.

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Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (Apr 2, 2025): BTC option skews show a bearish sign last seen in 2023

Fidelity recently announced that it would be launching its own stablecoin, to be pegged to the US dollar. Learn more here.

After first making headlines upon filing paperwork for its very own money market fund, Fidelity seems to be taking the next step toward this grand goal by issuing its own 

 pegged to the US dollar could be the start of a multi-stage scheme to help crypto achieve mainstream adoption.

If you're new to fund-issued stablecoins, or perhaps a crypto beginner whose attention has been piqued, you might be wondering how Fidelity’s stablecoin could impact the crypto market. From highlighting how the Fidelity stablecoin differs from its other fiat-backed counterparts (e.g., 

) to elaborating on the possible motives for launching it, here's everything you need to know about the proposed Fidelity stablecoin.

Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments has built a reputation as a leader in financial services. To date, it's managed trillions of dollars in assets for individuals and institutions alike. 

Known for its innovative approach to investing, Fidelity has consistently stayed ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies and trends. From mutual funds to retirement accounts, it's fair to say that Fidelity is a trusted name in finance, and has successfully established its presence, thanks to its storied legacy in financial services.

Fidelity’s foray into crypto isn’t new. With the demand for digital asset services growing larger over time, the company has quietly been building its presence in the crypto space through 

 since 2018, with dedicated service that provides custody and trading services for institutional and individual investors.

By launching its own stablecoin, Fidelity is taking this commitment toward 

 innovation to the next level, signaling its belief in the long-term growth potential of digital assets.

Like many of its popular stablecoin counterparts, Fidelity’s stablecoin is pegged to the US dollar. This ensures price stability, a critical feature for traders looking to mitigate risk amid 

. Built on blockchain technology, this stablecoin is ostensibly designed to integrate seamlessly with Fidelity’s broader ecosystem of tokenized financial products. This means users can expect a secure, efficient and transparent digital asset that aligns with Fidelity’s high standards.

 like Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC dominate the market, Fidelity’s offering brings something unique to the table: trust. As a regulated financial institution with decades of experience, Fidelity offers a level of credibility that few other stablecoin issuers can match. Furthermore, its focus on regulatory compliance positions it as a safer alternative for both retail and institutional investors.

Fidelity’s stablecoin represents a deliberate effort to integrate its institutional expertise with blockchain’s efficiencies. By creating a dollar-pegged digital asset, the firm aims to serve as a trusted intermediary for clients navigating both traditional and crypto markets. Moreover, the Fidelity Digital Assets division has already laid the groundwork through Bitcoin custody services and 

. The proposed stablecoin extends this infrastructure, allowing institutional investors to transition seamlessly between volatile cryptocurrencies and stable-value instruments without exiting Fidelity’s ecosystem.

The stablecoin market has grown exponentially, surpassing $200 billion in 2025. This surge is largely being driven by demand for volatility hedging and cross-border payment efficiency. Fidelity recognizes that traders and institutions increasingly require reliable on-ramps between fiat and crypto. Its stablecoin offers a compliant alternative to incumbents, such as Tether and Circle, who face lingering skepticism about reserve transparency. By entering this space, Fidelity would not only meet immediate demand, but position itself as a leader in institutional-grade digital assets, thus appealing to risk-averse entities.

The US regulatory landscape under the current administration has shifted decisively toward crypto-friendly policies, and the Stablecoin Innovation Act and the GENIUS Act are advancing through Congress, aiming to establish clear rules for reserve backing and 

 compliance. Designed with Treasury reserves and audit transparency, Fidelity’s stablecoin aligns with these impending standards. By proactively adopting regulatory best practices, Fidelity avoids the scrutiny faced by Tether — and positions its stablecoin as a “gold standard” for institutional adoption.

Stablecoins generate revenue through interest earned on reserve assets. For example, Tether reported over $6 billion in net income in 2024 from its treasury holdings. Fidelity already manages $80 billion in its Treasury Digital Fund, and can potentially monetize its stablecoin reserves while offering competitive yields to clients. This creates a dual revenue stream, consisting of fees from asset management and interest from stablecoin reserves.

The stablecoin market remains dominated by Tether and Circle, but their retail-focused models leave room for institutional alternatives. Fidelity’s brand reputation, combined with its existing relationships with hedge funds and pension plans, gives it a unique edge. For example, its stablecoin could integrate directly with retirement accounts, allowing 401k participants to allocate to crypto without custody risks. This differentiation is critical as rivals like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton expand their tokenized offerings.

While details are still scarce, the following are some likely use cases for the Fidelity stablecoin.

Using Fidelity’s stablecoin for staking

One of the most exciting use cases for Fidelity’s stablecoin is staking. For traders and investors, staking offers an opportunity to 

 by locking up their assets in support of blockchain networks. With Fidelity’s stablecoin, users could stake their holdings with confidence, knowing they’re backed by one of the most trusted names in finance.

Enhancing market liquidity and capital efficiency

Fidelity’s stablecoin is also expected to enhance liquidity across trading platforms. By providing a reliable medium of exchange that 

 fiat currency and digital assets, this stablecoin could streamline trading operations and reduce transaction costs, creating a win-win for traders and exchanges.

Facilitating real-world asset (RWA) tokenization

Fidelity's stablecoin is strategically positioned to drive the tokenization of RWAs by democratizing access through fractional ownership of commodities and real estate, thus streamlining the trading and settlement of tokenized securities as a stable exchange medium. This could ultimately foster a more efficient and transparent payment ecosystem for tokenized goods and services.

How will this impact the current crypto landscape?

Legitimization and mainstream adoption of crypto

Fidelity's established reputation within traditional finance lends significant credibility to the crypto space. This legitimacy can alleviate concerns among mainstream investors who have been hesitant, due to perceived risks or a lack of understanding. By offering a regulated stablecoin, Fidelity signals that digital assets are becoming a legitimate part of the broader financial landscape, encouraging greater participation from institutional and retail investors alike. This increased confidence can lead to wider adoption of crypto-related products and services, integrating them into everyday financial transactions.

Market stabilization and increased liquidity

The substantial capital that Fidelity brings to the market can significantly increase liquidity, reducing price volatility and making crypto assets more attractive to traditional investors. Increased liquidity facilitates smoother trading and reduces the risk of significant price swings, creating a more stable and predictable market environment.

Fidelity's involvement encourages dialogue between regulators and established financial institutions, leading to clearer and more comprehensive regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and other digital assets. By leveraging its existing compliance and risk management expertise, Fidelity can contribute to the development of robust security standards and best practices for the crypto industry. This increased regulatory clarity and security can reduce the risk of fraud and market manipulation, fostering greater trust and confidence among investors.

he introduction of a regulated stablecoin from a trusted institution can accelerate the integration of traditional financial products and services into the 

 (DeFi) space. Such integration can lead to the development of innovative financial instruments, such as tokenized securities and decentralized lending platforms, bridging the gap between TradFi and DeFi while allowing for far greater capital efficiency within the DeFi space.

Driving crypto infrastructure standardization

Fidelity's participation can drive the development of standardized infrastructure and interoperability protocols, facilitating seamless transactions across different blockchain networks and traditional financial systems. This standardization could improve the efficiency and scalability of the crypto market, thereby enabling greater adoption and integration with existing financial infrastructure.

What are the challenges that Fidelity may face?

While Fidelity's late entry into the stablecoin market is promising, due to its institutional credibility and regulatory focus, it does face substantial challenges. At the top of the list of Fidelity’s potential challenges: competing with established stablecoin giants like USDT and USDC will require Fidelity to demonstrate superior transparency, security and seamless integration of the Fidelity stablecoin within existing ecosystems. 

Building trust with a potentially hesitant crypto native demographic and overcoming established network effects will also require strategic partnerships, competitive incentives and a flawless track record in maintaining a stable peg to the US dollar.

The regulatory environment surrounding stablecoins is rapidly evolving. Recent developments such as the 

 (GENIUS) Act signal a more favorable stance toward crypto in the United States. For companies like Fidelity, this creates an opportunity to innovate within clear regulatory frameworks while addressing concerns around transparency and accountability. However, this evolving legislative landscape doesn't mean that Fidelity is out of the woods yet. This is especially so because regulations aren’t uniform across all jurisdictions. Therefore, Fidelity will need to demonstrate regulatory agility and adaptability to navigate these varying requirements.

Lastly, while there’s speculation that the Fidelity stablecoin could play a huge part in the company’s tokenized money market fund offering, there’s currently nothing set in stone. This is due to the inherent complexities of integrating a newly launched stablecoin into existing financial products, as well as the need to navigate potential regulatory hurdles related to that integration. Since Fidelity Digital Assets and 

 are two separate entities, there will likely be some coordination needed before Fidelity can incorporate its stablecoin into its onchain bond market.

Fidelity’s launch of its own stablecoin marks an important milestone in the evolution of digital finance. By combining stability with trust and regulatory compliance, this new offering has the potential to reshape the way traders interact with crypto. For beginners looking for a safe entry point into crypto, as well as experienced traders seeking reliable tools for staking and liquidity management, Fidelity’s stablecoin offers an enticing proposition. 

Likewise, for institutional traders, the proposed stablecoin provides a compliant and secure bridge between traditional finance and DeFi, unlocking new avenues for managing assets and diversifying portfolios. While challenges remain, Fidelity’s entry is poised to accelerate the integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, ultimately paving the way for wider adoption and innovation.

Intermediate

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Fidelity’s new stablecoin: A bold step into crypto stability

Explainers

Trading

Strategies

Short selling, a trading strategy with centuries of history, has found a new playground in the cryptocurrency market.

Short selling, a trading strategy with centuries of history, has found a new playground in the cryptocurrency market. Whether you’re an experienced investor or a curious newcomer, “what is short selling” can be a valuable question to ask for capitalizing on market downturns. But how does it work, and what risks should you be aware of? In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery of short selling, its application in the world of cryptocurrencies, and the strategies that can help you succeed in this high-stakes game.

The concept of short selling dates back to the early days of the stock market, but it remains just as relevant in today’s fast-paced world of cryptocurrencies. At its core, short selling is a trading strategy that aims to profit from a decline in an asset’s price by borrowing and selling it, followed by repurchasing it at a lower price. As a short seller, you’re essentially betting that the price of an asset, such as 

, will drop, allowing you to pocket the difference between the price at which you sold and the lower price at which you bought it back. If you’re wondering how to short bitcoin, this strategy is the key to understanding the process of short bitcoin and short selling bitcoin.

Still, the practice of short selling comes with its own set of challenges and risks For example, certain Muslim Scholars believe that any activities related to gambling are prohibited, and thus they consider shorting cryptocurrencies to be haram, including leveraged trading, a common method used in short selling. To be successful in short selling, understanding order types, market trends, and risk management techniques is essential.

Aiming to profit from a decrease in an asset’s price, short selling involves borrowing and selling said asset, only to buy it back at a lesser value. The practice of short selling is believed to have been first introduced by Dutch businessman Isaac Le Maire in 1609, with its roots tracing back to the establishment of stock markets in the Dutch Republic in the late 1500s. Today, short selling is also possible on crypto exchanges, allowing traders to capitalize on downward price movements in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

In contrast to the typical approach of buying low and selling high, short selling revolves around the principle of selling high and purchasing low. Investors can either take a long position, where they expect the price of an asset to increase, or a short position, where they expect the price to decrease. By borrowing and selling an asset, such as a 

, at a high price and then buying it back at a lower price, short sellers can profit from the difference.

The short selling process can be broken down into the following steps:

This process can also be applied to bitcoin futures and other cryptocurrency derivatives, taking into consideration the price of bitcoin.

The borrowed asset is returned by purchasing it from another market participant and delivering it back to the lender. In the context of short selling, repurchasing assets at a lower price indicates that after selling borrowed securities on the open market, the short seller anticipates buying them back later at a lower price, enabling the short seller to benefit from the difference between the selling price and the lower repurchase price.

Short Selling in the Cryptocurrency Market

Just as in traditional markets, short selling has gained traction in the cryptocurrency realm, often executed through margin trading. 

 enables traders to borrow and sell crypto assets with the aim of repurchasing them at a lower cost, leveraging their investments to potentially increase gains or losses. Bybit support short selling, offering traders a range of options and platforms to choose from.

Bybit also provides alternative methods for shorting crypto, such as futures contracts, options, and leveraged tokens. These alternatives provide traders with enhanced control and adaptability over their short positions, enabling price decline speculation without the immediate borrowing and selling of the underlying asset. Each of these methods comes with its own set of advantages and risks, making it essential for traders to carefully evaluate their options and choose the most suitable approach for their unique needs and goals on a crypto exchange.

By leveraging potential gains or losses, margin trading permits traders to:

However, margin trading comes with its share of risks, as it exposes traders to the 

. Traders must deposit initial funds, or “posting margin,” to their account as collateral, and trading on margin carries significant risk. It is important to note that you should only borrow funds to trade if you fully understand and accept the associated risks.

Crypto Exchanges Supporting Short Selling

Crypto exchanges like Bybit support short selling through margin trading and other derivative products. These exchanges offer a range of services and tools to help traders navigate the complex world of short selling, from advanced trading platforms to detailed market data and analysis. By choosing a reputable exchange with a strong track record, traders can access the tools and resources they need to succeed in the world of short selling.

While each exchange has its own unique offerings and fee structures, they all share a common goal: to provide traders with the opportunity to profit from the fluctuating prices of cryptocurrencies. By offering short selling services through margin trading and other derivative products, these exchanges enable traders to capitalize on downward price movements in the crypto market, opening up new avenues for profit and portfolio diversification.

Success in short selling hinges on the application of diverse strategies and techniques to unearth opportunities and curtail losses. A cornerstone of successful short selling is the utilization of technical analysis tools like charts and indicators, aiding in the identification of market trends and potential short selling prospects. Additionally, risk management techniques, such as stop-loss orders and position sizing, can help traders minimize losses and protect their capital when short selling.

By developing a solid understanding of these strategies and tools, traders can make more informed decisions about when to enter or exit short positions, ultimately increasing their chances of success. It’s important to remember that short selling is a high-risk strategy, and it’s crucial to approach it with caution and a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls and rewards.

 tools help traders identify market trends and potential short selling opportunities by analyzing price movements and patterns. They can provide valuable insights into the future direction of price movement, enabling traders to make informed decisions about when to enter or exit short positions. Some popular technical analysis tools used for short selling in cryptocurrency include:

, moving averages, and Bollinger Bands can provide traders with insights into price trends and potential reversal points, offering short sellers the opportunity to benefit from downward price movements. Trend lines and 

 can also help identify potential short selling opportunities in the crypto market by providing key levels of resistance and potential reversal points. By mastering these technical analysis tools, traders can significantly improve their chances of success in the high-stakes world of short selling.

Beyond technical analysis tools, any trader venturing into short selling must also employ critical risk management techniques. Stop-loss orders, for example, can help limit losses and minimize risk exposure by automatically closing out a short position if the price of the asset increases beyond a predetermined level. This helps to avoid further losses and protect against potential market volatility.

Another risk management technique is position sizing, which involves carefully determining the amount of capital to allocate to each short position based on the trader’s risk tolerance and overall portfolio size. By employing stop-loss orders and other risk management techniques, traders can decrease their risk exposure and ensure that their investments are protected, even in the face of volatile market conditions and potential losses.

Potential Risks and Challenges of Short Selling

Despite the potential profitability from falling asset prices through short selling, traders must remain cognizant of the possible risks and hurdles that come with this strategy. One of the most significant risks is the potential for unlimited losses, as there is no upper limit to how high an asset’s price can rise, potentially leading to significant losses for short sellers. Additionally, regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions may limit the availability of short selling opportunities or impose additional requirements on traders during price drops.

By being aware of these potential risks and challenges, traders can make more informed decisions about whether short selling is the right strategy for them. It’s crucial to approach short selling with caution and a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls, as well as the potential rewards, to maximize the chances of success and minimize the risk of significant losses.

One of the most significant risks of short selling is the potential for unlimited losses, as there is no upper limit to how high an asset’s price can rise. As a result, if the price of the asset being shorted continues to increase, the losses for the short seller may be theoretically boundless. This risk highlights the importance of carefully considering the potential downside before entering a short position and employing risk management techniques to limit losses.

Short squeezes, margin accounts, market volatility, and naked short selling are factors that contribute to the unlimited loss potential associated with short selling. By understanding these risks and employing strategies to reduce them, such as using options or stop-loss orders, traders can better protect themselves from the potential pitfalls of short selling and increase their chances of success in this high-risk strategy.

In addition to the potential for unlimited losses, regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions may limit the availability of short selling opportunities or impose additional requirements on traders. Countries such as:

have all implemented regulatory restrictions on short selling.

In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates short selling with rules such as Section 10(a) of the Exchange Act, Rule 201, and 

 and Form SHO, promoting transparency and discouraging market manipulation in short selling activities.

These regulatory restrictions can have a range of effects on short selling in the cryptocurrency market, including:

By being aware of these restrictions and adjusting their trading strategies accordingly, traders can better navigate the complex world of short selling and maximize their chances of success.

Despite the popularity of margin trading for shorting crypto, alternative methods exist that provide traders with greater control and adaptability over their short positions. Futures contracts, options, and leveraged tokens are viable options for shorting crypto without borrowing and selling the underlying asset. Each of these methods comes with its own set of advantages and risks, making it essential for traders to carefully evaluate their options and choose the most suitable approach for their unique needs and goals.

By exploring these alternative methods, traders can learn how to short crypto and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the various ways to profit from declining asset prices. This will allow them to better tailor their strategies to their specific risk tolerance and investment objectives. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each of these alternative methods and how they can be used for shorting crypto.

Shorting crypto with futures contracts involves agreeing to sell a cryptocurrency at a predetermined price on a future date, potentially profiting from price declines. A futures contract is a type of legally binding agreement to purchase or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future. In the futures market, a short futures position will be profitable when the underlying asset’s price decreases, while a long futures position will be profitable when the price increases. Engaging in a futures trade can be a strategic move for investors looking to capitalize on market fluctuations.

Bybit offer traders the ability to speculate on the price of cryptocurrencies without actually owning the underlying asset. By utilizing futures contracts, traders can secure a cryptocurrency at a lower price, eliminating the need to hope that the market will decline prior to the contract’s expiration.

Shorting crypto with options allows traders to:

Exchanges that provide trading of crypto options include Bybit. By using options for short selling, traders can limit their losses to the cost of the put position in the event of a wrong price prediction, offering a more controlled risk management strategy compared to futures contracts or margin trading.

Leveraged tokens are financial products that track the performance of an underlying asset, allowing traders to short cryptocurrencies without directly borrowing and selling them. These tokens enable traders to gain exposure to the price fluctuations of an underlying asset without actually owning it, offering a more convenient and accessible method for shorting crypto.

The advantages of using leveraged tokens for shorting cryptocurrencies include:

By leveraging tokens, traders can amplify their gains or losses through margin trades, offering a potentially more profitable alternative to traditional short selling methods in prediction markets.

Case Studies: Successful Short Selling Examples

Deriving insights from the experiences of successful short sellers can offer valuable understanding of the strategies and techniques leveraged by seasoned traders to capitalize on depreciating asset prices. Case studies of successful short selling examples can offer a glimpse into the world of professional traders, shedding light on the tactics and decision-making processes that have led to their success.

Some notable traders who have had success with short selling in the cryptocurrency market include those who have bet against crypto stocks such as Coinbase, Marathon Digital, and MicroStrategy. Additionally, there have been traders who have achieved profitable results with their bearish wagers against crypto shares. By studying these examples and understanding the strategies employed, traders can gain a better understanding of the short selling landscape and improve their own trading skills.

Short selling is a powerful trading strategy that can offer traders the opportunity to profit from declining asset prices, whether in traditional markets or the fast-paced world of cryptocurrencies. By understanding the mechanics of short selling, employing effective trading strategies and risk management techniques, and exploring alternative methods for shorting crypto, traders can maximize their chances of success and minimize the risks associated with this high-stakes game. As with any trading strategy, it’s crucial to approach short selling with caution, a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls and rewards, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Short selling is a trading strategy used by investors to profit from an expected decline in a security's price. An example of short selling is borrowing shares from a broker and selling them at the current market price, with the hope that the price will drop, allowing the investor to buy them back at a lower price and pocket the difference.

Naked short selling is illegal according to Regulation SHO and can lead to a failure to deliver (FTD). It occurs when a trader sells a stock without borrowing the shares or properly locating the shares to be sold. Trading on insider information can also constitute securities fraud, making it an illegal practice.

Short selling crypto can be highly profitable for those who utilize margin or prediction markets. However, it is important to understand the associated risks before venturing into this form of trading.

How can I short cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin?

Shorting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is possible through margin trading on various exchanges or with the help of futures contracts, options, and leveraged tokens.

What are some popular technical analysis tools for short selling?

Popular technical analysis tools for short selling include MACD, RSI, Aroon Indicator, Bollinger Bands, Ichimoku, and CryptoQuant analytical tools.

Decoding Short Selling: What Is Short Selling and How Does It Work?

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