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

Crypto Basics

What are Real World Assets (RWA) and Its Importance in Crypto?

S. Vishwa
5 Minutes
MIN

In cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, real world assets (RWAs) are becoming increasingly popular. These assets represent tangible items of value, whether physical or digital, that are tokenized and stored on the blockchain. 

This article will explore real-world assets, their importance in crypto, and how they are used in various applications.

Understanding Real World Assets

Real world assets can encompass a wide range of items, including physical assets like real estate, commodities, and precious metals, as well as digital assets such as stocks, bonds, and intellectual property. These assets derive their value from outside of the blockchain, but by tokenizing them, they can be represented digitally on the blockchain.

Tokenization is the process of converting real-world assets into digital tokens. These tokens are then stored on the blockchain, which provides transparency, security, and immutability. Tokenization allows for fractional ownership, meaning that high-value assets can be divided into smaller units, allowing more people to invest in and benefit from them.

The Importance of Real World Assets in the Crypto Space

Real world assets play a crucial role in crypto for several reasons. Firstly, they bring liquidity to traditionally illiquid assets. Assets like real estate or fine art can be challenging to buy or sell quickly, but by tokenizing them, they become more liquid and accessible to a broader range of investors.

Secondly, real world assets provide diversification opportunities for crypto investors. Investors can hedge against the volatility of purely crypto-related assets by including real world assets in their portfolios. This diversification can reduce risk and increase stability in investment strategies.

Thirdly, real world assets bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi). DeFi platforms allow for the lending, borrowing, and trading of real world assets, providing similar investment opportunities to traditional financial institutions. This integration of real world assets into DeFi expands the reach and functionality of the decentralized financial system.

Use Cases of Real World Assets in Crypto

Real world assets are being used in various applications within the crypto space. One prominent use case is in lending and borrowing platforms. These platforms allow users to use their tokenized real world assets as collateral. 

Borrowers receive stablecoins or other tokens while lenders earn interest on their holdings. This use case provides an alternative to traditional lending and borrowing services, offering flexibility and accessibility.

Another use case is in the creation of index funds. DeFi platforms enable the creation of pooled investments that provide passive exposure to a basket of real world asset tokens. These index funds diversify risk across different asset classes and tokens, allowing investors to gain exposure to a broader range of assets.

Asset management is another area where real world assets are utilized in the crypto space. Autonomous fund protocols can deploy capital by trading real world asset tokens, aiming to generate returns for investors. This approach allows for the active management of assets and the potential for higher yields.

Lastly, real world assets on the blockchain can be used for less risky investments. Assets like real estate, commodities, and fine art are typically less volatile than purely crypto-related assets. By tokenizing these assets, investors can gain exposure to alternative asset classes while potentially reducing risk.

Tokenization Process for Real World Assets

The tokenization process for real world assets involves several steps. First, an asset that holds value and could benefit from blockchain exposure and tokenization is identified. It could be a physical asset like real estate or a digital asset like a stock.

Next, regulatory approval must be sought to ensure that the tokens representing the asset are legally recognized and enforceable. Compliance procedures may need to be followed depending on the jurisdiction and type of asset being tokenized.

Once regulatory approval is obtained, a blockchain network must be selected to represent the asset. Algorand, for example, offers a cost-effective and scalable blockchain infrastructure for managing real world assets. Its smart contract functionality and role-based asset controls make it an ideal choice for projects issuing and managing digital representations of physical items.

After selecting a blockchain, digital tokens representing shares of the asset are created and issued. These tokens contain underlying asset information that links them to real world items. Ownership and transaction details are recorded on the blockchain, providing transparency and trust.

Once the tokens are issued, they can be traded on decentralized applications and cryptocurrency exchanges. Smart contracts automate processes like transferring ownership and distributing revenue as the tokens are bought and sold. It creates a secondary market for real world asset investments, increasing liquidity and accessibility.

Examples of Real World Assets in Crypto

Several projects are already tokenizing real world assets in the crypto space. 

One example is TravelX, which is tokenizing airline seats. Users can purchase airplane tickets as non-fungible tokens, which can be traded or resold in a liquid secondary market. It provides greater flexibility and efficiency when buying travel tickets.

Ctrl Alt is another project focusing on diversifying portfolios through alternative asset classes. By partnering with organizations that manage various underlying opportunities, Ctrl Alt represents fractional ownership as digital assets. This allows everyday investors to access niche investments that were previously out of reach.

Koibanx is a platform that enables tokenizing assets like real estate and stocks. Users can transform these assets into digital tokens on the blockchain, providing increased liquidity and accessibility.

Evident offers a multifaceted platform for financial activities, including establishing Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and co-investment opportunities. It also provides tools for companies to raise capital through asset tokenization.

Realio is a platform that brings private equity, real estate, and other real world assets to DeFi. It allows investors to gain exposure to these asset classes typically reserved for accredited or institutional investors.

These examples demonstrate the versatility and potential of real world assets in the crypto space. By tokenizing these assets, they can be made more accessible, liquid, and tradable, opening up new investment opportunities for a broader range of individuals.

Conclusion

Real world assets are an important and growing trend in the crypto space. These items can be represented digitally on the blockchain by tokenizing physical and digital assets, providing increased liquidity, accessibility, and diversification opportunities. 

Real world assets are used in various crypto applications, from lending and borrowing platforms to asset management and index funds. The tokenization process involves identifying valuable assets, seeking regulatory approval, selecting a blockchain network, creating and issuing tokens, and facilitating their trading on decentralized platforms. 

As the crypto industry continues to evolve, real world assets can play a significant role in shaping the future of finance.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Crypto Basics

Top Layer 1 Blockchain in 2024 - Token Metrics Moon Awards

Token Metrics Team
5 Minutes
MIN

Welcome to the Token Metrics Moon Awards, a prestigious accolade in the cryptocurrency industry, honoring platforms, projects, and initiatives that have significantly impacted the industry. 

Today, we are thrilled to introduce a new category of Moon Awards - the top Layer 1 blockchain in 2024. In the rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology, Layer 1 blockchains have emerged as the foundation of decentralized ecosystems. 

These blockchains play a crucial role in processing transactions, securing the network, and enabling the development of decentralized applications (dApps). As the demand for apps grows, the need for scalable and efficient Layer 1 blockchain becomes paramount.

Selection Process of the Top Layer 1 Blockchain

To determine the top Layer 1 blockchain in 2024, Token Metrics Moon Awards followed a rigorous selection process.

At Token Metrics, we place our audience at the forefront, regarding them as our most precious asset. Our community-driven strategy guarantees that our awards accurately mirror cryptocurrency enthusiasts' real-world opinions and experiences.

Amplifying the Community Voice

Through the Moon Awards, Token Metrics elevates the voice of its community, offering a transparent and user-focused assessment of the platforms influencing the industry's advancement.

Top Layer 1 Blockchain Recognition in 2024

In partnership with our community members and through user voting, we have compiled a comprehensive roster of the leading Layer 1 blockchain in 2024 based on survey responses and votes.

What is a Layer 1 Blockchain?

Before delving into the top Layer 1 blockchain of 2024, let's first understand what exactly a Layer 1 blockchain is. At its core, a Layer 1 blockchain is the foundational layer of a blockchain network where transactions are directly recorded. 

It serves as the base blockchain ecosystem protocol, defining the core rules and consensus mechanisms of the network. Layer 1 blockchains are responsible for the security, scalability, and interoperability of the network.

Layer 1 blockchains are typically built on a Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. PoW blockchains, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, rely on a computationally intensive process to verify transactions and add new blocks to the chain.

On the other hand, PoS blockchains, like Cardano and Solana, use a more energy-efficient process to achieve the same goal.

List of Top 10 Layer 1 Blockchain in 2024

Top Layer 1 Blockchain
Source - Token Metrics Moon Awards

Ethereum

In the Moon Awards survey, Ethereum secured the top position with 39.8% of the total votes.

Ethereum, often referred to as the "world computer" of blockchain technology, is one of the most influential and significant Layer 1 blockchains in the decentralized ecosystem. In 2024, Ethereum stands out with its transition to Ethereum 2.0, a major upgrade aiming to address scalability and sustainability challenges.

Bitcoin

In the Moon Awards survey, Bitcoin secured the 2nd position with 28.3% of the total votes.

As the pioneer of blockchain technology, Bitcoin remains a robust Layer 1 blockchain. While primarily known for its role as a digital currency, Bitcoin's blockchain serves as the foundation for various decentralized applications and has a strong track record of security and decentralization.

Solana

In the Moon Awards survey, Solana secured the 3rd position with 17.4% of the total votes.

Solana has gained recognition as a leading Layer 1 blockchain due to its scalability and high throughput capabilities. Leveraging a combination of Proof-of-History (PoH) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS), Solana can achieve blazing-fast speeds and process an increased number of transactions per second.

Cosmos

In the Moon Awards survey, Cosmos secured the 4th position with 1.7% of the total votes.

Cosmos stands out as a powerful force in the decentralized technology landscape, focusing on interoperability and scalability. The Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol enables secure and trustless communication between independent blockchains, fostering a more interconnected and efficient ecosystem.

Kaspa

In the Moon Awards survey, Kaspa secured the 5th position with 1.7% of the total votes.

Kaspa is an emerging Layer 1 blockchain that aims to address scalability and security challenges. With a unique architecture separating the consensus and transaction layers, Kaspa offers a highly scalable and secure environment for decentralized applications.

Cardano

In the Moon Awards survey, Cardano secured the 6th position with 1.6% of the total votes.

Cardano is a blockchain platform known for its scientific approach and focus on peer-reviewed research. With a layered architecture and a strong emphasis on security and sustainability, Cardano has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize industries such as finance, supply chain management, and healthcare.

Avalanche

In the Moon Awards survey, Avalanche secured the 7th position with 1.5% of the total votes.

Avalanche brings scalability, security, and high throughput capabilities to the forefront of decentralized technology. Its innovative consensus protocol and versatility in supporting custom subnets make it a promising platform for a wide range of decentralized applications and token ecosystems.

Sei Network

In the Moon Awards survey, Sei Network secured the 8th position with 1.3% of the total votes.

Sei Network is a Layer 1 blockchain that prioritizes scalability and speed. By utilizing a unique shard-based architecture, Sei Network is designed to handle a high volume of transactions while maintaining security and decentralization.

Injective

In the Moon Awards survey, Injective Protocol secured the 9th position with 1.1% of the total votes.

Injective Protocol focuses on providing a high-performance, secure, and user-friendly ecosystem for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Injective Protocol enhances transaction throughput and reduces gas fees by leveraging Layer 2 scaling solutions, such as Optimistic Rollups.

Internet Computer

In the Moon Awards survey, Internet Computer secured the 10th position with 1% of the total votes.

Internet Computer aims to revolutionize the internet by providing a decentralized and secure environment for hosting web content and applications. With its unique architecture and integration of blockchain technology, the Internet Computer offers a new paradigm for the Internet.

Also Read - Top Blockchain Use Cases

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top Layer 1 blockchain in 2024 represents a dynamic and transformative force in the decentralized landscape. 

These blockchains, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Cosmos, Kaspa, Cardano, Avalanche, Sei Network, Injective, and Internet Computer, showcase diverse approaches to scalability, consensus mechanisms, and governance. 

Each platform brings its own strengths, contributing to the rich tapestry of the decentralized ecosystem.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Crypto Basics

Top Blockchain Use Cases in 2024

S. Vishwa
6 Minutes
MIN

Blockchain technology has emerged as a game-changer across various industries, providing solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and transparency. 

In this article, we will explore blockchain technology's most promising use cases and how it is revolutionizing industries worldwide.

What is Blockchain?

At its essence, blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger designed to store various forms of data. It can document details related to cryptocurrency transactions, NFT ownership, and DeFi smart contracts.

Although conventional databases can also store such information, blockchain stands out due to its decentralization. Unlike traditional databases maintained in a central location, such as an Excel spreadsheet or a bank database, blockchain databases exist as numerous identical copies held on multiple computers distributed across a network. These individual computers are known as nodes.

How Does Blockchain Work?

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers. It operates on the principles of transparency, security, and immutability. 

When a transaction occurs, it is grouped with other transactions to form a block. This block is then verified by multiple computers in the network and added to a chain of existing blocks, hence the term blockchain. 

Each block contains a unique cryptographic hash, linking it to the previous block, creating a secure and tamper-evident record. This distributed ledger system eliminates the need for a central authority, making it resistant to fraud and censorship.

Top Use Cases of Blockchain

Capital Markets: Unlocking Access to Capital

One of the significant use cases of blockchain technology is in capital markets. Traditional capital markets often face barriers to accessing capital, slow settlement processes, and high costs. Blockchain technology eliminates these challenges by providing easier, cheaper, and faster access to capital.

By leveraging blockchain, companies can reduce the need for intermediaries, enabling peer-to-peer trading, transparent settlement and clearing, and streamlined auditing and compliance processes. This decentralized approach significantly reduces costs and counterparty risks and improves overall efficiency in capital markets.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC): Transforming Financial Infrastructure

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are digital forms of central bank money with unique advantages at retail and wholesale levels. 

With blockchain technology, central banks can enhance financial access for individual customers and create a more efficient infrastructure for interbank settlements.

CBDCs built on blockchain provide secure and transparent transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing transaction costs. This technology revolutionizes the financial infrastructure by enabling real-time settlements and improving overall efficiency in the banking system.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Empowering Peer-to-Peer Finance

Decentralized Finance, commonly known as DeFi, refers to the shift from traditional, centralized financial systems to peer-to-peer finance enabled by blockchain technology. 

DeFi platforms built on Ethereum disrupt the financial industry by providing millions of users worldwide with financial access, opportunity, and trust.

These platforms offer various financial services, including lending, borrowing, trading, and asset management. By leveraging smart contracts on the blockchain, DeFi eliminates the need for intermediaries, reduces costs, and provides greater financial inclusivity.

Digital Identity: Securing Personal Information

Traditional digital identity systems often lack interoperability, tamper-proof infrastructure, and protection against theft. Blockchain-based digital identity solutions address these challenges by providing a unified, secure, and tamper-proof infrastructure.

With blockchain technology, individuals have greater control over their data, protecting them against identity theft and unauthorized access. Blockchain-based digital identity systems also enhance interoperability, allowing seamless authentication across different platforms and services.

Energy and Sustainability: Optimizing Operations

The energy and sustainability sector faces challenges such as siloed infrastructures, lack of transparency, and inefficiencies. Blockchain solutions can significantly improve process efficiencies and reduce energy operations and distribution costs.

By leveraging blockchain, energy companies can create decentralized systems that optimize energy distribution, enable peer-to-peer energy trading, and ensure transparency in renewable energy certificate tracking. This technology promotes sustainability by facilitating efficient energy management and reducing carbon footprints.

Supply Chain Management: Ensuring Transparency and Traceability

Supply chain management is another industry that benefits greatly from blockchain technology. Traditional supply chains often lack transparency, challenging tracking products' origin, quality, and authenticity. Blockchain provides a transparent and immutable ledger that enables end-to-end traceability.

With blockchain, companies can track and record every supply chain step, ensuring transparency and accountability. This technology helps prevent counterfeit products, improves food safety, and enhances overall supply chain efficiency.

Healthcare: Protecting Patient Data

Protecting patient data is crucial in the healthcare industry. Blockchain technology offers a secure, decentralized solution for storing and sharing sensitive medical information. By leveraging blockchain, healthcare providers can ensure patient data's privacy, security, and integrity.

Blockchain-based healthcare systems store data in interconnected blocks secured using cryptographic encryption. It ensures that patient information remains confidential and tamper-proof while allowing authorized healthcare providers to access necessary information in real-time.

Real Estate: Streamlining Transactions

Real estate transactions often involve complex paperwork and intermediaries, leading to inefficiencies and delays. Blockchain technology aims to streamline these transactions by reducing paperwork and increasing transparency and trust.

With blockchain, real estate transactions can be conducted using smart contracts, which automate the transfer of property ownership once predefined conditions are met. This eliminates the need for intermediaries and ensures secure and transparent transactions.

Internet of Things (IoT): Enhancing Security and Efficiency

The Internet of Things (IoT) has grown exponentially, with billions of connected devices worldwide. However, this interconnectedness also exposes vulnerabilities, making IoT devices susceptible to hacking and data breaches. Blockchain technology provides enhanced security for IoT devices.

IoT devices can securely store and share data through a decentralized network by leveraging blockchain. This eliminates the need for a central authority, making it difficult for hackers to intrude and tamper with sensitive data.

Logistics: Improving Transparency and Efficiency

The logistics industry faces challenges such as data silos, poor communication, and lack of transparency. Blockchain technology offers a solution by providing a transparent and decentralized platform for managing logistics operations.

Logistics companies can improve data transparency, automate processes, and enhance stakeholder trust with blockchain. This technology enables real-time tracking of shipments, reduces paperwork, and optimizes overall logistics operations.

Entertainment Industry: Protecting Intellectual Property

The entertainment industry grapples with various issues related to copyright infringement, royalty payments, and data privacy. Blockchain technology provides a solution by ensuring the security and integrity of intellectual property rights.

By leveraging blockchain, artists and content creators can authenticate and protect their work through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs prove authenticity for digital assets, allowing artists to monetize their creations and ensuring fair compensation.

Education: Securing Academic Records

The rise of online education and distance learning has increased the demand for secure and verifiable academic records. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and tamper-proof solution for storing and sharing academic credentials.

By leveraging blockchain, educational institutions can store academic records on a digital ledger, ensuring trust and accessibility. This technology eliminates manual verification and allows employers and other institutions to verify credentials efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries by providing secure, transparent, and efficient solutions. Blockchain is transforming industries ' operations from capital markets to healthcare and logistics to education. 

By embracing blockchain technology, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities, enhance operational functionalities, and provide customers with reliable goods and services.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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