Crypto Basics

What is Wash Trading and How to Identify It?

Learn everything about wash trading and how to identify it, in this descriptive guide.
S. Vishwa
7 Minutes
MIN

The financial market can be a mysterious and complex world to navigate, especially for novice investors. It's no secret that there are some shady practices that can take place in it, and one of the most prevalent is wash trading.

In simple terms, wash trading is a practice in which an investor buys and sells the same asset, such as a stock or cryptocurrency, in rapid succession, with the intention of creating the illusion of market activity and inflating the asset's price.

In this article, we'll dive deep into what wash trading is, how it works, and most importantly, how to identify and avoid it.

What is Wash Trading?

Wash trading is, when an individual or group of people buy and sell the same asset to create a false sense of trading activity. The goal of this practice is to manipulate the market by making it seem like there is more demand for an asset than there actually is.

This leads to a rise in the asset's value, which the individuals conducting the wash trade can then take advantage of.

Now, you might be thinking, "Well, that doesn't sound too bad. What harm could it do?" Well, the problem with wash trading is that it's illegal.

It's considered market manipulation and can result in fines, legal action, and even jail time. Not to mention, it's unfair to honest traders who are playing by the rules.

How Does Wash Trading Work?

Wash trading can take many forms, but the most common method involves an investor using multiple accounts to buy and sell the same asset. This creates the appearance of multiple buyers and sellers, when in reality, it is just one person or entity behind all the transactions.

For example, let's say an investor owns 100 shares of ABC Company's stock. The investor uses one account to sell the shares for $10 each, and then immediately uses another account to buy the shares back for $12 each.

The investor has effectively created the illusion of market activity and has also artificially inflated the assets price.

Wash trading can also be done by colluding with other investors to create the illusion of market activity. In some cases, a group of investors will agree to buy and sell an asset amongst themselves, with the intention of inflating the price and then selling the asset to unsuspecting buyers.

Why is Wash Trading a Problem?

Wash trading is a problem for a number of reasons. Firstly, it creates an unfair advantage for the investor who continues to engage in this unethical practice.

They are able to artificially inflate the price of an asset, which can lead to unsuspecting investors buying in at a higher price than they should. This is particularly damaging for new or inexperienced investors who may not be aware of wash trading and its effects.

Wash trading can also lead to market instability and volatility. When an asset's price is artificially inflated, it can create a bubble that eventually bursts, leading to a rapid drop in price. This can have a ripple effect on the market as a whole, potentially leading to panic selling and a market crash.

Also Read: Pump and Dump Schemes - How to Spot and Avoid Investment Scams

Examples of Wash Trading

There have been several high-profile cases of wash trading in recent years, particularly in the world of cryptocurrency. Here are a few examples:

Bitfinex and Tether: In 2018, the New York Attorney General's office accused cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex and its affiliated stablecoin issuer Tether of engaging in a massive wash trading scheme. The scheme allegedly involved Bitfinex using Tether's USDT stablecoin to artificially inflate the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, creating a false sense of demand. The case is still ongoing.

Mt. Gox: Mt. Gox was once the largest Bitcoin exchange in the world, but it infamously collapsed in 2014 after it was revealed that it had lost hundreds of millions of dollars worth of its users' Bitcoin. It was later discovered that Mt. Gox had also been engaging in wash trading, which helped to artificially inflate the price of Bitcoin on its platform.

How to Detect Wash Trading in the Market?

Identifying wash trading can be difficult, as the practice is designed to create the illusion of market activity. However, there are a few red flags to look out for:

Abnormal trading volumes: If you notice that an asset is experiencing unusually high trading volumes, it could be a sign of wash trading.

Abnormal price movements: Wash trading is often used to artificially inflate the price of an asset, so if you notice that an asset's price is moving in an abnormal or inconsistent way, it could be a sign of wash trading.

Suspicious trading patterns: If you notice that the same investor is buying and selling an asset at the same time, or if a group of investors are all buying and selling an asset amongst themselves, it could be a sign of wash trading.

How to Avoid Wash Trading?

The best way to avoid wash trading is to do your research before investing in any asset. Look for assets with high trading volumes and solid fundamentals, and be wary of assets that seem too good to be true.

It is also important to keep an eye out for red flags that may indicate wash trading, such as abnormal trading volumes, abnormal price movements, and suspicious trading patterns.

If you suspect that an asset is being manipulated through wash trading, it is best to avoid investing in that asset altogether.

Finally, it is important to stay educated and informed about the market and its practices. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to recognize and avoid unethical practices like wash trading.

Wash Trade vs Cross Trade

Wash trading and cross trading are both market manipulation techniques that involve buying and selling securities or assets to create false activity and inflate prices.

The key difference between the two is that wash trading involves buying and selling the same asset, while cross trading involves buying and selling different assets at the same time.

Wash trading is often used to create the illusion of market activity, while cross trading is often used to manipulate prices for a particular asset or group of assets.

Both practices are illegal in most financial markets and can lead to heavy fines and legal penalties for those caught engaging in them.

Is Wash Trading illegal in Crypto?

Wash trading is illegal in most financial markets, including the cryptocurrency market. The practice is considered a form of market manipulation that creates false activity and distorts prices, which can harm investors and disrupt the market as a whole.

In the United States, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken action against several cryptocurrency exchanges for engaging in wash trading, and has imposed heavy fines on those found guilty.

Additionally, many cryptocurrency exchanges have implemented measures to prevent wash trading on their platforms, such as using trading volume as a metric to determine the validity of trades.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, wash trading is a sneaky and illegal practice that can have serious consequences for traders and the market as a whole. Remember to always do your research, stay informed, and be wary of red flags that may indicate wash trading.

With a little knowledge and vigilance, you can avoid falling victim to this harmful practice and make smart, informed investment decisions.

Also by understanding the signs of wash trading and taking action to report it when necessary, investors and traders can help to keep the market fair and transparent for everyone.

Disclaimer

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

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Moonshots by Token Metrics – Daily AI Crypto Picks with Breakout Potential

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

How to Find Crypto Moonshots: Your Ultimate Guide to Token Metrics AI-Powered Trading

Introduction: Why Most Crypto Traders Miss the Best Moonshots

The crypto market moves fast. With thousands of new tokens launching weekly, finding legitimate crypto moonshots before they explode is nearly impossible for manual traders. Altcoin moonshots and meme coin moonshots can deliver 10x-100x returns, but only if you spot them early.

Most traders waste time scrolling through endless charts, following unreliable crypto influencers, and trying to interpret conflicting signals. They miss the best crypto moonshots because they lack proper token metrics analysis and end up buying the top instead of the bottom.

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What Are Token Metrics Moonshots?

Token Metrics Moonshots is a daily AI-powered shortlist featuring the top crypto tokens with legitimate breakout potential. Unlike typical crypto signal groups, Moonshots uses institutional-grade AI to analyze:

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  • Altcoin moonshots with strong technical indicators
  • Meme coin moonshots showing viral potential
  • On-chain activity and wallet movements
  • Market sentiment and social media buzz
  • AI Trader Grades based on 80+ data points

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Why Moonshots Outperforms Traditional Crypto Analysis

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Key success factors:

  • Early entry on altcoin moonshots before mainstream adoption
  • Meme coin moonshots caught during initial viral phases
  • Token metrics analysis preventing investment in weak projects
  • Systematic approach to crypto moonshots rather than emotional trading

This isn't financial advice — it's AI-powered research giving you an edge most traders lack.

How to Use Token Metrics Moonshots: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access the Ratings Dashboard

From your Token Metrics dashboard, navigate to the Ratings tab where all tokens are ranked by trader grade and recent performance metrics.

Step 2: Click the "Moonshots" Tab

Inside the Ratings page, select the Moonshots tab to view current crypto moonshots and altcoin moonshots with breakout potential.

Step 3: Analyze Key Token Metrics

Each Moonshot displays crucial data:

  • Trader Grade and recent grade changes
  • 24-hour volume and market cap
  • Entry date and timing
  • Live ROI since Moonshot designation
  • Historical performance data

Switch to "Past Moonshots" to review how previous crypto moonshots performed over 7-14 day periods.

Step 4: Deep Dive Token Analysis

Click any token to access its detailed page featuring:

  • Real-time price charts and technical indicators
  • Fundamental token metrics analysis
  • Top holder information and distribution
  • Community sentiment and social metrics

Step 5: Execute Trades in Seconds

Ready to buy? Click the "Buy" button directly from the Moonshots page to open the integrated swap widget and execute your crypto moonshots trades instantly.

Who Benefits Most from Moonshots?

Token Metrics Moonshots is designed for:

  • Day traders seeking fresh crypto moonshots setups every morning
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Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves substantial risk. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before trading.

Research

How to Find Low Cap Altcoins with Maximum Growth Potential | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency is one of the few markets where small investments can turn into life-changing gains—if you know where to look. The secret? Low cap altcoins with strong fundamentals, fresh narratives, and early momentum. These are often called moonshots—tokens that can 10x, 50x, or even 100x your portfolio.

But with thousands of projects launching every year, how do you separate noise from real opportunity?

This is where Token Metrics, the industry’s most powerful crypto analytics platform, gives you a massive edge. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to find high-potential low cap altcoins before they explode.

What Are Moonshots?

In crypto, a moonshot refers to a token that’s expected to deliver exponential returns—usually 10x or more—within a short to medium timeframe. These tokens often:

  • Have a market cap below $50 million
  • Are newly launched or under-discovered
  • Operate in trending sectors like AI, DePIN, L2s, or Real-World Assets
  • Are supported by strong narratives or early whale interest

Moonshots are high-risk, high-reward plays. They may not have widespread recognition yet, but they often show early signs of momentum—and if timed correctly, they can outperform even the biggest names in crypto.

How Do Moonshots Work?

Moonshots usually follow a predictable cycle:

1. Discovery Phase

Savvy traders, insiders, or analysts begin accumulating the token quietly. There’s little public attention, but strong fundamentals or a promising narrative.

2. Hype Trigger

Something sparks attention—this could be an influencer tweet, exchange listing, or key milestone. Volume begins to rise.

3. FOMO Phase

Retail investors pour in as the token gains traction. Price rallies dramatically in a short period.

4. Profit-Taking

Early entrants sell, leading to price volatility. If the project has long-term merit, it may consolidate and rally again. If not, it could retrace sharply.

The goal is to get in early—before the FOMO begins. And that’s where Token Metrics shines.

Why Token Metrics Is the Best Platform for Finding Moonshots

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto research platform that filters through thousands of tokens daily to highlight only those with real upside potential. Its proprietary Moonshots feature is specifically designed to uncover undervalued low cap altcoins before they trend on X (Twitter), YouTube, or Telegram.

Key Benefits:

  • âś… AI-powered ratings based on technical, on-chain, and fundamental data
  • âś… Real-time moonshot detection with transparent performance tracking
  • âś… Seamless trading integration for quick entries
  • âś… Past Moonshot ROI tracking to evaluate model accuracy
  • âś… Bullish signal alerts and whale activity monitoring

Token Metrics doesn’t just show you what's trending—it shows you what’s about to trend.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics to discover low cap altcoins with maximum growth potential:

âś… Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

  • From your Token Metrics dashboard, click on the “Ratings” tab.
  • This is where thousands of tokens are ranked daily based on Trader Grade (short-term upside) and Investor Grade (long-term fundamentals).

These scores are derived using over 80 data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • Volume analysis
  • Sentiment scores
  • On-chain activity
  • Developer and GitHub activity

✅ Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

At the top of the Ratings page, you’ll see the Moonshots tab—click it.

This tab highlights AI-flagged altcoins with breakout potential. These tokens are typically:

  • Low to mid-cap
  • Recently showing an upward trend in volume or price
  • Exhibiting bullish on-chain signals
  • Gaining attention in social channels

These are the best candidates for fast and explosive growth.

âś… Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each token in the Moonshots section displays several key data points:

  • Trader Grade and its change over time
  • 24-Hour Volume – is attention building?
  • Market Cap – lower cap means higher potential upside
  • Date of Entry – when the token was first flagged
  • Live ROI Since Entry – how the pick has performed since being listed

You can also switch to the Past Moonshots tab to review historical picks and how they played out over 7–14 days. This transparency gives you confidence in the AI’s track record.

âś… Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you’ll get in-depth analysis, including:

  • Live price chart
  • Key technical indicators (MACD, RSI, moving averages)
  • Tokenomics and utility breakdown
  • Whale wallet activity and top holders
  • Fundamental metrics like team, roadmap, and ecosystem

Use this data to perform a quick due diligence check before buying. This helps reduce risk and boost conviction.

âś… Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Once you’ve selected a moonshot you like:

  • Click the “Buy” button directly from the Moonshots page.
  • A swap widget will open, allowing you to purchase the token using your connected wallet.
  • You can buy directly from decentralized exchanges (DEXs) without leaving the platform.

This seamless flow—from research to execution—makes it incredibly easy to act quickly, which is crucial in fast-moving markets.

Real Examples of Moonshots That Delivered

Here are just a few examples of tokens previously flagged in Token Metrics Moonshots:

  • Gorbagana – Gained over 50% in a day
  • Useless Coin – Jumped 40% in 24 hours
  • Startup Coin – Delivered a 9x return over a month

These weren’t hyped on mainstream platforms—Token Metrics identified them early using AI-based indicators and on-chain data.

Final Thoughts: Find Your Next 100x

Finding low cap altcoins with maximum growth potential doesn’t have to be based on luck or hype. With the right tools, strategy, and platform, you can identify moonshots before they go parabolic.

Token Metrics Moonshots gives you the insights, data, and tools needed to make smarter, faster, and more confident trading decisions. From AI-powered ratings to seamless swap integration, it’s your all-in-one dashboard for finding the next big crypto opportunity.

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Crypto Basics

How to Find Undervalued Altcoins That Could 100x | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the fast-paced world of crypto, finding an altcoin before it explodes is every investor’s dream. The reality? Most people arrive too late—after the hype, after the parabolic move, and after the gains are gone. But what if there was a way to spot these undervalued altcoins before they skyrocket?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find 100x altcoins early using a proven strategy powered by Token Metrics Moonshot Ratings. Whether you're a seasoned trader or a curious beginner, this step-by-step framework will help you identify tokens that are flying under the radar—but not for long.

What Are Moonshots?

In crypto, a moonshot is a token with the potential to deliver extraordinary returns, sometimes as high as 100x or even 1000x. These tokens typically start with:

  • Low market cap
  • High volatility
  • Speculative narratives
  • Early-stage community engagement

While some moonshots are driven by memes or hype, the best ones are backed by emerging narratives, strong tokenomics, and real momentum. The trick is to find them before they hit mainstream attention.

How Moonshot Altcoins Work

Moonshots follow a pattern:

  1. Early Accumulation Phase
    Smart money—whales, insiders, or savvy analysts—start quietly buying the token while it’s still underpriced and unknown.
  2. Sentiment + Volume Spike
    Word begins to spread. Crypto Twitter, Telegram groups, and early backers begin to create buzz. This brings in more liquidity and attention.
  3. Parabolic Price Action
    As FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicks in, the price goes vertical. Retail investors pile in. This is when the token moons.
  4. Top and Correction
    The token either consolidates, retraces, or crashes as early investors take profits and late entrants get burned.

Your goal? Enter in Phase 1 or early Phase 2, before everyone else sees the opportunity.

So how do you do that? With data—not hype.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Token Metrics is one of the most powerful AI-driven platforms for crypto research. It helps you filter out the noise and identify undervalued altcoins with moonshot potential based on over 80 data points including technicals, fundamentals, on-chain activity, and sentiment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics’ Moonshots feature:

âś… Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Once you log in to Token Metrics, head over to the Ratings tab.

This is the heart of the platform, where every token is scored using:

  • Trader Grade – Best for short-term price action predictions
  • Investor Grade – Better for long-term conviction

You’ll see a ranked list of tokens with up-to-date analytics based on market behavior.

Tip: Sort by Trader Grade change to find tokens gaining momentum fast.

✅ Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Inside the Ratings page, look for the Moonshots tab near the top.

This is where Token Metrics highlights altcoins with breakout potential, flagged by proprietary AI models that monitor price anomalies, trend shifts, volume surges, and social indicators.

Only tokens that meet strict short-term upside criteria make it into this section.

âś… Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each token in the Moonshots tab is presented with a powerful summary:

  • Trader Grade + % change
  • 24H Volume – Is money flowing in?
  • Market Cap – Lower cap = more potential for exponential growth
  • Date of Entry – How long has it been flagged as a moonshot?
  • Live ROI Since Entry – See how the token has performed since it was added to the list

Want to verify the track record? Switch to “Past Moonshots” to see historical picks and their 7–14 day performance.

âś… Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on a token to open its Token Details Page—this is where the real research begins.

You'll find:

  • Live chart and price action
  • On-chain data and sentiment
  • Top holders (including whales and smart wallets)
  • AI-generated technical indicators
  • Narrative tags (e.g., AI, DePIN, L2, Gaming)

This page helps you validate whether a moonshot token is worth the risk.

Is the project active on GitHub? Is the community growing? Are whales accumulating? All signs that a moonshot may be ready to launch.

âś… Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Found a token you like?

Token Metrics makes it easy to act:

  • Just click the Buy button from the Moonshots page.
  • This launches a swap widget integrated with top decentralized exchanges.
  • Choose your wallet, confirm the trade, and you're in—without ever leaving the platform.

This removes friction and saves time, especially when speed is critical.

Why Token Metrics Moonshots Beat Traditional Research

There are thousands of altcoins on the market—and most of them are noise. Token Metrics uses machine learning, real-time market signals, and historical backtesting to filter the noise and show you only the most promising tokens.

Key Advantages:

  • âś… AI-Driven: Eliminates emotional bias
  • âś… Real-Time Updates: Stay ahead of the crowd
  • âś… Transparent ROI: Know which Moonshots actually delivered
  • âś… Built-In Execution: One-click buy function saves time

Whether you're a degen chasing 10x tokens or a professional building a data-backed portfolio, Token Metrics gives you the edge.

Final Thoughts

Finding undervalued altcoins that can 100x isn’t about luck—it’s about information, timing, and execution.

Moonshots happen often in crypto. The problem is: most people are late. By the time you see it trending on X or featured in a YouTube video, the gains are gone.

Using a platform like Token Metrics, you can identify these tokens early, analyze them with confidence, and take action fast—all in one place.

If you're serious about leveling up your crypto trading game, start with the Moonshots feature on Token Metrics. Your next 100x altcoin could already be on the list.

âś… Ready to Hunt Moonshots?

Sign up for a 7-day free trial at www.tokenmetrics.com and unlock your edge in crypto today.

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