Crypto Basics

What Is ETF Trading? A Beginner’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Learn what ETF trading is, the types of ETFs (including crypto), benefits, risks, and how AI tools like Token Metrics help you in crypto trading in 2025.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In today’s fast-paced financial markets, ETF trading has become one of the most popular and accessible investment strategies. Whether you're a traditional investor or a crypto enthusiast, understanding how ETF trading works can help you make smarter, more diversified investment decisions.

📈 What Is an ETF?

An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is an investment fund that trades on stock exchanges, similar to individual stocks. Each ETF holds a collection of assets, such as:

  • Stocks (like the S&P 500)
  • Bonds
  • Commodities (like gold or oil)
  • Currencies
  • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

When you buy a share of an ETF, you're buying a fractional interest in the entire basket of assets. This makes ETFs a powerful tool for diversification, even for beginners.

💹 What Is ETF Trading?

ETF trading refers to the buying and selling of ETF shares on an exchange—just like you would with Apple or Tesla stock. The value of an ETF changes throughout the trading day, based on the underlying value of its assets.

ETF trading is commonly used for:

  • Portfolio diversification
  • Hedging strategies
  • Thematic investing (e.g., AI, clean energy, DeFi)
  • Speculating on short-term price movements

You can trade ETFs via your online brokerage, investment app, or even through certain retirement accounts (like IRAs).

🔄 How Does ETF Trading Work?

Here’s a simplified version of how ETF trading works:

  1. ETF Provider Creates the Fund
    A company like BlackRock or Fidelity creates an ETF that holds a specific basket of assets.

  2. ETF Listed on an Exchange
    The ETF is listed on public stock exchanges such as the NYSE or Nasdaq.

  3. Investors Buy and Sell Shares
    Investors trade ETF shares just like stocks—prices fluctuate throughout the day.

  4. Market Makers Maintain Liquidity
    Authorized participants ensure ETF prices closely match the value of the underlying assets (called the Net Asset Value or NAV).

🪙 What About Crypto ETFs?

In 2025, crypto ETFs have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the ETF market.

Crypto ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without owning the actual coins. These ETFs are regulated, secure, and accessible through traditional finance platforms.

There are two types:

  • Spot Crypto ETFs (hold actual crypto assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum)
  • Futures Crypto ETFs (track the price of crypto futures contracts)

Example: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is a spot Bitcoin ETF with billions in assets under management (AUM) in 2025.

✅ Benefits of ETF Trading

ETF trading offers unique advantages for both retail and institutional investors:

1. Diversification

Instead of buying dozens of individual stocks, ETFs offer broad exposure to sectors, themes, or markets in a single trade.

2. Liquidity

ETFs trade like stocks—buy or sell at any time during market hours. This makes them more flexible than traditional mutual funds.

3. Cost Efficiency

Many ETFs have low expense ratios, often under 0.25%. You avoid the high fees associated with actively managed funds.

4. Accessibility

Trade ETFs using any brokerage account. You don’t need to be an accredited investor or a crypto expert.

5. Tax Advantages

ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds due to the in-kind creation/redemption process.

⚠️ Risks of ETF Trading

ETF trading, like all investing, carries risks:

1. Market Risk

ETF prices can go up or down depending on market conditions.

2. Liquidity Risk

Not all ETFs are highly traded. Low volume can lead to wide bid/ask spreads and slippage.

3. Tracking Error

Some ETFs fail to perfectly mirror their benchmark, especially futures-based crypto ETFs.

4. Sector Risk

Thematic ETFs (e.g., blockchain, AI) can be highly concentrated and volatile.

🧠 How Token Metrics Enhances ETF Trading with AI

Whether you're trading traditional ETFs or crypto-focused ones, Token Metrics provides AI-powered tools to help you trade with confidence.

🔍 1. Real-Time Signals

Token Metrics offers AI-generated bullish/bearish signals for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets—helping you identify the best time to enter or exit.

📊 2. Price Predictions

The platform generates short- and long-term price forecasts, using 80+ data points. This can help you anticipate ETF price movements, especially for crypto ETFs.

📈 3. On-Chain Data + ETF Flows

Token Metrics tracks exchange reserves, ETF inflows, and blockchain metrics—giving traders a unique edge not available on traditional brokerage platforms.

📣 4. Alerts and Custom Grades

Set up alerts based on trader grades, investor grades, and signal changes to react to market moves instantly.

🔥 Example: Trading Bitcoin ETFs Using Token Metrics

Let’s say you want to trade the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF in July 2025. Here’s how Token Metrics can help:

  • AI signaled bullish BTC trend on June 28
  • Price surged from $106,000 to $118,000
  • ETF inflows increase as institutional demand grows
  • You receive a buy alert from Token Metrics
  • You enter the ETF early and ride the momentum

This combination of real-time AI alerts + institutional trend analysis gives you a significant advantage over traditional investors.

🧭 Final Thoughts

ETF trading has changed the game for investors. Whether you're looking to diversify your portfolio, gain exposure to crypto, or automate your trading strategy—ETFs provide a flexible, affordable, and efficient solution.

And in 2025, combining ETF trading with Token Metrics' AI-powered platform is one of the smartest ways to stay ahead.

With features like real-time signals, crypto ETF tracking, price predictions, and custom alerts, Token Metrics transforms how you approach modern ETF markets.

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Crypto Basics

Top 10 Crypto Venture Capital Funds for Investment in July 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Crypto venture capital (VC) is evolving rapidly, driving innovation across Web3, blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, AI, and tokenized assets. As the crypto market matures, venture capital firms that identify and back high-potential projects are shaping the future of finance and technology.

In 2025, savvy investors and founders alike are turning to leading crypto VC funds for capital, connections, and credibility. These firms are not just investors—they’re ecosystem builders.

Here are the 10 best crypto venture capital funds to watch and invest alongside in 2025, whether you’re a retail investor following their portfolio, a founder raising capital, or an institutional player tracking Web3 trends.

1. Token Metrics Ventures

Overview:
Token Metrics Ventures (TMV) stands at the intersection of AI-powered analytics and high-conviction early-stage investing. Leveraging proprietary on-chain data, predictive AI models, and investor-grade metrics, TMV identifies moonshot crypto projects long before they trend.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • TMV leverages data from the Token Metrics Research and Trading Platform, giving it an unparalleled edge in scouting high-alpha investments.
  • Backed successful early-stage tokens in DePIN, AI, and L2 rollup ecosystems.
  • Offers public transparency into portfolio performance through the Token Metrics Index.

Notable Investments:
Our notable investments are, Pixels, Vana, Andrena, Peaq, My Pet Hooligans, 0G Labs and Nillion. You can also add a link to our portfolio page.

Edge:
AI-first investing methodology that rivals traditional research firms, giving TMV a futuristic edge in discovering breakout assets before the herd.

2. Digital Currency Group (DCG)

Overview:
Founded in 2015, DCG is one of the earliest and most influential crypto-focused venture capital firms. DCG is the parent company of Grayscale, Foundry, and formerly CoinDesk.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Despite facing challenges in 2023–2024, DCG has restructured and returned with a sharper focus on Layer 2s, RWA tokenization, and institutional-grade infrastructure.
  • Its strategic relationship with Grayscale offers unique exposure to regulated crypto products.

Notable Investments:
Chainalysis, Circle, Fireblocks, and Coinbase (pre-IPO).

Edge:
Massive institutional network and historical pedigree as an early mover.

3. Multicoin Capital

Overview:
Multicoin Capital is a research-driven crypto VC fund focused on long-term bets in token economies, especially around smart contract platforms and DeFi.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Multicoin doubled down on Solana ecosystem plays and modular blockchain infrastructure in 2024–2025.
  • Actively invests in open-source middleware, oracle systems, and AI x crypto crossovers.

Notable Investments:
Solana, Helium, Render, and LayerZero.

Edge:
Deep thesis development, frequent publication of detailed investment memos, and contrarian bets that often pay off big.

4. Distributed Global

Overview:
Distributed Global focuses on building out foundational blockchain infrastructure, including scalability, privacy, and cross-chain interoperability.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Quietly involved in powering modular ecosystems like Celestia, EigenLayer, and Appchains.
  • Maintains a strong technical team with deep protocol-level insight.

Notable Investments:
StarkWare, zkSync, and Arweave.

Edge:
Strong technical due diligence and early backing of scalable blockchain solutions.

5. Dragonfly Capital

Overview:
Dragonfly Capital is a global venture capital firm that bridges crypto ecosystems between the U.S., Asia, and Europe.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Strong focus on liquidity provisioning, trading infrastructure, and multi-chain development.
  • Strong ties with centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.

Notable Investments:
1inch, Amber Group, MakerDAO, and NEAR Protocol.

Edge:
Cross-border insight and the ability to scale projects globally across diverse regulatory landscapes.

6. YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs)

Overview:
YZi Labs emerged in 2025 following the spinout and rebranding of Binance Labs. It retains the same DNA: a hyperactive investor in seed-stage Web3 startups with a strategic exchange distribution edge.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Despite regulatory shake-ups, YZi Labs has doubled down on AI x Web3, GameFi, and Real World Assets (RWA).
  • Still benefits from exchange-native insight and product-market fit validation via Binance listings.

Notable Investments:
DODO, Dune Analytics, Trust Wallet, and numerous Binance Launchpad tokens.

Edge:
Massive retail distribution power and exchange insights few others can replicate.

7. Coinbase Ventures

Overview:
Coinbase Ventures is the venture capital arm of Coinbase, one of the world’s largest and most regulated crypto exchanges.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Continues to back strategic ecosystem plays that align with Coinbase’s product roadmap and regulatory direction.
  • Focuses on identity, compliance tooling, and tokenized securities.

Notable Investments:
OpenSea, Compound, Alchemy, and BlockFi.

Edge:
Strong synergy with Coinbase product launches and listing potential for portfolio companies.

8. NGC Ventures

Overview:
NGC (Neo Global Capital) Ventures is a globally recognized fund based in Asia with a strong track record in infrastructure and protocol-level investments.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Focus on Asia-Pacific blockchain adoption trends.
  • Strong interest in DePIN, AI-powered consensus models, and zero-knowledge cryptography.

Notable Investments:
Algorand, Oasis, and Thorchain.

Edge:
Access to emerging Asian markets and strong strategic partnerships with local governments and enterprises.

9. The Spartan Group

Overview:
The Spartan Group is an Asia-based crypto VC and advisory firm, known for high-conviction investments in DeFi and Layer 1 ecosystems.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Expanded its portfolio into permissionless AI tools, modular consensus, and tokenized derivatives.
  • Maintains a boutique, high-touch approach to investments.

Notable Investments:
dYdX, Aave, Terra (before the collapse), and Pendle.

Edge:
Highly thesis-driven and nimble with an elite advisory network.

10. Polychain Capital

Overview:
Founded by Olaf Carlson-Wee, Polychain Capital is one of the largest crypto-native VC funds and remains a powerful force in the space.

Why It’s Hot in 2025:

  • Polychain continues to double down on privacy-preserving tech, zk rollups, and cross-chain solutions.
  • Early investor in bleeding-edge projects in cryptography, AI, and DAOs.

Notable Investments:
Filecoin, Avalanche, Tezos, and Compound.

Edge:
Massive AUM, strong LP network, and deep conviction in crypto’s long-term vision.

Conclusion: How to Leverage These Funds as an Investor

You don’t need to be a millionaire LP to benefit from the research and capital allocation of top crypto venture funds. Here’s how:

  • Track their portfolio: Use tools like Token Metrics, CryptoRank, and Messari to follow what these VCs are investing in.
  • Mirror their trades: Look for public tokens in their portfolios and evaluate entry points.
  • Join their ecosystems: Many funds support incubators and hackathons—ideal for developers and builders.

In 2025, VCs will be the kingmakers of crypto. By following their moves, retail investors can gain a massive edge in identifying the next moonshot projects before they explode.

Announcements

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.

That's exactly why Token Metrics built Moonshots — your 24/7 AI researcher that identifies high-potential crypto opportunities using advanced token metrics analysis.

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:

  • Token metrics including volume, volatility, and market cap
  • 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

The result? A curated daily feed of crypto moonshots that are actually moving, backed by comprehensive Token Metrics analysis.

Why Moonshots Outperforms Traditional Crypto Analysis

1. AI-Powered Accuracy with 65% Win Rate

Moonshots aren't based on hype or guesswork. Our AI system maintains a 65% historical win rate by analyzing:

  • Volume and volatility patterns
  • Token metrics fundamentals
  • Cross-platform sentiment analysis
  • On-chain activity indicators
  • Technical breakout signals

2. One-Click Trading Integration

Found a promising crypto moonshot? Execute trades instantly with integrated one-click trading. No platform switching, no missed opportunities — just seamless execution when altcoin moonshots and meme coin moonshots are ready to move.

3. Real-Time Moonshot Alerts

Never miss another 10x opportunity. Moonshots delivers real-time alerts the moment new crypto moonshots are identified, ensuring you're always first to capitalize on emerging token metrics opportunities.

The Moonshot Advantage: Turning $1,000 Into $20,000+

Our internal backtesting shows that compounding $1,000 using daily Moonshots picks with proper risk management could potentially grow to $30,000 in a year. This demonstrates the power of AI-vetted crypto moonshots over random trading.

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
  • Investors hunting altcoin moonshots before mainstream discovery
  • Busy professionals who can't monitor markets 24/7
  • Crypto newcomers wanting expert guidance on meme coin moonshots
  • Experienced traders looking to enhance their token metrics analysis

Why Token Metrics Leads Crypto Analytics

Token Metrics isn't just another analytics platform. We've built a comprehensive ecosystem combining:

  • Institutional-grade AI for token metrics analysis
  • Crypto-native research focused on moonshots
  • Real-time trading tools for immediate execution
  • Simplified user experience for all skill levels

Our Ratings, Grades, Indices, and Moonshots all serve one mission: help you profit from crypto moonshots with less effort and better results.

Your AI Edge for the Next Crypto Bull Run

Everyone wants to catch the next 100x crypto moonshot, but most traders lack the tools to spot altcoin moonshots and meme coin moonshots early. Token Metrics Moonshots gives you that critical edge.

Backed by AI with proven token metrics analysis
Tested by data with 65% historical win rate
Delivered daily with real-time alerts
Integrated trading for instant execution

The next time a token moons, ask yourself: "Did I see this coming, or did I miss it again?"

With Token Metrics Moonshots, you'll be early — every time.

Start Finding Crypto Moonshots Today

Moonshots is LIVE! Your first curated crypto moonshots picks are already waiting, complete with comprehensive token metrics analysis.

Ready to discover the next altcoin moonshots and meme coin moonshots before they explode?

👉 Click here to unlock Moonshots

Start trading smarter with AI-powered token metrics analysis. Let your AI researcher find the next crypto moonshot while you sleep.

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:

  • AI-powered ratings based on technical, on-chain, and fundamental data
  • Real-time moonshot detection with transparent performance tracking
  • Seamless trading integration for quick entries
  • Past Moonshot ROI tracking to evaluate model accuracy
  • 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:

✅ 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.

✅ 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.

✅ 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.

✅ 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.

So if you're serious about building wealth in the next bull run, don’t just follow the herd—get ahead of it.

🚀 Start your 7-day free trial at and unlock real-time access to Moonshots.

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