Before diving into crypto trading, it’s crucial to understand cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies operated on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. Each cryptocurrency varies in its applications across different projects. Smart Contracts, DApps, Privacy and Anonymity, Tokenization, Asset Management, Cross-Border Payments, and Remittances are just a few examples among many crypto projects out there.
Crypto trading gained in popularity, especially during the 2021 Covid period, which represented the most recent significant bull run. Compared to other assets, cryptocurrencies are significantly more volatile due to several factors. These include their relatively small market size and liquidity, which amplify the impact of large buy or sell orders. While this volatility offers opportunities, it also poses substantial risks within the cryptocurrency market.
Positive Aspects of Volatility
- Profit Potential: High volatility often offers traders opportunities to benefit from price swings, allowing for substantial profits, especially among those well-versed in short-term trading strategies. Day traders, leveraging their positions, can significantly amplify profits.
- Innovation and Expansion: Volatility can indicate a thriving and evolving market. Fluctuations arise from new projects, technological advancements, and market progress, showcasing the innovative essence of this sector.
Risks Associated with Volatility
- Losses and Uncertainty: Volatility can result in substantial losses for investors who are unprepared or lack effective risk management. Sudden price swings can catch beginners off guard. Without stop-loss and proper risk management, they might lose their funds much faster compared to other markets.
- Regulatory and Security Concerns: Rapid price changes and market volatility attract regulatory scrutiny, leading to stricter regulations that affect market stability. Security risks, such as hacks and exchange failures during highly volatile periods, are also significant concerns.
If you’re still reading and keen to start crypto trading, the number of altcoins available for trading might feel overwhelming. Our recommendation is to start your crypto trading journey with any of the top 15 altcoins.
Make sure you’re familiar with the Bitcoin chart. BTC movements impact altcoins, signaling momentum shifts. Experienced traders employ market cap analysis alongside technical analysis to decide on support and resistance levels. This guides their entry or exit points in the market. Utilizing either the BTC or market cap chart provides crucial insights for informed decisions on market long or short positions.
The crypto market moves in cycles, typically beginning with a phase of low prices and quiet trading known as accumulation. This is followed by a bullish phase, where prices surge, creating excitement and attracting more investors. Eventually, this leads to a peak followed by a bearish phase with declining prices before the cycle starts anew. Each cycle takes around 4 years. Understanding whether we’re in a bull or bear market is crucial to grasp the major trend.
There are various crypto trading styles to choose from: day trading, scalping, swing trading, and long-term investing (position trading). These trading strategies mainly differ based on time frame. When starting to trade, it’s recommended to opt for higher time frames (1H, 4H) rather than smaller ones. This helps you get familiar with market movements and avoid false signals. Trading on higher time frames can also improve your strategy’s win rate.
What to consider when choosing the right strategy for you
- Goals and Objectives – Determine your aims. Do you seek consistent performance with good risk management, risking a maximum of 1.5% of your capital? Or do you aim to maximize your capital, accepting higher risk percentages? Align your strategy with your long-term goals, ensuring they’re realistic (e.g., aiming for a 10x increase in capital within a week isn’t realistic).
- Risk Tolerance – Assess your risk tolerance. Some strategies offer higher risks but potentially greater rewards, while others are more conservative. Determine if you prefer a higher Risk-Reward Ratio (RRR) with a lower win rate, or the opposite.
- Time Commitment – Evaluate the time you can dedicate to trading. Certain strategies demand constant monitoring and active involvement, while others can be more passive. If working a 9-5 job, consider higher time frame strategies. This allows you to analyze the market before work, set up trades, and make adjustments during breaks.
- Costs and Fees – Consider transaction costs, exchange fees, and other expenses related to the strategy. For instance, high-frequency trading might result in significant transaction costs, potentially impacting your trading edge.
- Available Capital – Ensure your capital is sufficient to support your living expenses and have a financial cushion before transitioning to full-time trading. This will avoid placing excessive pressure on your trading. When transitioning, consider a funded account. Proprietary firms can easily fund you after passing their verification (typically 10-20% profit target). You can get $100,000 funded account without needing an extensive track record.
Final Recommendations
- Communities: Trading can be lonely, finding a supportive community is crucial for navigating the journey.
- Funded Account: When selecting a funded account, prioritize those with the lowest trading fees. At HyroTrader, you can trade on Bybit, so there are no hidden fees involved. Join us today and explore a new realm of possibilities in the crypto market.