Mar 17, 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 — consumer sentiment falls

US consumer sentiment has fallen to its lowest level in over two years, reflecting growing concerns about the economic impact of tariffs. According to data from the University of Michigan, the preliminary sentiment index for March 2025 dropped to 57.9 from 64.7 in February, the lowest level since November 2022. This decline was worse than expected by a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Inflation expectations surged, with consumers anticipating a 3.9% annual price increase over the next five to ten years, the highest rate over three decades. Additionally, consumers expect prices to rise by 4.9% over the next year from 4.3%, marking the steepest rise since 2022.

As US president Donald Trump’s tariff policies expand, consumers across the political spectrum increasingly worry that these extra duties will lead to higher costs. Despite recent inflation cooling, ongoing price pressures could lead households to reduce discretionary spending.

The survey also indicated a record low in consumer expectations regarding personal finances, with respondents estimating only a 48.7% chance of stock market gains in the coming year. Joanne Hsu, 

 the University of Michigan, emphasized that uncertainty surrounding economic policies complicates financial planning.

Some analysts warned that declining consumer confidence poses a significant threat to spending, as fears of an economic downturn may deter purchases of major items. Overall, the current conditions gauge and the expectations index fell to their lowest levels in several months, showcasing widespread consumer apprehension.

Weekly crypto highlight — Bitcoin see slight life in the past weekend

Bitcoin rebounded from a four-month low earlier this week alongside other risky assets recovering from recent market turmoil. Economic uncertainties driven by a wave of tariffs from President Trump and the threat of a government shutdown have led to significant sell-offs across various asset classes, including cryptocurrencies.

“As we conclude a week of widespread selling, markets are experiencing a relief rally from oversold conditions,” stated Ravi Doshi, Co-Head of Markets at FalconX. The avoidance of a US government funding shutdown has eased market uncertainty.

On Friday, Bitcoin rose by as much as 6.2%, reaching $85,301, while smaller digital assets surged even more: Solana gained over 9%, Chainlink increased by 13% and XRP rose nearly 8%. Earlier in the week, Bitcoin had dropped to around $77,000, a significant decline from its all-time high of $109,000 in January 2025.

This slump triggered record outflows from Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, and large liquidations in crypto derivatives markets. Crypto markets are bouncing back as macro-driven liquidations seem to be pausing. Analysts suggest that ongoing macroeconomic stability may support crypto prices.

Advanced

17 Mar 2025 Weekly Newsletter.png

Weekly Institutional Insights: Consumer sentiment falls as crypto recovers from 4-month low

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.

The ongoing sell-off in risk-on assets has intensified bearish signals in derivatives markets for crypto assets. Funding rates indicate a demand for short exposure, futures prices are trading below spot prices and volatility smiles are showing a strong skew toward OTM puts as traders hedge against further declines. The at-the-money (ATM) volatility term structure has inverted again after a lack of clarity around Trump’s proposed strategic digital asset reserve caused short-dated volatility to fall briefly before last weekend.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Choppy spot price movements have had an impact on funding rates, with BTC and altcoin rates reacting primarily to spot fluctuations, rather than long-term market views. ETH has sold off more sharply during declines, and hasn’t participated as strongly in relief rallies, resulting in the worst YTD performance among the five tokens in Trump’s proposed digital asset stockpile. This is reflected in funding rates, with ETH perpetual swaps showing strong demand for leveraged short exposure to further downside risk.

Investors continue to protect against further decline

Despite higher realized volatility increasing both short- and long-tenor implied volatility, options trade volumes remain low. Last Friday’s expiration of significant open interest was mostly for downside protection against a deepening sell-off. However, the options market has reverted to an inverted term structure, which had dissipated during last Friday’s White House crypto summit, with strong relative demand for short-dated put contracts.

Open interest in Solana (SOL) options declined at the end of February, with over $5M in calls and more than $3M in puts expiring and most positions not rolled over. Despite SOL trading 44% below its January ATH, most new positions are in calls. However, this new positioning is disappointingly weak, given SOL's inclusion in Trump’s crypto reserve announcement alongside BTC, ETH, XRP and ADA.

Beginner

block-scholes-x-bybit-report.jpeg

Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (Mar 14, 2025): Investors hedge further declines

BinaryX has rebranded to Four, uniting GameFi, IGOs, and MemeFi under one ecosystem. With BNX now FORM, Four continues to innovate in blockchain gaming."

Having launched in May 2021, BinaryX, which started out as a 

 (DeFi) platform, has continued to evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing blockchain landscape. However, in the spirit of adaptability and innovation, the platform switched to 

, focusing its attention on play-to-earn (P2E) games.

As a GameFi platform, BinaryX has also created an 

 (IGO) launchpad from which developers can launch GameFi projects.

Now, BinaryX has rebranded to Four in order to align with the mission of its 

 product, a launch platform for the meme coin ecosystem.

Let's learn more about BinaryX and the way it continues to shape the crypto market with innovative products and adaptable business models.

 hub for the development of GameFi projects, includes an IGO launchpad to facilitate developers in launching games. 

BinaryX began in 2021 as a decentralized derivative trading system that featured the use of 

. But in 2022, the BinaryX team gradually evolved its project into a GameFi platform in order to adapt to the increased demand for P2E games. Its aim is to make web3 games more accessible and approachable to the vast community of gamers.

BinaryX also developed an IGO launchpad to serve as a comprehensive hub for gaming developers to launch their GameFi projects, and for investors to receive early access to promising new play-to-earn games. Furthermore, the BinaryX team announced the incorporation of a 

 (DAO) into its GameFi ecosystem so that its community of token holders could participate in voting on governance matters.

In February 2025, BinaryX rebranded to Four in order to align with its latest product, Four.meme, which was launched in July 2024. Following the rebrand, its native token, BNX, would now become FORM to reflect the project's commitment to innovation and adaptability.

As one of the top web3 platforms on BNB Chain, BinaryX has continued to innovate and experiment with different business models to adapt to the blockchain landscape's fast-paced nature. To this end, BinaryX has the following diverse products under its wing.

BinaryX launched its Initial Game Offering (IGO) launchpad in May 2022 as a dedicated platform to support blockchain gaming projects. The launchpad helps game developers secure funding for decentralized video games. They also get a platform on which to build communities and accelerate their web3 game development.

By leveraging BinaryX’s expertise in GameFi and its existing user base, projects gain exposure to a vast community of crypto gamers. The platform offers early access to promising blockchain games, allowing investors to participate in token sales and 

 presales. BNX holders can use their tokens to vote for games' listings on the BinaryX platform, and they also receive rewards, such as game tokens and NFT 

Some notable games launched on the BinaryX IGO launchpad include 

. These games showcase BinaryX’s commitment to innovation in GameFi, integrating play-to-earn mechanics, NFTs and decentralized governance to help create immersive gaming ecosystems.

BinaryX's GameFi trading platform is a marketplace designed for seamlessly trading blockchain gaming assets, including NFTs, in-game tokens and virtual items. Launched to support the growing GameFi ecosystem, the platform enables gamers and investors to buy, sell, trade and auction assets from BinaryX-powered games in a secure and efficient manner.

 and DeFi principles, BinaryX ensures transparent transactions with minimal fees, and enhances liquidity for in-game assets while empowering players to maximize their earnings.

The BinaryX GameFi trading platform supports transactions involving 

In January 2022, BinaryX launched the BinaryX DAO, a first for a GameFi project, through which BNX token holders can participate in the project's community governance, determine airdrop and dividend ratios, and submit proposals on how to improve the BinaryX ecosystem.

Case in point: BinaryX's community participated in voting for/against the platform's rebranding to Four during a community vote that was held from Sep 21–23, 2024.

The BinaryX Treasury serves as the financial backbone of the BinaryX ecosystem, supporting the development and sustainability of its GameFi projects. Some sources of assets used to fund the treasury include initial capital injection by the BNX team, income from gaming activities, income from the IGO launchpad and profit from external investment.

Profits in the BinaryX Treasury are used to reward BNX stakers, incentivize BinaryX sidechain node providers and finance strategic investments in third-party projects.

BNX is the native token for the BinaryX platform. Its original maximum supply of 2.1 billion tokens was adjusted to 580 million after a community vote in late July 2024.

Distribution of the 580 million BNX tokens is as follows:

Following BinaryX's rebranding to Four, BNX will change to FORM, and holders will be allowed to exchange to the new token at a ratio of 1:1 (details to follow at a later date).

BinaryX has integrated a multi-token model. Apart from BNX, the other two tokens associated with the platform are as follows:

BinaryX officially rebranded to Four on Feb 21, 2025, following an overwhelming vote via its DAO, marking a significant transformation in its vision for GameFi and DeFi innovation. This shift comes with a revamped website, which will serve as a hub for the GameFi platform, IGO launchpad and Four.meme, a new addition to Four’s expanding ecosystem.

Following the rebranding, a 1:1 token migration from BNX to FORM is necessary in order to enhance the token's identity and align with the project's new direction. FORM remains on the BNB Chain, ensuring smooth compatibility with existing infrastructure.

 (CEXs) won’t need to do anything — the token swap to FORM will take place automatically. BinaryX will liaise with these exchanges to switch from the BNX contract address to the one for FORM.

 (DEXs), cold wallets and self-custody wallets will need to carry out a manual token swap based on a converter provided by BinaryX. To carry out this token swap, you’ll need to do the following:

 landing page (link will be provided at a later date).

4. Sign to authenticate your transaction to receive the FORM tokens.

5. Add the new FORM contract address into your wallet to see the new tokens.

You can buy BNX as a USDT Perpetual contract (

) on the Bybit trading platform. However, the BNXUSDT contract will be delisted on Mar 17, 2025, 9AM UTC, so make sure to close your open positions and cancel your active orders for BNXUSDT as soon as possible.

Over the years, BinaryX has consistently demonstrated strong performance. The rebranding of BinaryX to Four marks a bold step forward in its mission to impact the web3 space. This transformation reflects the project’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem, enhancing token identity and integrating innovative elements, such as Four.meme, alongside its GameFi platform and IGO launchpad.

By adapting to the evolving crypto landscape, Four is positioning itself as a comprehensive hub for web3 and gaming enthusiasts so that it can offer a seamless experience for gamers, investors and meme culture participants. The introduction of the FORM token ensures a more cohesive and recognizable branding, reinforcing Four’s long-term vision. Thanks to the smooth migration process from BNX to FORM, users can continue participating in the ecosystem while benefiting from enhanced liquidity and utility.

Four remains dedicated to GameFi innovation, supporting successful blockchain games such as 

, all of which feature play-to-earn mechanics, NFTs and decentralized governance. The revamped platform is designed to foster a dynamic gaming economy, support new game launches and provide a secure environment for trading digital assets. With its rebranding and expanded offerings, Four is set to lead the next wave of blockchain gaming and DeFi innovation, uniting gamers, developers and investors in a vibrant web3 ecosystem.

Intermediate

binaryx crypto.png

From BinaryX to Four: A unified hub for GameFi, IGOs and MemeFi

Learn about the benefits of using Bybit Pay and the step-by-step instructions to get started with Bybit Pay now.

Traditional financial systems and blockchain-based ecosystems have long operated in silos, creating friction for users and businesses alike. 

 is a new payment solution that’s been designed from the ground up to solve this issue to make cryptocurrency transactions seamless for any users.

With the aim of mainstreaming crypto payment options, Bybit Pay has already begun partnering with traditional payment solution providers, enabling users to transact with cryptocurrencies through existing infrastructure. For example, with its recent 

, Brazilian users can now shop by using cryptocurrencies in a quick and effortless manner. 

In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of using Bybit Pay and provide step-by-step instructions for new users who want to get started with the platform.

With more than 60 million users on the Bybit platform, Bybit Pay empowers merchants with access to the global network of its vast user base. Meanwhile, users benefit from a seamless integration with web3 wallets that makes paying with crypto as easy as paying with fiat currency. The platform also offers collateralized payment tools that allow users to borrow against their NFT and crypto holdings. 

Through these innovative features, Bybit Pay blends the ease of traditional finance with the flexibility of cryptocurrencies, creating an ecosystem that benefits both users and merchants.

Bybit Pay can be accessed using the Bybit App on mobile and desktop. 

While filling in the form, make sure that the information you enter matches the information you’ve already provided during 

: As of now, only verified users in Brazil can make transactions using a Pix QR code.

Since the Pix integration, Brazilian users can use Bybit Pay wherever Pix is accepted. This opens up a vast network of offline establishments in the country, since Pix is Brazil’s leading instant payment system provider. 

In addition to offline establishments, Bybit Pay can also be used with a number of e-commerce providers for online shopping using cryptocurrencies. Bybit Pay will be available to users from other regions soon.

With the launch of Bybit Pay, Bybit is integrating crypto payments with traditional payment services providers — and vastly expanding the number of places where cryptocurrencies can be used.

bybit pay.png

How to use Bybit Pay for effortless payments

Trading

Stop loss is critical to make sure you're protected from significant losses. Still unsure how it works? Here's what you must know.

Stop Loss Limit Order

Stop-loss.jpeg

How-to-put-stop-loss.jpeg

Sell-stop-orders.jpeg

How-to-put-a-stop-loss.jpeg

Stop-Limit-Order.jpeg

Let’s be real; the only reason you’re trading is to make profits. However, losses are inevitable, especially if you’re trading in a volatile market.

But what if there’s a way to mitigate these risks?

I bet you’re guessing a stop-loss order, and you’re right. In fact, it’s one of the most common risk management techniques to limit potential losses. Still, what is a stop-loss?

Well, this is generally an order type used by traders to trigger the exit of a position when the price goes against them until touching a predefined level. When the price crosses that level, the trading platform closes the position automatically to avoid further losses.

A stop-loss order is a universal risk management technique applicable in stocks or even crypto trading to effectively limit potential losses. But giving traders the flexibility to trade with confidence. In most cases, traders use this order type to set a specific price level at which an existing order would automatically close if the price touches it.

Technically, stop-loss is a conditional instruction that a trader gives to the cryptocurrency exchange. When a cryptocurrency price touches the predefined level, the order automatically converts into a market order, which executes at the next available price. The stop-loss can be set at any price level and can instruct the crypto exchange to buy or sell the cryptocurrency, depending on the nature of the existing position.

To give you an example, check the chart below:

As you can see, we have a so-called "Shooting Star" 

, which generally shows up at the top of an uptrend and anticipates a bearish reversal.

Let’s say you decided to open a short position and want to place a 

 on Bitcoin. However, we are unsure whether the price will move according to your expectations – no trading pattern can guarantee that the price will move in one direction or another. Thus, we set a 

 the Shooting Star candle if the price continues the bullish move. 

Supposedly that happens, the stop order is triggered, and we end up with a loss. However, at least we know that the loss is limited, which helps us control the situation. Fortunately, the price shown in the above example continued to decline as planned, and the stop-loss wasn’t triggered.

Ultimately, stop-loss orders are here to help you save time and take profit. While the latter triggers the exit of a profitable position.

Let’s say you use these orders; you’ll avoid the exhausting practice of regularly monitoring your positions. Stop orders are ideal for short-term traders who need to automate most of their trading process. If you are a 

 who keeps a few positions open for weeks, you may not even need the stop-loss as soon as you check the prices daily. Still, using the stop-loss is super easy, and you lose nothing setting them.

The rationale behind this approach is pretty simple. If an unexpected bearish reversal occurs, you must know that the sell-stop order protects long positions in bullish markets. That means the order will automatically trigger a sell order if the price drops below a certain level decided by the trader. 

So, if the price declines thus far, it may continue to drop even further. Hence, the trader would prefer to cap the losses, and the sell-stop order is used to automate the risk management process.

For example, let’s say a momentum trader identified a bullish trend that may continue its path. As shown in the sample above, he entered a long position when the bullish candle broke above the local resistance. He then set a sell stop-loss right below the previous local support level to protect his position. So even if the price suddenly plunges and touches the stop-loss level, he’ll end up with a limited loss.

 of the sell-stop order. We use it to protect our short positions. In fact, the stop order from our first example is nothing else than a buy-stop order. It automatically triggers an exit by closing a short position when the price ascends.

Can You Use Stop-loss Order in Crypto Trading?  

In fact, not only can you use the stop-loss order in cryptocurrency trading, but you must oblige to consider it if you want to succeed in your trading journey. 

Stop-loss orders are especially relevant for crypto traders, given that cryptocurrencies are incredibly volatile and the market hasn’t matured yet. Imagine the price of Bitcoin goes sideways, defying technical analysis logic; you’ll see your hard-earned balance wiped out within minutes. 

So, a stop-loss order is a way to go to stay on a safer path. Besides, it’s a must-have feature for most crypto exchanges, so there is absolutely no excuse not to use it, especially if you are a day trader.

The main goal of a stop-loss is to limit potential losses. However, placing a sell-stop-loss order below the market price might not protect your long positions and vice versa. 

You must learn to use the stop-loss order correctly to get the maximum effect. 

It depends on the situation. Still, as a rule, you would be interested in setting the stop-loss 

near the previous support or resistance level

s. For example, you should place the sell stop-loss right below the previous support level, whether it’s an uptrend or a horizontal channel. 

In our example of the sell stop-loss order, we placed the order near the previous reliable support. You can 

However, if you use specific strategies or rely on chart patterns, which we recommend, you should have precise rules for placing the stop-loss order. For example, if you trade the Head and Shoulders pattern, the buy stop-loss is calculated from the distance between the pattern’s neckline and its peak.

A stop-limit order is a more complex order that helps traders protect their positions. The stop-limit order merges a stop order with a limit order. When the cryptocurrency touches the stop price set by the trader, it automatically triggers a limit order. Next, the limit order is executed at the set limit price or better.

Still don’t understand how stop-limit order works?

Well, first of all, you should know what a limit order is. Unlike the market order, which executes the instruction immediately, the limit order executes when the cryptocurrency touches a certain level set by the trader.

So the stop-limit order has two orders, and you should set two prices:

In other words, the stop-limit order is a risk management tool that gives traders more control over the price at which the order should execute. This order may work in volatile markets, so it’s relevant for cryptocurrency traders.

Why would you need a stop-limit order when there is a stop-loss anyways?

Stop-loss orders cannot protect your positions if the price goes against you and forms gaps, flash crashes, or even regular crashes that happen here and there during volatile markets.

 for an up-trend Bitcoin at $30,000, the price can suddenly drop to $29,900, and your stop-loss will work at this price instead, which means that you 

 with the trigger price at $30,050 and the limit price at $30,000. In that case, the order will get triggered when Bitcoin drops to $30,050, and the position will get automatically closed only if it touches $30,000.

For example, if it suddenly drops to $29,900, it won’t execute. The order will be pending until the Bitcoin price potentially rebounds to $30,000, at which point the order will execute.

You should always use a stop-limit order. But it’s even better if you use it during a volatile market and want to control your profits and losses.

 when the red candle broke below the previous support (1). You set a 

In our example, the price suddenly bounces back and surprises you. It touches the stop price (2), which triggers the limit order. However, the order doesn’t execute until the limit price is touched, and a seller at the other end offers the exact price you need (3).

But let’s say the scenario in the 3rd point 

. Suppose the price is volatile and suddenly crosses the limit price without execution because there was no seller on the other side (thus, the price condition couldn’t be fulfilled). In that case, the order will not execute and stay open until Bitcoin doesn’t touch the specific price set by the trader in the limit order. 

In our example, Bitcoin returns and crosses the limit price again (4). There is an available price at which the order is executed, and the short position is closed. The stop-limit order lets you hang on and wait for the price to pull back.

The stop-loss and stop-limit orders are similar because their goal is to protect the open positions.

However, the difference between the two shows up when the price hits the stop. In the case of the stop-loss order, when that happens, the position closes automatically. The bad news is that the position might not necessarily close at a price specified in the stop-loss order, which may happen during flash crashes or gaps.

So, in the case of the stop-limit order, when the price touches the stop, it only triggers the limit order that executes only if the price touches the limit price.

The stop-limit order gives traders more control over their positions regarding the prices that trigger a market exit. However, stop-losses are easier to use and can limit losses.

Benefits and Risks of Stop-Loss and Stop-Limit Orders

They’re both here to help you manage your positions more efficiently. But did you know they can help you automate the trading process too?

In fact, it’s useful to help you focus on other tasks while analyzing the market for trading opportunities.

However, the downside is even if you use any of these two orders, it doesn’t mean you are 100% protected from major losses.

A stop-loss may not work perfectly well during flash crashes and price gaps, leaving you with bigger losses than expected. On the contrary, the stop-limit order may not execute if the price doesn’t exceed the limit price. Hence, it would be best if you keep an eye on it even though it’s automated.

As a recap, stop-losses and stop-limit orders are great methods to minimize losses if the price goes against you. As the wise words say, "practice makes perfect," and trading is no exception. Hence, you should try and make as many errors on your demo account before diving right into it. Make sure you understand how they work and pick one of them as the primary risk management technique.

Explained: What Are Stop-Loss and Stop-Limit Orders?

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards