Research

Should I Use Leverage When Trading Crypto?

Learn whether you should use leverage when trading crypto. Explore the risks, benefits, and how Token Metrics’ AI tools can help you trade smarter with leverage.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Leverage trading has become a hot topic in the crypto world. Many traders are attracted by the promise of amplified profits—but fail to realize it also magnifies losses. If you’ve been wondering, “Should I use leverage when trading crypto?” the short answer is: only if you fully understand the risks and have a solid strategy.

In this guide, we’ll break down what leverage trading is, how it works, its pros and cons, and how AI-powered tools like Token Metrics can help you make smarter decisions when trading with leverage.

What Is Leverage Trading in Crypto?

Leverage trading lets you borrow funds from an exchange to increase your position size, allowing you to control more capital than you actually own.

For example:

  • If you have $1,000 and use 10x leverage, you’re trading with $10,000.
  • A 10% price increase can give you a 100% profit on your original investment.
  • But a 10% price drop could wipe out your position completely.

Popular platforms like Binance, Bybit, and OKX offer leverage levels from 2x to 125x for certain assets.

Pros of Leverage Trading

Leverage isn’t all bad. When used responsibly, it offers several benefits:

1. Higher Profit Potential

Even small price movements can generate significant returns when using leverage.

2. Portfolio Efficiency

Traders can free up capital for other positions while maintaining large exposure in a leveraged trade.

3. Opportunities in Bear Markets

Leverage allows for short selling, enabling you to profit when prices go down.

Cons of Leverage Trading

The same factors that make leverage attractive also make it high-risk:

1. Amplified Losses

Just as leverage magnifies profits, it magnifies losses. A minor price drop could liquidate your entire position.

2. Liquidation Risk

When your collateral falls below a certain threshold, the exchange automatically closes your position, locking in your losses.

3. Emotional Stress

Leverage trading is fast-paced and stressful, often leading to panic selling or revenge trading after losses.

Should Beginners Use Leverage?

No.
If you’re new to trading, avoid leverage until you have:

  • A proven strategy with consistent results in spot trading.
  • Strong risk management skills (e.g., using stop-loss orders).
  • The ability to stay disciplined under pressure.

For beginners, leveraged trading can be a fast track to losing your capital.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Leverage?

For experienced traders, leverage can make sense when:

  • You’re hedging your portfolio against downside risk.
  • You have high conviction in a trade and want to maximize gains.
  • You’re trading high-liquidity assets like BTC or ETH with well-defined stop-losses.

How Token Metrics Helps You Trade Smarter with Leverage

Leverage trading requires precision, and that’s where Token Metrics gives you an edge.

1. AI-Powered Bullish & Bearish Signals

Identify high-probability trades with real-time AI signals based on 80+ technical indicators. This helps you avoid entering positions blindly.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

Use Trader Grades for short-term trading opportunities and Investor Grades for long-term positions—helping you decide when to scale up or reduce leverage.

3. Risk Assessment Tools

Token Metrics evaluates crypto projects and market trends to reduce exposure to high-risk assets—a must for leveraged positions.

4. AI-Driven Indices

Don’t want to trade manually? Use our AI-managed crypto indices to gain diversified exposure without taking unnecessary leveraged risks.

5. Narrative Detection

Our AI identifies emerging narratives before they hit mainstream attention, giving you a strategic edge in timing trades—crucial when using leverage.

Best Practices for Using Leverage in Crypto

If you decide to use leverage, follow these rules:

  1. Start Small: Use low leverage (2x–3x) instead of going all in at 20x or 50x.
  2. Set Stop-Loss Orders: Always predetermine your maximum loss tolerance.
  3. Trade Liquid Assets: Stick to high-volume coins like BTC and ETH to avoid slippage.
  4. Don’t Overtrade: Only use leverage on trades with strong conviction and proper analysis.
  5. Use AI Tools: Let Token Metrics guide your entries and exits with data-driven insights.

Why Overleveraging Is Dangerous

Many traders lose money by overleveraging, which leads to:

  • Margin calls and forced liquidations.
  • Revenge trading, where losses push traders into reckless decisions.
  • Complete portfolio wipeouts from one bad trade.

Pro Tip: Only trade with leverage on funds you can afford to lose.

Final Thoughts

So, should you use leverage when trading crypto?

For beginners, the answer is no—focus on mastering spot trading first. For experienced traders, leverage can be a powerful tool when used with strict risk management and data-driven insights.

That’s where Token Metrics makes a difference. With AI-powered trading signals, real-time risk analysis, and narrative tracking, Token Metrics helps you trade smarter, reduce emotional mistakes, and optimize your leverage strategy.

Leverage can make you or break you—so don’t go in blind. Use Token Metrics to guide your trades and stay ahead of the market.

Build Smarter Crypto Apps &
AI Agents in Minutes, Not Months
Real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API.
Grab a Free API Key
Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Announcements

Is Sui the Next Solana? A Deep Dive into L1 Competitors

Token Metrics Team
4 min
MIN

As the Layer 1 (L1) narrative continues to evolve, one blockchain has rapidly emerged as a serious contender to Solana’s throne: Sui. With growing infrastructure support and a strong focus on user experience, Sui is positioning itself as one of the most compelling L1 platforms in 2025.

Why the Sui Hype?

Sui has been gaining traction due to key integrations across the crypto ecosystem. Phantom wallet, known for its Solana roots, recently announced Sui support—putting Sui directly in the hands of thousands of users. Similarly, Axelar and LI.FI, major players in bridging and routing, have added Sui to their networks.

These integrations are not just symbolic; they’re strategic. By positioning itself as a supported chain across EVM-native infrastructure, Sui becomes more accessible and developer-friendly—critical factors for long-term adoption.

The SuiPlay Effect

Sui is also expanding beyond traditional DeFi and into consumer crypto. SuiPlay, a gaming-focused hardware device launched earlier this year, sold out in days. It marks a shift in L1 differentiation—no longer just about TPS (transactions per second), but about vertical-specific UX.

The gaming angle aligns with Sui’s broader push toward being the “consumer chain,” capturing not only dApp developers but also everyday users seeking smoother, gamified blockchain experiences.

Performance and Market Sentiment

Price action also favors Sui. While Solana bounced impressively from its post-FTX lows, Sui is now showing similar potential—with infrastructure support, developer traction, and consumer-facing products driving upward momentum.

The market seems to agree. Multiple indicators suggest Sui could outperform both Solana and Ethereum in the upcoming cycle. Its lower starting valuation also offers more upside, especially for value investors looking for the “next Solana.”

Final Thoughts

While it’s too early to crown Sui the definitive winner, all signs point to a strong L1 contender. Between integrations, product expansion, and market sentiment, Sui is carving a path worth watching—and potentially investing in.

Track Sui’s Momentum with Token Metrics

At Token Metrics, our AI-powered analytics tools help you track emerging L1 narratives like Sui in real time. From grade-based investment ratings and on-chain indicators to AI-generated bullish/bearish signals and technical scorecards, Token Metrics gives you the data you need to make smarter decisions. Explore Sui’s performance, compare it to other L1s, and stay ahead of the next market rotation—all in one dashboard.

Announcements

Launch Coin and the Rise of Internet Capital Markets

Token Metrics Team
3 min
MIN

In crypto, narratives evolve quickly—and in May 2025, a new one has captured the spotlight: Internet Capital Markets (ICM). At the center of this trend is a project called Launchcoin, which has surged over 20x in just days. But what is Launchcoin, and is this a sustainable movement or just another speculative wave?

What is Launchcoin?

Launchcoin is a protocol that lets users tokenize ideas directly from social platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Simply replying to a post with “@launchcoin + [your coin name]” can trigger the launch of a new token. The concept taps into the virality of meme coins but attempts to systematize it—making anyone with an idea a potential coin founder.

The recent buzz around Launchcoin follows a model that resembles earlier social-token projects like Clankerbot, but this one adds frictionless UX and a mobile-first approach. Some are already calling it “the TikTok of token launches.”

Is This Sustainable?

The token’s valuation surged from $0.01 to $0.24, with an FDV nearing $240M. Despite the meteoric rise, it’s worth noting that most of the current activity is speculative. At this stage, we view Launchcoin more as a trade than a long-term investment.

There are warning signs too: limited website traffic, sparse social engagement beyond one viral post, and no clear roadmap. While it’s grabbing headlines, it’s unclear how sticky this platform will be without deeper utility.

The Bigger Picture: Internet Capital Markets

Launchcoin is just the first ripple in a broader trend. ICM refers to the blending of social influence, capital formation, and blockchain—making it possible for ideas to become tradable assets in minutes. It reflects a growing appetite for spontaneous, viral, and community-led funding mechanisms.

While this space is still in its infancy, it hints at a future where capital formation isn't reserved for VCs and big-name founders but is democratized across the internet.

Final Thoughts

Launchcoin is exciting—but also risky. As with many meme-era projects, early gains may be followed by sharp corrections. Still, the rise of ICM is a signal worth watching. If future protocols can combine virality with compliance and utility, we could be witnessing the next evolution in how projects are launched—and who gets to launch them.

How Token Metrics Help You Track Emerging Narratives Like ICM

As crypto narratives evolve rapidly, tools like Token Metrics help investors stay ahead of the curve. Our platform uses AI-driven data, technical signals, and project ratings to detect early momentum in tokens like Launchcoin. With features like Bullish/Bearish Signals, Trader and Investor Grades, and curated narrative-based indices, Token Metrics enable users to evaluate trends like Internet Capital Markets with speed and precision. Whether you’re trading the hype or tracking long-term shifts, Token Metrics give you the insights needed to navigate the noise.

Crypto Basics

Ripple XRP Price Prediction: What’s Next for XRP After Its Bullish Breakout?

Token Metrics Team
3 min
MIN

Ripple (XRP) has been back in the spotlight after recent market moves—and investors are wondering: Will XRP keep going up? With a 15% surge since April 24 and growing optimism around XRP Futures ETFs, the sentiment is clearly shifting. Here's a breakdown of the latest XRP price prediction using data-driven insights from Token Metrics’ AI indicators and technical charts.

🚀 XRP Turned Bullish Before the ETF News

On April 24, Token Metrics’ proprietary AI trading indicator flashed a bullish signal on XRP—just before the approval of the ProShares XRP Futures ETF. This early signal positioned traders ahead of the 15% rally that followed.

Such predictive accuracy boosts trader confidence, especially during key market events. It reinforces the value of AI-driven trading signals in volatile crypto environments.

📊 TM Trader Grade: 88.84% – Bulls Are in Control

As of now, Token Metrics’ Trader Grade for XRP stands at a high 88.84%, signaling a strong buy. This grade reflects short-term momentum and trader sentiment, confirming that bulls currently dominate XRP’s price action.

Meanwhile, the Investor Grade—which tracks long-term fundamentals and trends—remains neutral. This suggests that while XRP is hot in the short term, long-term investors should remain cautiously optimistic.

📉 XRP Technical Analysis: Range-Bound but Primed for Breakout?

From a technical standpoint, XRP has traded sideways since December, forming a wide consolidation pattern. Key levels to watch:

  • Support: ~$2
  • Resistance: ~$2.86

This range has held for months, but with renewed interest and bullish sentiment, a breakout above $2.86 could trigger a much larger move. Traders should watch volume and ETF-related news for confirmation.

🧠 What’s Driving XRP’s Momentum?

  • XRP Futures ETF Approval: A major catalyst that validates institutional interest in Ripple.
  • AI-Powered Bullish Signal: Token Metrics’ indicators detected momentum before the market reacted.
  • Strong Buy Rating: A near-89% trader score indicates high conviction.

🔮 Ripple XRP Price Prediction – 2025 Outlook

With institutional products like ETFs emerging and short-term momentum picking up, XRP may soon test and potentially break above its current resistance. If bullish momentum continues:

  • Short-term price prediction: Retest of $2.86 and potential breakout toward $3+
  • Long-term outlook: Sideways consolidation remains until fundamentals or macro trends shift

✅ Conclusion: XRP Is Heating Up—But Caution Is Warranted

While XRP is showing bullish short-term potential, the long-term picture is still neutral. Traders should watch for confirmation above resistance and keep an eye on volume and ETF developments.

For more AI-powered crypto price predictions, trading signals, and investment insights, explore Token Metrics.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products