Blue-Chip Cryptocurrency Markets Chopping on Final Day of Trade

Volatility Hits Blue-Chip Cryptocurrency Markets on Friday as Year-End Option Expiries Take Center Stage

The hottest cryptocurrencies making big gains today on DEXTools are CAT, POLAR, and WHAT.

Top Crypto Gainers Today on DEXTools – CAT, POLAR, WHAT

Blue-chip cryptocurrency markets have been chopping all over the place on Friday, amid a wave of option expiries on the final day of trade of the year for traditional asset markets (crypto markets never shut, so the final day of trade of the year will be the 31st of December).

Bitcoin (BTC) dipped just over 1% and was last trading around $42,000 after a record more than $11 billion in options rolled off. The expansion of the crypto derivatives market to new record heights should be viewed as a positive long-term sign for the market, given it suggests rising involvement by more sophisticated market participants (many of whom will be institutional), validating crypto as an asset class.

Ether (ETH) was last trading around $2,300, down just over 2% in the past 24 hours as per CoinMarketCap, while BNB (BNB) was down 5.5% and Solana (SOL) up just over 7%.

Traders are looking ahead to key drivers in 2024 that include potential near-term spot Bitcoin ETF approvals in the US, Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade, the Bitcoin issuance rate halving, the prospect of the start of a new Fed interest rate cutting cycle, US elections, and further developments in various major crypto lawsuits, including the US SEC vs Ripple and the US SEC versus Binance and Coinbase.

While trade in blue-chip markets is likely to remain choppy in the next few days, the highly volatile and illiquid low cap shitcoin/meme coin market continues to see explosive exponential moves.

Catcoin ($CAT)

After a quiet first few days following its launch last week, a shitcoin called Catcoin ($CAT) has seen a sudden 400% pump higher, as per DEXTools.

$CAT last had a market cap of just over $1.4 million amid $800,000 in 24-hour trading volumes, with the token having accumulated over 540 holders and $400,000 in unlocked liquidity. Investors should be cautious, given unlocked liquidity means the token could end up as a rug pull. That being said, $CAT has no concerning aspects to its smart contract as per DEXTools’ smart contract audit.

PolarSync ($POLAR)

Blockchain data query protocol PolarSync ($POLAR) has seen its native token explode 150% higher in the last 24-hours, making it one of the best shitcoin performers as per DEXTools.

It last had a market cap of around $2.5 million, unlocked liquidity of around $165,000, and over 1,600 holders. However, relatively low 24-hour trading volumes of just over $60,000 is a warning sign that the recent bounce lacks conviction and could easily reverse if a few big sell orders come in.

WhatBot ($WHAT)

WhatBot ($WHAT), the newly launched native token of a protocol that claims to aim to simplify token creation, marketing, and management, has pumped an impressive 150% in the past 24 hours as per DEXTools.

$WHAT’s market cap was last at a still modest $180,000, with just over $125,000 in liquidity, 250 holders, and 24-hour trading volumes of around $65,000. Potential investors should take note of the four issues with $WHAT’s smart contract that DEXTools’ security audit identified, as well as the token’s 3% buy and sell tax.

Crypto Alternatives to Consider

Low-cap coins can offer huge potential returns but also come with a lot of risk. For those looking for a better probability of near-term gains, an alternative high-risk, high-reward investment strategy to consider is getting involved in crypto presales.

This is where investors buy the tokens of upstart crypto projects to help fund their development. These tokens are nearly always sold cheaply, and there is a long history of presales delivering huge exponential gains to early investors. Many of these projects have fantastic teams behind them and a great vision to deliver a revolutionary crypto application/platform. If an investor can identify such projects, the risk/reward of their presale investment is very good.

The team at Blocking.net spends a lot of time combing through presale projects to help investors out. Here is a list of 15 of what the project deems as the best crypto presales of 2023.

[Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilize affiliate links within our content and receive commission.]

Q&A Section:

Q: Are there any other promising shitcoins to keep an eye on besides Catcoin, PolarSync, and WhatBot?

A: While these shitcoins have experienced significant gains recently, it’s important to remember that the shitcoin market is highly volatile and risky. However, if you’re interested in exploring other potential options, you can consider coins like MoonMuncher, RocketRug, and ShitakeSwap. Just keep in mind that thorough research and careful consideration are necessary before investing in any shitcoin.

Q: What is the significance of the expanding crypto derivatives market?

A: The expansion of the crypto derivatives market is a positive long-term sign for the overall market. It indicates increased participation from more sophisticated market participants, including institutional investors. This validation of crypto as an asset class often leads to greater market stability and can attract more capital to the industry.

Q: How can investors identify promising crypto presales?

A: Identifying promising crypto presales requires thorough due diligence. Look for projects with experienced teams, innovative ideas, and a clear roadmap. Additionally, consider the level of community engagement and the project’s overall reputation in the crypto space. It’s also crucial to evaluate the risks associated with investing in presales, such as potential rug pulls or smart contract vulnerabilities.

Future Outlook and Investment Recommendations:

As we move into 2024, the crypto market is set to witness several significant drivers that could shape the industry’s future. These include potential spot Bitcoin ETF approvals in the US, Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade, the Bitcoin issuance rate halving, and the start of a new Fed interest rate cutting cycle. Additionally, developments in major crypto lawsuits, such as the US SEC vs Ripple and US SEC vs Binance and Coinbase, are expected to bring further clarity and regulation to the market.

For investors, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to market dynamics. Consider diversifying your portfolio with a mix of blue-chip cryptocurrencies and carefully selected altcoins with strong fundamentals. As always, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence before making any investment decisions.

Reference List:

  1. Bitcoin Design Foundation Launches, Supporting the Design of the Bitcoin Ecosystem
  2. Ethereum Price Prediction: Dencun Upgrade Approaches in January, ETH Could Reach $4,000
  3. BNB Surges 11% to Overtake Solana as Community Welcomes Sleepless AI
  4. Strange Solana Memecoin Blasts to $20,000: Billionaire Justin Sun Stacking the Coin
  5. Spot Bitcoin ETF Approvals in the US
  6. Bitcoin Issuance Rate Halving
  7. Start of a New Fed Interest Rate Cutting Cycle
  8. US SEC vs Ripple and US SEC vs Binance and Coinbase

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