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Stop Guessing, Start Trading: The Token Metrics API Advantage

Announcements

Big news: We’re cranking up the heat on AI-driven crypto analytics with the launch of the Token Metrics API and our official SDK (Software Development Kit). This isn’t just an upgrade – it's a quantum leap, giving traders, hedge funds, developers, and institutions direct access to cutting-edge market intelligence, trading signals, and predictive analytics.

Crypto markets move fast, and having real-time, AI-powered insights can be the difference between catching the next big trend or getting left behind. Until now, traders and quants have been wrestling with scattered data, delayed reporting, and a lack of truly predictive analytics. Not anymore.

The Token Metrics API delivers 32+ high-performance endpoints packed with powerful AI-driven insights right into your lap, including:

  • Trading Signals: AI-driven buy/sell recommendations based on real-time market conditions.
  • Investor & Trader Grades: Our proprietary risk-adjusted scoring for assessing crypto assets.
  • Price Predictions: Machine learning-powered forecasts for multiple time frames.
  • Sentiment Analysis: Aggregated insights from social media, news, and market data.
  • Market Indicators: Advanced metrics, including correlation analysis, volatility trends, and macro-level market insights.

Getting started with the Token Metrics API is simple:

  1. Sign up at www.tokenmetrics.com/api
  2. Generate an API key and explore sample requests.
  3. Choose a tier–start with 50 free API calls/month, or stake TMAI tokens for premium access.
  4. Optionally–download the SDK, install it for your preferred programming language, and follow the provided setup guide.

At Token Metrics, we believe data should be decentralized, predictive, and actionable. 

The Token Metrics API & SDK bring next-gen AI-powered crypto intelligence to anyone looking to trade smarter, build better, and stay ahead of the curve. With our official SDK, developers can plug these insights into their own trading bots, dashboards, and research tools – no need to reinvent the wheel.

Research

How is Tokenization Used Outside of Finance? Real-World Applications in 2025

Token Metrics Team
9
MIN

When most people hear the term tokenization, their minds often jump straight to cryptocurrencies and financial assets. However, the benefits of tokenization—such as increased liquidity, improved transparency, and greater efficiency—are now being realized across a wide range of industries. In 2025, tokenization has clearly evolved far beyond its financial roots, reshaping industries as diverse as healthcare, agriculture, supply chain management, and intellectual property, thanks to blockchain networks that provide the secure, decentralized infrastructure enabling this transformation. Understanding how is tokenization used outside of finance is becoming essential not only for investors but also for entrepreneurs and professionals navigating the ongoing digital transformation that is redefining how value is created, managed, and exchanged.

Beyond Finance: The Tokenization Revolution Expands

At its core, tokenization refers to the process of creating a digital representation of real-world assets as a digital token on a blockchain network. A digital token acts as a secure, tradable digital certificate of ownership or rights over assets. Each token represents a specific ownership right or unit of value in an asset, making transfers secure and verifiable. These assets can include financial instruments, physical goods, intangible assets, and other assets, highlighting the broad applicability of tokenization. While the market for tokenized assets—excluding stablecoins—has already reached about $25 billion by mid-2025, projections estimate this figure will soar to $2.08 trillion by the end of the year and an astonishing $13.55 trillion by 2030.

Crucially, the most exciting growth is not confined to traditional finance or financial institutions. As Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, aptly put it at the Token2049 conference, “Tokenization is like a freight train. It can’t be stopped, and eventually it’s going to eat the entire financial system.” Yet, this freight train is not stopping there—it is transforming every sector it touches by enabling increased liquidity, fractional ownership, enhanced transparency, and operational efficiency.

Healthcare: Transforming Medical Data and Research

The healthcare industry is one of the most promising sectors benefiting from asset tokenization. Tokenization enables healthcare providers to manage assets—both physical and digital—more efficiently by converting them into secure, tradeable digital tokens, simplifying ownership, transfer, and security processes. By leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, healthcare providers and researchers can address longstanding challenges related to data security, funding, and intellectual property management.

Medical Records and Data Security

Tokenizing medical records creates a secure, decentralized system for managing sensitive data. Unlike traditional centralized databases that are vulnerable to data breaches and unauthorized access, blockchain-based tokenized records give patients control over their data while allowing authorized healthcare professionals seamless and instant access. This enhanced data security reduces the risk of data breaches and fosters trust, improving patient care coordination without compromising privacy.

Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Pharmaceutical research has traditionally been dominated by large financial firms and venture capitalists, often limiting funding opportunities for innovative projects. Asset tokenization introduces new revenue streams by enabling researchers to raise capital through tokenized investment pools. This democratizes access to funding, accelerates research cycles, and allows smaller investors to participate in promising ventures. Moreover, intellectual property such as pharmaceutical patents and research outcomes can be tokenized, allowing creators to license or sell rights more efficiently. Smart contracts automate royalty payments, ensuring ongoing compensation to patent holders and enhancing transparency compared to conventional licensing agreements.

Medical Equipment and Asset Management

Hospitals and healthcare institutions are also using tokenization to manage high value assets like medical equipment. By tokenizing these assets, institutions can create fractional ownership or leasing arrangements, generating liquidity from otherwise illiquid equipment. Tokenization streamlines asset transfer, making it faster, more transparent, and cost-effective for hospitals and equipment providers by enhancing the traceability and efficiency of ownership changes. Token holders can earn returns from leasing fees, while hospitals benefit from flexible financing options and operational cost savings.

Supply Chain: Transparency from Origin to Consumer

Supply chains are complex and often opaque, making it difficult to verify authenticity, track provenance, and ensure efficiency. Tokenization offers a powerful solution by providing a transparent, immutable record of every step in the supply chain, and, when combined with blockchain technology, it can significantly facilitate faster and more transparent cross border transactions.

Product Authentication and Anti-Counterfeiting

Assigning digital tokens to products enables real-time tracking and verification of authenticity. For instance, the journey of precious metals or diamonds can be fully tokenized, creating a distributed ledger record that proves ethical sourcing and provenance. Luxury goods manufacturers are increasingly adopting this approach to combat counterfeiting, a problem that costs the industry billions annually.

Inventory Management and Trade Finance

Tokenizing inventory and goods in transit enhances transparency and facilitates more efficient trade finance. Platforms such as Centrifuge have pioneered tokenization initiatives that convert invoices and receivables into digital tokens, which financial institutions and asset managers can finance. By enabling instant settlement, tokenization reduces delays typically associated with traditional settlement processes and improves liquidity for businesses. This model transforms traditional invoice financing by reducing transaction costs, improving risk management, and increasing capital efficiency through transparent, decentralized processes.

Agriculture: Democratizing Farm Finance

Agriculture has historically faced challenges in accessing capital and managing risks associated with crop production. Tokenization is changing this by enabling innovative financing and risk management solutions. When tokenizing assets in the agricultural sector, it is crucial to consider legal considerations and regulatory compliance to ensure successful and sustainable implementation.

Crop and Harvest Tokenization

Farmers can now tokenize crops before harvest, offering fractional ownership to investors and unlocking new capital sources. Malaysia’s DatoDurian project, which completed its private sale in early 2025, exemplifies this trend by allowing retail investors to gain exposure to premium durian farms through tokenized assets. This approach provides farmers with upfront capital without resorting to predatory lending and offers investors opportunities to participate in agricultural yields previously inaccessible. Additionally, smart contracts enable automated crop insurance payouts based on verified data such as weather conditions, streamlining risk management and reducing bureaucracy.

Commodity Trading Platforms

Tokenizing commodities like gold, agricultural products, and other raw materials increases liquidity and transparency in global markets. By leveraging blockchain technology, tokenization leads to lower costs for trading and managing commodities, as it reduces expenses related to traditional asset transfers and administrative processes. Fractional ownership through digital tokens allows smaller investors to access these asset classes, improving price discovery and overall market efficiency.

Art and Collectibles: Fractional Ownership for All

The art market has traditionally been exclusive and opaque, limiting access to high-value assets. Tokenization is democratizing this space by enabling fractional ownership and transparent royalty management.

Democratizing Fine Art Investment

High-value artworks can be divided into tokenized shares, allowing multiple investors to own fractions of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Picasso or Warhol. This fractional ownership not only broadens access to blue-chip art investments but also creates liquidity in a historically illiquid market. Platforms specializing in luxury asset tokenization have reported liquidity increases of up to 300% after listing artworks as digital tokens.

Artist Royalties and Intellectual Property

Artists can tokenize their intellectual property rights, including copyrights and future revenue streams. Smart contracts embedded in digital tokens automate royalty payments each time an artwork is resold, a significant improvement over traditional models where artists rarely benefit from secondary sales. The intellectual property tokenization sector is growing rapidly, offering investors uncorrelated, revenue-backed opportunities.

Sports, Entertainment, and Gaming

Tokenization is revolutionizing fan engagement and digital ownership in sports, entertainment, and gaming industries, creating new business models and revenue streams.

Fan Tokens and Team Ownership

Fans can purchase digital tokens representing fractional ownership or voting rights in their favorite sports teams or entertainment projects. These tokens often grant holders influence over team decisions, merchandise designs, or concert setlists, fostering deeper engagement and providing teams and artists with alternative funding sources.

Gaming Assets and Play-to-Earn

In-game items, characters, and entire ecosystems can be tokenized, allowing players true ownership of digital assets transferable across platforms. Play-to-earn models reward gamers with digital tokens that have real-world value, transforming gaming into a source of income and expanding the utility of digital wallets.

Education and Research Funding

Tokenization is also impacting education by enabling decentralized funding of scholarships, research grants, and educational programs. This approach enhances transparency and efficiency in allocating resources, while allowing investors and philanthropists to support causes aligned with their values and potentially earn returns from successful research outcomes.

Token Metrics: Your Intelligence Hub for the Tokenization Economy

As tokenization broadens to encompass real estate, agriculture, healthcare, art, and many other sectors, investors require sophisticated tools to navigate this growing market. Token Metrics, a leading crypto trading and analytics platform, offers comprehensive intelligence to evaluate tokenization initiatives across asset classes.

Discover Crypto Gems with Token Metrics AI

Token Metrics uses AI-powered analysis to help you uncover profitable opportunities in the crypto market. Get Started For Free

The Future: Tokenization Everywhere

The expansion of tokenization beyond finance signifies a fundamental shift in how assets are represented, transferred, and monetized. Digital assets are at the core of this transformation, enabling new ways to create, trade, and regulate value across markets. By creating digital tokens that represent ownership or rights over real world assets, industries are experiencing:

  • Increased liquidity in markets traditionally characterized by illiquid assets
  • Fractional ownership that democratizes access to high-value assets like real estate, fine art, and precious metals
  • Enhanced transparency that reduces fraud and improves trust through distributed ledger technology
  • Operational efficiency by automating complex transactions and corporate actions via smart contracts
  • Broader access to global investors by breaking down geographic and regulatory barriers

Tokenization is also revolutionizing financial products such as mutual funds, private equity, money market funds, tokenized money market funds, and security tokens, making these digital assets more accessible and efficient. By converting both physical and digital assets into secure, tradeable digital representations, tokenization enables businesses and individuals to better manage assets, streamline transactions, and reduce reliance on traditional intermediaries.

Regulatory frameworks are evolving worldwide to accommodate these innovations, with jurisdictions such as Singapore, Dubai, and the European Union establishing clear guidelines for asset tokenization. As legal experts and financial firms collaborate to address security risks, legal considerations, and regulatory compliance, tokenization is poised to accelerate across asset classes and industries.

Positioning for the Tokenized Economy

To thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape, stakeholders must:

  • Commit to continuous education about emerging tokenization use cases and platforms.
  • Utilize sophisticated analytics, such as those provided by Token Metrics, to evaluate diverse opportunities.
  • Diversify exposure across multiple tokenized asset classes, including traditional assets and intangible assets.
  • Stay informed about evolving regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
  • Conduct thorough due diligence on platforms to ensure security, operational cost savings, and seamless integration.

The tokenization revolution is no longer confined to financial services—it is reshaping business processes, capital markets, and asset ownership globally. With tokenized assets projected to reach trillions of dollars in value over the next decade, understanding how is tokenization used outside of finance is essential for anyone aiming to participate in the future economy.

Ready to navigate the future of tokenization? Visit tokenmetrics.com to access the research, analytics, and insights you need to capitalize on opportunities across the expanding tokenization landscape.

Research

What is the Risk of Using Centralized Exchanges? A 2025 Security Analysis

Token Metrics Team
14
MIN

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges serve as the primary gateway to digital assets for millions of investors worldwide. As of 2025, there are over 560 million cryptocurrency owners globally, and the vast majority rely on centralized exchanges to buy, sell, and trade their crypto assets. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, high liquidity, and the convenience of fiat currency integration, making them essential hubs in the crypto space. A centralized crypto exchange acts as an intermediary, facilitating cryptocurrency trading, liquidity, and compliance between buyers and sellers. More broadly, a crypto exchange is any platform that enables the trading of digital assets, with most users depending on centralized versions for their trading needs. However, the question remains: what is the risk of using centralized exchanges? With over $2.47 billion stolen from cryptocurrency services in just the first half of 2025—already surpassing total losses from 2024—the risks are significant and demand careful attention from every crypto participant.

Introduction to Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEXs) are the backbone of the digital asset marketplace, serving as the primary venues where users can buy, sell, and trade digital assets. Unlike decentralized platforms, centralized exchanges typically operate under the management of a single company or organization, which oversees all trading operations and user accounts. These platforms act as trusted intermediaries, matching buyers and sellers, executing trades, and ensuring that transactions are processed efficiently and securely.

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges have become essential for both new and experienced traders, offering a streamlined and user-friendly environment for cryptocurrency trading. By providing access to a wide range of digital assets and advanced trading features, centralized exchanges make it easy for users to participate in the crypto market. Their centralized control allows for faster transaction processing, customer support, and the implementation of robust security protocols, making them the go-to choice for those looking to trade digital assets with confidence.

The Custodial Risk: Your Keys, Their Control

At the core of the risks associated with centralized cryptocurrency exchanges lies their custodial model. When users deposit funds on these platforms, they hand over control of their private keys to the exchange. This means that the exchange, not the user, holds the cryptographic keys that grant access to the digital assets. The popular phrase “not your keys, not your coins” encapsulates this fundamental limitation.

Centralized exchanges typically operate by managing user assets on their behalf, creating a single point of failure. Unlike traditional banks, cryptocurrency holdings on these platforms are not insured by government agencies such as the FDIC. Consequently, if an exchange faces insolvency, suffers a security breach, or engages in mismanagement, users risk losing their entire holdings without any guaranteed recovery. Because centralized exchanges use a custodial model, they have direct control over users’ funds, which increases the risk of loss in the event of insolvency or security incidents.

The collapse of FTX in 2022 illustrated the catastrophic consequences of custodial risk on an unprecedented scale. But it was far from an isolated case; throughout crypto history, numerous centralized platforms have failed, resulting in billions of dollars in lost user funds. This custodial risk remains the single most significant danger of relying on centralized platforms for cryptocurrency trading and storage.

Security Breaches: An Escalating Threat

Security breaches continue to escalate both in frequency and sophistication, posing a grave threat to centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. These platforms face a wide range of security threats, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, hacking risks, and custodial risks associated with centralized control over private keys. The year 2025 has been particularly alarming. The Bybit breach in February 2025 marked the largest single theft in crypto history, with hackers stealing $1.4 billion worth of Ethereum within minutes. This single event accounts for approximately 69% of all stolen funds from crypto services in the first half of the year.

Other major incidents followed. In July 2025, CoinDCX, one of India’s largest centralized crypto exchanges, suffered a $44.2 million breach linked to compromised employee credentials. That same month, WOO X lost $14 million due to a sophisticated phishing attack targeting a team member’s device. August alone saw 16 major exploits causing losses totaling $163 million, a 15% increase from the previous month.

Since 2012, over $3.45 billion has been lost across more than 48 major exchange hacks. The leading cause remains unauthorized access to hot wallets, which accounts for nearly 30% of losses. Other vulnerabilities include compromised systems and servers, insider threats, and protocol weaknesses.

North Korean state-sponsored hackers have emerged as particularly prolific threat actors, responsible for stealing over $2 billion in cryptocurrency by October 2025—nearly triple their 2024 total. These attacks often leverage advanced social engineering tactics, including infiltrating crypto exchanges through compromised IT personnel.

Even large, well-funded platforms with robust security measures are not immune. For example, Coinbase experienced a cyberattack in May 2025 that exposed customer information, underscoring the persistent security vulnerabilities facing centralized exchanges. Enhancing security measures within centralized exchanges is crucial to mitigate these ongoing threats, protect user assets, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Insider Threats and Operational Failures

Not all risks arise from external attackers. Insider threats have become an increasing concern for centralized exchanges. In 2025, poor internal access controls contributed to unauthorized employee access in 11% of exchange hacks. Weak API security was implicated in 27% of breaches, allowing attackers to bypass authentication protocols.

Incidents like the BtcTurk breach in August 2025 and the earlier CoinDCX hack involved insider access either through credential compromise or malicious intent. These cases highlight the importance of robust human resource practices, strict internal security controls, and regular security audits to mitigate insider threats.

Operational failures compound these risks. System outages, software bugs, and maintenance downtimes can prevent users from accessing their accounts or from being able to execute trades during critical market moments. The inability to execute trades at the right time can result in missed opportunities or losses, especially when market timing is essential. During periods of high volatility, centralized exchanges may also face liquidity constraints, leading to increased trading fees and delays precisely when reliable access is most needed.

Regulatory and Compliance Risks

Such regulatory scrutiny adds uncertainty and operational challenges for users of centralized platforms, potentially exposing them to financial risk beyond market volatility. Regulatory risks, including sudden changes in legal requirements and compliance mandates, can disrupt user access and platform operations.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

Centralized exchanges collect and store vast amounts of user data, including identity documents and transaction histories, to comply with regulatory requirements. This concentration of sensitive information makes these platforms attractive targets not only for financial theft but also for identity theft and surveillance.

In 2025, unencrypted user data accounted for 17% of crypto data breaches, exposing users to identity theft and significant financial losses. Outdated security practices, such as reliance on SMS-based two-factor authentication, contributed to a 32% rise in account takeovers. To address these risks, exchanges must implement security best practices to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.

Moreover, centralized exchanges may share user data with governments and regulatory bodies, potentially exposing transaction patterns and holdings. For users who value financial privacy, this represents a fundamental compromise of cryptocurrency’s original promise of anonymity and financial freedom.

Fiat Currency and Payment Gateways: Bridging Two Worlds

A major advantage of centralized cryptocurrency exchanges is their ability to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the crypto world. These platforms support fiat currency transactions, allowing users to deposit and withdraw government-issued money such as US dollars, euros, or yen. Through integrated payment gateways, centralized exchanges connect seamlessly with banks and other financial institutions, making it easy for users to fund their accounts and start trading digital assets.

This fiat currency support is a key factor in attracting a broader audience, including those new to cryptocurrency trading. By enabling direct purchases of digital assets with fiat currencies, centralized exchanges lower the barrier to entry and simplify the onboarding process. However, this convenience comes with added responsibilities. To comply with anti money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations, centralized cryptocurrency exchanges must verify user identities and monitor transactions, ensuring that their platforms remain secure and compliant with global financial standards.

Margin Trading and Leverage: Amplified Risks

Many centralized cryptocurrency exchanges offer margin trading, a feature that allows users to borrow funds and trade with leverage. This means traders can open larger positions than their account balance would normally permit, potentially increasing their profits if the market moves in their favor. However, margin trading also magnifies the risks—if the market turns against the trader, losses can quickly exceed the initial investment, leading to significant financial losses.

To protect user funds and maintain platform integrity, centralized exchanges that support margin trading must implement robust security measures and risk management protocols. This includes real-time monitoring of trading activity, automatic liquidation mechanisms, and strict collateral requirements. Despite these safeguards, operational failures or sudden market volatility can still result in rapid losses for users. As such, anyone considering margin trading on a centralized cryptocurrency exchange should fully understand the risks involved and use leverage cautiously.

Staking and Lending: New Frontiers, New Vulnerabilities

Centralized exchanges are continually evolving, now offering innovative services like staking and lending to meet growing market demand. Staking allows users to earn rewards by participating in the validation of blockchain transactions, while lending enables users to earn interest by providing their digital assets to others through the platform. These features make it easier for users to generate passive income without leaving the exchange.

However, staking and lending introduce new vulnerabilities to centralized exchanges. The use of smart contracts to automate these processes can expose user funds to potential exploits or bugs. Additionally, the centralized management of these services means that users must trust the exchange to implement enhanced security measures, such as regular security audits and comprehensive identity verification protocols. By prioritizing these security practices, centralized exchanges can help protect user funds and maintain trust as they expand into these new frontiers.

Geographical Restrictions and Supported Cryptocurrencies

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges often face regulatory requirements that compel them to impose geographical restrictions on their services. Depending on local laws and regulations, users in certain countries may find themselves unable to access specific features, trade certain digital assets, or even create accounts on some platforms. Additionally, each exchange decides which cryptocurrencies to support, which can limit the trading options available to users.

To navigate these limitations, users should carefully review the terms and conditions of any centralized cryptocurrency exchange they consider using, as well as stay informed about the regulatory environment in their jurisdiction. Understanding these restrictions is crucial for managing digital assets effectively and avoiding unexpected service interruptions. In contrast, decentralized platforms offer a more open and accessible alternative, allowing users to trade digital assets globally without the need for intermediaries or geographical constraints.

Dependency and Limited Control

Using centralized exchanges inherently means accepting limited user control over one’s own assets. These platforms impose withdrawal limits, transaction restrictions, and delays that can restrict access to funds at critical times. Centralized exchanges may also impose restrictions on withdrawals or transfers, especially during periods of high demand or regulatory scrutiny. During market stress or liquidity shortages, such controls often tighten, leaving users locked out when they most need access.

Additionally, centralized control of trading operations creates opportunities for market manipulation. Since exchanges manage order books and matching engines, they can engage in practices like front-running or wash trading, which disadvantage ordinary users. Such platforms also have the potential for operational controls and manipulation. Service availability depends entirely on the exchange’s infrastructure and operational stability. Technical issues or deliberate manipulation can result in outages, preventing users from executing trades or withdrawing funds during volatile market conditions.

The Critical Role of Analytics in Risk Management

Given the inherent risks of centralized exchanges, sophisticated analytics and monitoring are essential tools for users seeking to protect their investments. Platforms like Token Metrics, an AI-powered crypto trading and analytics service, provide crucial intelligence for navigating these challenges.

While no platform can eliminate exchange risks entirely, Token Metrics offers real-time market intelligence and risk monitoring that help users identify potential problems before they escalate. It is important to choose a reliable platform with established infrastructure and robust security measures to ensure a smooth and secure trading experience.

Its AI-driven analysis tracks exchange reliability, monitors security incidents, and issues early warnings when platforms show signs of distress. For active traders, Token Metrics provides automated trading bots and customizable alerts to execute exit strategies if risk indicators reach concerning levels. This automation is invaluable during periods of market stress when exchange outages or rapid withdrawals become necessary.

Comprehensive portfolio management tools enable users to track holdings across multiple exchanges, reducing custodial risk by diversifying exposure. Since launching integrated trading capabilities in March 2025, Token Metrics offers an end-to-end solution that minimizes time funds spend on exchanges. The platform’s sentiment analysis tools monitor social media and news for early indicators of exchange problems, providing users with an information advantage critical for protecting their assets.

Mitigation Strategies: Reducing Your Exposure

While the risks of centralized exchanges are substantial, users can take proactive steps to mitigate them:

  • Minimize Exchange Balances: Keep only the funds necessary for immediate trading on exchanges. Store larger holdings in personal wallets where you control the private keys, such as hardware wallets.
  • Diversify Exchange Usage: Avoid concentrating all assets on a single platform. Spreading funds across multiple reputable exchanges limits single points of failure.
  • Enable Maximum Security: Use hardware security keys for two-factor authentication instead of vulnerable SMS methods. Activate withdrawal whitelists and all available security features.
  • Research Exchange Reputation: Evaluate security records, insurance policies, proof-of-reserves disclosures, and regulatory compliance before depositing significant funds.
  • Monitor Continuously: Stay informed about security incidents and operational issues. Analytical platforms like Token Metrics provide essential ongoing monitoring.
  • Plan Exit Strategies: Establish thresholds for withdrawing funds if an exchange exhibits unusual withdrawal delays, suspicious activity, or regulatory problems.
  • Separate Trading from Storage: Use centralized exchanges primarily for trading and liquidity access. Rely on cold storage solutions for long-term asset custody. Consider decentralized alternatives, which empower users to retain control over their private keys and reduce reliance on centralized platforms.

The Ethereum Exodus: A Telling Trend

A clear indicator of growing risk awareness is the dramatic reduction of cryptocurrency held on centralized exchanges. As of March 2025, the amount of Ethereum on centralized platforms dropped to historic lows not seen since November 2015, with only 8.97 million ETH remaining.

This migration away from exchange custody reflects investors’ increasing preference to transfer reserves into private wallets or cold storage solutions. It highlights a market-wide recognition that, despite their convenience, centralized exchanges carry unacceptable long-term storage risks.

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and decentralized systems have emerged as alternatives to centralized custody, empowering users with self-custody and direct control over their private keys. Unlike centralized platforms, decentralized exchanges operate without a central authority, relying on blockchain smart contracts to facilitate peer-to-peer trading. These decentralized systems enhance security and ownership by reducing reliance on third parties. Additionally, decentralized exchanges often utilize liquidity pools to provide trading liquidity and enable seamless peer-to-peer transactions, further supporting a permissionless and transparent trading environment.

The Verdict: Convenience vs. Control

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges offer undeniable benefits: user-friendly interfaces, high liquidity, fiat currency on-ramps, customer support, and advanced trading features like margin trading. These advantages make them indispensable infrastructure for cryptocurrency adoption and accessibility. Centralized crypto exchange development has focused on providing high trading volume, accurate market prices, and features that attract professional traders. High trading volumes and robust infrastructure are key factors for professional traders seeking efficient execution.

However, the risks are equally undeniable. Frequent security breaches, custodial vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, privacy concerns, and limited user control expose users to significant financial and operational risks. In contrast, decentralized exchanges rely on smart contracts, and writing smart contracts is a critical skill for developers building these alternatives.

The answer to what is the risk of using centralized exchanges is not to avoid them entirely but to approach their use with clear-eyed awareness. Use centralized exchanges for their strengths—trading, liquidity, and market access—but recognize the inherent custodial risk of entrusting third parties with your crypto assets.

Leveraging analytical platforms such as Token Metrics, minimizing exchange exposure, diversifying across platforms, and employing robust security practices are essential strategies for navigating this landscape safely.

In 2025, as threats escalate and losses mount, understanding and managing the tension between convenience and control is the price of participation in today’s crypto markets. Only through informed risk mitigation can users fully harness the benefits of centralized exchanges while protecting their valuable cryptocurrency assets.

Research

What Are NFTs and Why Are They Valuable? Complete 2025 Guide

Token Metrics Team
11
MIN

Non-fungible tokens, commonly known as NFTs (NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token), have evolved from a niche curiosity into a massive market that is revolutionizing digital ownership, art, gaming, and entertainment. The idea behind NFTs is to create digital tokens that represent ownership and are secured through blockchain technology, establishing unique, verifiable digital assets that can range from art to ownership rights. As the global NFT market reached an impressive $48.74 billion in 2025 and is projected to explode to $703.47 billion by 2034, understanding what are NFTs and why are they valuable has become essential knowledge for investors, creators, and anyone interested in the future of the digital economy.

Understanding Non-Fungible Tokens

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain that represents ownership or proof of authenticity for a specific item, whether digital or physical. The term “non-fungible” distinguishes these tokens from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible—meaning each unit is identical and interchangeable with another. In contrast, an NFT is one of a kind and cannot be directly exchanged on a like-for-like basis.

To better grasp fungibility, consider that a dollar bill is fungible because any dollar can replace another with identical value. A fungible asset, such as money or cryptocurrency, can be exchanged interchangeably without any loss of value, while non-fungible assets—like NFTs or concert tickets—are unique and not interchangeable. However, a famous painting, such as the Mona Lisa, is non-fungible because it is unique and cannot be replaced by another painting, even by the same artist. NFTs bring this concept of unique, verifiable ownership to the digital realm through blockchain technology.

NFTs are stored on a blockchain, which ensures the authenticity and provenance of each asset. Here’s how NFTs work: the process begins with minting, where a digital file is turned into an NFT on the blockchain. Blockchain validation and smart contracts are used to confirm ownership, manage transfers, and enforce royalties, making each NFT a secure and verifiable digital certificate.

When you purchase an NFT, you acquire a digital certificate of ownership recorded on a blockchain—typically Ethereum, although other blockchain networks like Solana, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain also host NFTs. The Ethereum Request for Comments (ERC-721) standard defines how NFT ownership is transferred and transactions are confirmed on the Ethereum blockchain. This blockchain record provides immutable proof that you own a specific digital asset, even though copies of the underlying digital file may exist elsewhere. The blockchain acts as a permanent and transparent digital ledger showing ownership history and transaction records, making these unique digital assets verifiable and secure. Each NFT is assigned a unique identifier, which distinguishes it from all other tokens and allows for precise tracking and management of ownership.

When you purchase an NFT, you are acquiring digital tokens that serve as certificates of ownership for digital or physical assets, enabling decentralized copyright and licensing scenarios.

The Core Components of NFT Value

Understanding why NFTs hold value requires examining several fundamental factors that distinguish them from simple digital files.

First and foremost is provenance and authenticity. Before NFTs, digital art and collectibles faced a fundamental problem: perfect copies were indistinguishable from originals. NFTs solve this by providing verifiable proof of authenticity through blockchain records, which securely store ownership information on the blockchain. NFTs have had a significant impact on the art world, enabling artists and collectors to monetize digital art, establish ownership, and navigate intellectual property rights in the context of digital assets and collectibles. For example, when artist Beeple sold his digital artwork “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” at Christie’s auction house for $69 million in 2021, buyers weren’t just purchasing an image file—they were acquiring authenticated ownership of a historically significant artwork with documented provenance.

Another key factor is scarcity and uniqueness. While anyone can screenshot or download a digital image, only one person or entity can own the verified NFT that represents that asset. An NFT represents a unique digital item or ownership claim, serving as a digital certificate of authenticity. Many NFT collections intentionally limit supply—the Bored Ape Yacht Club, for instance, consists of exactly 10,000 unique digital apes, with scarcity enforced through smart contracts. This artificial scarcity, combined with demand, creates market value similar to limited edition physical collectibles. While the images associated with NFTs, such as CryptoPunks, EtherRocks, and Bored Apes, are often publicly accessible and easily copied, the NFT is what confers verified ownership and authenticity.

Ownership rights and utility extend value beyond mere bragging rights. Some NFTs grant holders intellectual property rights to the underlying asset, allowing commercial use of the digital content. Others provide access to exclusive communities, events, or services. In gaming, NFTs might represent in-game items, characters, or virtual real estate that provide utility within virtual worlds. These practical applications create tangible value beyond speculation.

An innovative feature of NFTs is creator royalties built into NFT smart contracts, which ensure artists receive a percentage of secondary sales automatically. This revolutionary mechanism allows creators to participate in the ongoing appreciation of their work—something impossible in traditional art markets where artists typically profit only from initial sales.

Major NFT Categories and Use Cases

The NFT ecosystem spans diverse applications, each creating value in different ways. Here are some examples of NFT categories, such as digital art, gaming assets, and collectibles.

  • Digital art: remains the most visible NFT category, with the art segment accounting for $11.16 billion in sales and dominating market share. NFTs democratize art ownership by enabling fractional ownership and creating liquid markets for digital artworks. Artists can reach global audiences without traditional gallery gatekeepers, while collectors can display their digital artwork in virtual galleries or through digital frames. Notable NFT collections, such as Bored Ape Yacht Club, have become highly sought after by collectors due to their exclusivity, community benefits, and potential for appreciation.
  • Gaming and metaverse assets: represent one of the fastest-growing NFT categories. Play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity, Decentraland, and The Sandbox use NFTs to represent in-game items, characters, virtual land, and accessories that players truly own and can trade on open markets. This gaming integration allows players to monetize their time and skill, earning real value from gameplay. The concept of digital ownership within virtual worlds has revolutionized gaming by enabling players to build wealth through gaming activities.
  • Collectibles: mirror traditional collecting behavior in digital form. NBA Top Shot offers NFT “moments”—video highlights of basketball plays—that fans collect and trade. Virtual trading cards, digital memorabilia, and limited edition collectibles attract enthusiasts who value rarity and cultural significance. These digital collectibles often appreciate based on their historical importance, rarity, and the reputation of associated brands or athletes.
  • Music and entertainment: NFTs enable artists to sell unique recordings, concert tickets, backstage passes, and exclusive content directly to fans. Musicians can tokenize albums or individual songs, creating new revenue streams and deeper fan engagement. Tokenized concert tickets combat counterfeiting while potentially generating ongoing royalties as tickets trade in secondary markets.
  • Virtual real estate: in metaverse platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox has sold for multi-million dollar sums, with some virtual land parcels fetching prices comparable to physical real estate. Owners can develop virtual land, host events, create experiences, or lease space to others. As virtual worlds gain users and cultural relevance, prime locations increase in value, mirroring physical real estate dynamics.

Creating and Building NFTs

Creating and building NFTs is where the worlds of digital art, technology, and innovation intersect. At its core, the process begins with an artist or creator designing a unique digital asset—this could be a digital painting, a video clip, or any form of digital artwork. What sets NFTs apart is that these digital assets are transformed into unique digital assets through blockchain technology.

To create an NFT, the artist uses a blockchain network—most commonly Ethereum—to mint a non fungible token. This process involves writing a smart contract that defines the NFT’s unique properties and links it to the specific digital asset. The NFT is then stored on a digital ledger, ensuring that the ownership and authenticity of the digital artwork are verifiable and tamper-proof.

For example, an artist might create a one of a kind digital painting and use a platform like OpenSea or Rarible to mint an NFT that represents ownership of that artwork. Once minted, the NFT can be sold to a collector, who then stores the token in their digital wallet. The blockchain record proves ownership and tracks the NFT’s history, making it easy to verify that the digital asset is authentic and unique.

This process of creating NFTs has opened up new opportunities for artists and creators, allowing them to monetize their work in the digital world and reach global audiences. Whether it’s a digital painting, a collectible video clip, or another form of digital content, NFTs provide a new form of ownership and value for digital assets.

Buying and Selling NFTs

The NFT market has become increasingly popular, with a wide array of platforms and marketplaces dedicated to buying and selling these unique digital assets. Collectors looking to purchase NFTs can explore marketplaces such as OpenSea, Rarible, and others, where digital trading cards, digital artwork, and other digital assets are listed by artists and creators from around the world.

To buy an NFT, a collector browses the marketplace, selects a unique digital asset—such as a digital trading card or a piece of digital art—and completes the purchase using cryptocurrency like Ethereum or Bitcoin. After the transaction, the NFT is transferred to the buyer’s digital wallet, ready for display or future trade.

Selling NFTs follows a similar process. Artists and creators can list their digital assets on NFT marketplaces, set prices, and reach a broad audience. The marketplace handles the transaction, ensuring proper transfer and recording on the blockchain.

NFTs in Real Life

NFTs are making an impact beyond the digital environment, bridging digital and physical assets. They can represent ownership of real estate, artwork, or luxury items. By storing ownership records on a blockchain, NFTs simplify buying, selling, and transferring physical assets securely and transparently.

For instance, a real estate developer might create an NFT representing ownership of a property. When sold, the new owner's rights are recorded on the blockchain, streamlining the transfer process. Artists can also use NFTs to represent physical artworks, like paintings or sculptures, providing verifiable proof of authenticity.

NFTs enable new business models, such as tokenized services, exclusive experiences, or digital tickets, linking the virtual with the tangible world. These applications are transforming how ownership and value are perceived both digitally and physically.

Why NFTs Hold Market Value

The rapid growth of NFTs—projected to reach over $700 billion by 2034—reflects several core drivers of value:

  • Digital Ownership Paradigm: NFTs establish a new form of digital property, allowing true ownership, transfer, and security, especially appealing to digital-native generations.
  • Social Signaling: Owning rare or prestigious NFTs acts as a status symbol within communities, with high-profile sales demonstrating their monetary and cultural significance.
  • Investment & Speculation: NFTs can appreciate in value, attracting investors seeking returns and creating markets for trading and portfolio diversification.
  • Brand Engagement: Companies leverage NFTs for marketing, loyalty programs, and exclusive commerce, enhancing brand loyalty and customer interaction.

As the NFT ecosystem evolves, data-driven analysis becomes essential for identifying valuable projects and avoiding scams. Token Metrics offers extensive NFT market analytics—tracking trading volumes, price trends, project fundamentals, and holder distribution across major platforms. Using AI-powered scoring, it helps distinguish promising projects from short-term hype, providing insights into team credibility, community strength, utility, and market momentum.

Market participants benefit from real-time alerts, facilitating timely decisions around price movements, major industry announcements, or project developments. Additionally, Token Metrics enables understanding of correlations between NFTs and broader crypto markets, such as ETH price influences, giving a holistic view for strategic positioning.

Security and Safety in the NFT Space

Security measures like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits protect user accounts and transaction integrity. Artists and collectors should also use practices like watermarks, rights management, and reputable platforms to minimize risks of theft, fraud, or counterfeit. Vigilance, research, and choosing trustworthy marketplaces are key to a safer NFT environment.

Challenges and Considerations

NFTs face hurdles such as high energy consumption on proof-of-work blockchains, regulatory uncertainties, market volatility, and scams involving fake projects or wash trading. Sustainability efforts and evolving legal frameworks aim to address these issues, but participants must exercise caution and perform due diligence to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

The Future of Digital Ownership

NFTs underpin a shift towards broader digital and physical asset tokenization, enabling use cases like fractional ownership, collateralization, and integration into the metaverse. As technology and regulation advance, NFTs are poised to become an integral part of digital commerce, legal systems, and daily life.

Conclusion

NFTs establish verifiable ownership, scarcity, and transferability for digital assets through blockchain technology. Their value arises from provenance, limited supply, utility, social signaling, and investment potential. With the market projected to grow significantly, understanding NFTs is essential for engaging with the evolving digital landscape. Navigating this space effectively requires robust data, market analysis tools, and strategic insight, which platforms like Token Metrics can provide to support informed decision-making in digital asset management.

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Crypto Basics

What Indicators Should I Use for Technical Crypto Analysis?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

If you’re serious about trading cryptocurrency, technical analysis (TA) is an essential skill. It helps you understand price movements, predict trends, and identify high-probability entry and exit points.

But with hundreds of technical indicators available, one common question is: “Which indicators should I use for technical analysis?”

In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective indicators for crypto trading, explain how they work, and show you how Token Metrics combines them with AI-driven insights to help you trade smarter.

Why Use Technical Indicators in Crypto?

Unlike traditional stocks, cryptocurrency markets trade 24/7, are more volatile, and are largely driven by sentiment and speculation.

Technical indicators help you:

  • Identify trends (bullish or bearish).

  • Pinpoint support and resistance levels.

  • Detect overbought or oversold conditions.

  • Find entry and exit points with better timing.

The key is not using one indicator in isolation but combining multiple tools for confirmation—which is exactly what Token Metrics does with its AI-driven trading signals.

The Most Important Indicators for Technical Analysis

Here are the must-know indicators for crypto traders:

1. Moving Averages (MA & EMA)

What they do:
Moving averages smooth out price data to help you identify overall market direction.

  • Simple Moving Average (SMA): Calculates the average closing price over a set period (e.g., 50-day, 200-day).

  • Exponential Moving Average (EMA): Gives more weight to recent prices, making it more responsive.

How to use them:

  • Golden Cross: When the 50-day MA crosses above the 200-day MA → bullish signal.

  • Death Cross: When the 50-day MA crosses below the 200-day MA → bearish signal.

Best for:
Spotting long-term trends and momentum.

2. Relative Strength Index (RSI)

What it does:
RSI measures price momentum and identifies overbought (70+) or oversold (30-) conditions.

How to use it:

  • Above 70: Asset may be overbought → possible pullback.

  • Below 30: Asset may be oversold → potential bounce.

Best for:
Finding reversal points and confirming trend strength.

3. Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)

What it does:
MACD measures the relationship between two EMAs (usually 12-day and 26-day) and generates buy/sell signals based on crossovers.

How to use it:

  • Bullish crossover: MACD line crosses above the signal line.

  • Bearish crossover: MACD line crosses below the signal line.

Best for:
Spotting trend changes early.

4. Bollinger Bands

What they do:
Bollinger Bands create a price channel around an asset using a moving average plus/minus two standard deviations.

How to use them:

  • Price near upper band: Potential overbought condition.

  • Price near lower band: Potential oversold condition.

  • Band squeeze: Indicates upcoming volatility.

Best for:
Predicting volatility and identifying breakout opportunities.

5. Volume Indicators (OBV & VWAP)

What they do:
Volume indicators confirm price movements and help spot trend strength.

  • On-Balance Volume (OBV): Tracks buying/selling pressure.

  • VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price): Shows average price relative to volume.

Best for:
Confirming whether a trend is supported by strong trading volume.

6. Fibonacci Retracement

What it does:
Identifies key support and resistance levels based on Fibonacci ratios (23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, etc.).

How to use it:

  • Place retracement levels between swing highs and lows to find potential pullback or breakout zones.

Best for:
Setting targets and identifying price zones for entries/exits.

7. Stochastic Oscillator

What it does:
Measures price momentum by comparing closing prices to recent price ranges.

How to use it:

  • Above 80: Overbought.

  • Below 20: Oversold.

  • Use crossovers for potential buy/sell signals.

Best for:
Short-term traders looking for momentum shifts.

8. Ichimoku Cloud

What it does:
Provides a complete view of trend, momentum, and support/resistance levels in one indicator.

How to use it:

  • Price above cloud: Bullish.

  • Price below cloud: Bearish.

  • Cloud crossovers: Signal trend reversals.

Best for:
Swing traders who need multi-factor confirmation in one tool.

How Token Metrics Combines Indicators with AI

Instead of manually tracking dozens of indicators, Token Metrics uses AI to analyze 80+ technical, fundamental, and sentiment-based data points for each asset—giving you actionable insights without the guesswork.

Here’s how:

1. AI-Powered Bullish & Bearish Signals

Our system combines RSI, MACD, MAs, and more to generate real-time buy/sell signals.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

  • Trader Grade: Helps short-term traders focus on cryptos with strong technical setups.

  • Investor Grade: Identifies long-term investment opportunities with strong fundamentals.

3. Narrative Detection

Token Metrics tracks emerging narratives (AI tokens, DeFi, etc.) so you can spot trends before they explode.

4. AI-Managed Indices

Don’t want to analyze charts? Our AI-driven indices automatically rebalance portfolios using technical indicators and market conditions.

How to Combine Indicators Effectively

The most successful traders don’t rely on one indicator. Instead, they combine them for confirmation.

Example:

  • Use RSI to spot oversold conditions.

  • Confirm with MACD bullish crossover.

  • Check volume to ensure strong buying pressure.

When multiple indicators align, your trade has a higher probability of success—and Token Metrics does this automatically.

Advanced Tips for Using Indicators

  1. Don’t Overload: Use 3–5 indicators for clarity.

  2. Adjust for Volatility: Crypto is more volatile than stocks—shorten timeframes for faster signals.

  3. Combine With Fundamentals: Use Token Metrics Investor Grades to pair TA with project fundamentals.

  4. Practice Risk Management: Even the best indicators fail—always use stop-loss orders.

Final Thoughts

So, what indicators should you use for technical analysis?

Start with moving averages, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, and Fibonacci levels—then add volume indicators and advanced tools like the Ichimoku Cloud as you gain experience.

But here’s the truth: indicators are only as good as the trader using them. That’s why Token Metrics simplifies the process by combining dozens of technical indicators with AI-powered analysis, giving you clear, actionable insights for smarter trades.

Whether you’re a day trader or a long-term investor, Token Metrics helps you use technical indicators strategically—not emotionally.

Research

Understanding Cryptocurrency: A Comprehensive Guide

Token Metrics Team
4
MIN

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, making it difficult to counterfeit or double-spend. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments and central banks, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. This decentralization allows for peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries such as banks.

The concept emerged with the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, which paved the way for numerous other cryptocurrencies designed to serve various purposes within digital ecosystems.

Blockchain Technology Basics

At the core of cryptocurrencies lies blockchain, a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers (nodes). Each transaction is grouped into a block, which is then cryptographically linked to the previous block, forming a chain.

  • Decentralization: No single entity controls the blockchain; this distributes trust among participants and enhances security.
  • Transparency: All transactions are visible to participants, ensuring accountability.
  • Immutability: Once recorded, transactions cannot be altered, ensuring data integrity.

This technology underpins various cryptocurrencies and offers applications beyond currency, including smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps).

How Cryptocurrency Works

When a user initiates a cryptocurrency transaction, it is broadcast to the network of nodes. These nodes verify the transaction’s validity through consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS).

  • Verification: Nodes confirm that the sender has sufficient funds and that the transaction follows protocol rules.
  • Consensus: The network agrees on the transaction's legitimacy via consensus algorithms.
  • Recording: Verified transactions are added to the blockchain as blocks.

Users store cryptocurrencies in digital wallets protected by private keys, which are critical for accessing and authorizing transactions.

Types of Cryptocurrencies

The cryptocurrency landscape is diverse, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC): The first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, mainly used as digital gold.
  • Altcoins: Alternative cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum (ETH), which supports smart contracts and decentralized applications.
  • Stablecoins: Cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currencies to reduce volatility.
  • Tokens: Digital assets created on existing blockchains representing various utilities or assets.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for analyzing different crypto projects and their use cases.

Researching Cryptocurrency

Due to the complexity and rapid evolution of the crypto space, thorough research is essential. Key approaches include:

  • Fundamental Analysis: Assess project goals, team credibility, technology, and market applicability.
  • Technical Analysis: Study price charts and market trends, while acknowledging the volatility inherent in crypto markets.
  • Security Considerations: Evaluate the blockchain’s robustness and the security of wallets and exchanges.
  • Utilizing Analytical Tools: Platforms like Token Metrics leverage AI to offer ratings and insights, aiding users in making informed evaluations.

Benefits and Challenges of Cryptocurrency

Benefits:

  • Decentralization: Reduces reliance on centralized institutions.
  • Financial Inclusion: Provides access to financial services globally, especially to unbanked populations.
  • Transparency and Security: Blockchain's design increases trust and reduces fraud.

Challenges:

  • Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can be highly volatile.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: Evolving regulations vary by jurisdiction, affecting use and development.
  • Scalability: Some networks face issues processing large volumes of transactions rapidly.
  • Security Risks: Risks such as theft of private keys and vulnerabilities in smart contracts.

How AI and Analytical Tools Support Cryptocurrency Analysis

The introduction of AI-driven research tools has transformed how individuals dissect the vast and complex cryptocurrency markets. Platforms like Token Metrics employ machine learning and natural language processing techniques to analyze various data streams including market sentiment, on-chain metrics, and project fundamentals.

These tools provide:

  • Quantitative Ratings: Assessing the strength and potential of different cryptocurrencies.
  • Scenario Modelling: Projecting possible market developments under various conditions.
  • Risk Analysis: Identifying vulnerabilities and risk factors in crypto projects.

Users can complement traditional research methods with AI insights to foster a balanced understanding.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

Cryptocurrency represents a revolutionary shift in digital finance, enabled by blockchain technology and supported increasingly by AI analytics. Understanding its fundamentals, technology, and associated risks is essential for meaningful engagement.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should conduct independent research and consult professionals before making decisions related to cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Basics

How Do Taxes Work for Crypto Trading?

Token Metrics Team
5 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency trading can be exciting and profitable, but one thing many traders overlook is taxation. Whether you’re buying Bitcoin, trading altcoins, or earning staking rewards, your activities can create taxable events—and failure to report them properly can lead to hefty penalties.

If you’ve been wondering, “How do taxes work for crypto trading?”, this guide breaks it all down. We’ll explain how crypto taxes work, the most common taxable events, and how Token Metrics can help you make smarter, tax-conscious trading decisions.

Are Cryptocurrencies Taxed?

Yes. In most countries, cryptocurrencies are treated as property, not currency, for tax purposes. This means:

  • Buying crypto with fiat (e.g., USD → BTC) is not taxable by itself.

  • Selling, swapping, or spending crypto is a taxable event.

  • Earning crypto (through staking, mining, or airdrops) is taxable income.

While tax laws vary by country, the principle is the same: any gain or income from crypto is subject to taxation.

Common Taxable Events in Crypto

To manage your taxes effectively, you need to know what counts as a taxable event.

1. Selling Crypto for Fiat

If you sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other crypto for fiat currency, you must report capital gains or losses.

Example:

  • You bought 1 BTC for $20,000 and sold it for $40,000.

  • Your capital gain is $20,000—which is taxable.

2. Trading One Crypto for Another

Swapping one crypto for another (e.g., BTC → ETH) is also a taxable event.

Why?

  • You’re considered to have “sold” BTC at its fair market value and “bought” ETH.

3. Spending Crypto on Goods or Services

Using crypto to buy a car, laptop, or coffee? That’s a taxable event too.

Example:

  • You bought 1 ETH at $1,000.

  • You used it to buy goods when ETH was worth $2,000.

  • The $1,000 gain is taxable.

4. Earning Crypto

  • Staking & Mining Rewards: Counted as ordinary income at the time you receive them.

  • Airdrops & Hard Forks: The value at the time you receive them is taxable income.

5. DeFi & NFT Transactions

DeFi activities like yield farming, lending, or NFT trading may also trigger complex taxable events depending on jurisdiction.

Capital Gains: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

When you sell crypto, your profit is classified as a capital gain—either short-term or long-term.

  • Short-Term Gains:


    • Assets held less than 12 months.

    • Taxed at your ordinary income tax rate (higher).

  • Long-Term Gains:


    • Assets held more than 12 months.

    • Taxed at reduced capital gains rates (in many jurisdictions).

Pro Tip: Holding crypto for at least a year can significantly lower your tax burden.

How to Calculate Your Crypto Taxes

Step 1: Track Every Transaction

Record:

  • Date & time of the trade.

  • Type of transaction (buy, sell, swap).

  • Amount & value in fiat currency.

  • Fees paid.

Step 2: Determine Cost Basis

Your cost basis is how much you paid for the asset (including fees).

Step 3: Calculate Gains/Losses

Subtract your cost basis from the selling price:

  • Profit = Taxable gain

  • Loss = Tax-deductible (in some countries).

Step 4: Report Income

Report staking, mining, and airdrop rewards as ordinary income at their market value when received.

How Token Metrics Helps with Tax-Efficient Trading

Staying compliant doesn’t just mean reporting correctly—it means trading smartly to reduce your tax burden. That’s where Token Metrics can help.

1. AI-Powered Portfolio Tracking

Track all your crypto holdings across exchanges and wallets, making tax reporting easier.

2. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Insights

Use Investor Grades to identify cryptos worth holding long-term, reducing your tax liability on gains.

3. Strategic Trade Timing

Get AI-powered trading signals to make smarter decisions on when to sell—balancing profits and taxes.

4. Narrative Tracking

Spot emerging narratives (AI tokens, DeFi trends) early, allowing you to plan tax-friendly entries and exits.

Strategies to Minimize Crypto Taxes

  1. Hold for Over a Year: Qualify for long-term capital gains rates.

  2. Harvest Losses: Sell underperforming assets to offset taxable gains.

  3. Use Tax-Friendly Accounts: Some countries allow crypto investments in tax-advantaged accounts.

  4. Gift Crypto: In certain jurisdictions, gifting crypto can reduce tax exposure.

  5. Use AI for Smart Exits: Token Metrics can help you plan trades strategically to minimize taxable events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not tracking transactions: Without records, you can’t calculate accurate gains/losses.

  • Ignoring swaps: Trading crypto-to-crypto is still taxable.

  • Forgetting airdrops/staking rewards: These are considered income at receipt.

  • Panic-selling without strategy: Leads to high taxes and missed opportunities.

Global Variations in Crypto Taxes

Tax treatment varies by country:

  • U.S.: IRS treats crypto as property.

  • UK: HMRC applies Capital Gains Tax on disposals.

  • Australia: ATO taxes crypto as property.

  • EU: Policies vary by member state but generally treat crypto as assets.

Always consult a crypto tax professional for advice in your jurisdiction.

Practical Example

Let’s say you:

  • Bought 2 ETH at $1,500 each ($3,000 total).

  • Sold 1 ETH at $3,000.

  • Your gain: $1,500 (minus fees).

  • If you held for over a year, you pay long-term capital gains tax. If not, it’s short-term at a higher rate.

With Token Metrics, you could track purchase dates and AI signals to time your exit strategically—potentially saving on taxes.

Final Thoughts

So, how do taxes work for crypto trading?

  • Selling, swapping, and spending crypto are taxable events.

  • Staking, mining, and airdrops are taxed as income.

  • Holding for over a year often reduces your tax bill.

The key to staying compliant and minimizing taxes is tracking transactions, planning trades strategically, and using the right tools.

That’s where Token Metrics helps. With AI-driven portfolio tracking, tax-efficient trading insights, and market analytics, Token Metrics empowers you to trade smarter, reduce taxable events, and keep more of your profits.

Don’t just trade crypto—trade tax-smart.

Research

What Are Limit Orders vs. Market Orders?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

When you trade cryptocurrency, you’ll come across different types of orders—market orders and limit orders being the two most common. Understanding how they work is essential for controlling your entry and exit points, minimizing slippage, and making better trading decisions.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s the difference between limit orders and market orders?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will break it down in detail, explain when to use each, and show how Token Metrics helps you execute smarter trades with AI-powered insights.

What Is a Market Order?

A market order is the simplest type of trade. It tells an exchange:

“Buy or sell this cryptocurrency at the best available price right now.”

How It Works:

  • When you place a market order to buy, the system instantly matches you with sellers at the lowest available price.

  • When you place a market order to sell, it instantly matches you with buyers at the highest available price.

Advantages of Market Orders:

  1. Instant Execution: Your trade goes through immediately.

  2. Simplicity: Perfect for beginners who want fast transactions.

  3. Useful in High-Volatility Conditions: If you need to enter or exit a trade quickly, market orders are your best bet.

Disadvantages of Market Orders:

  1. Slippage: If liquidity is low or the market moves quickly, you might pay more (or receive less) than expected.

  2. No Price Control: You accept whatever price the market offers at that moment.

Example:
If Bitcoin is trading at $40,000 and you place a market order for 1 BTC, you may end up paying $40,050 if the price moves up in the milliseconds it takes to execute your trade.

What Is a Limit Order?

A limit order gives you more control. It tells an exchange:

“Buy or sell this cryptocurrency at this specific price (or better).”

How It Works:

  • When you place a buy limit order, you set the maximum price you’re willing to pay.

  • When you place a sell limit order, you set the minimum price you’re willing to accept.

  • The order stays open until the market reaches your price—or until you cancel it.

Advantages of Limit Orders:

  1. Price Control: You won’t pay more (or sell for less) than your chosen price.

  2. Better for Planning: Ideal for setting up trades without constantly watching the market.

  3. Lower Fees: Some exchanges offer lower “maker” fees for limit orders since they add liquidity.

Disadvantages of Limit Orders:

  1. No Guarantee of Execution: If the market doesn’t reach your price, your order won’t go through.

  2. Slower Execution: Not suitable for urgent trades in fast-moving markets.

Example:
If Bitcoin is trading at $40,000, you could set a buy limit order at $39,500. If the price dips to that level, your order fills. If it doesn’t, you won’t buy.

Limit Orders vs. Market Orders: Key Differences

When Should You Use Market Orders?

Market orders are best when:

  • You need speed: Entering or exiting a trade quickly.

  • The market is highly liquid: For large-cap coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, slippage is minimal.

  • News-based trading: When reacting to breaking news or sudden price surges.

When Should You Use Limit Orders?

Limit orders are best when:

  • You want price control: Setting entries at discount levels or selling at specific profit targets.

  • You’re trading low-liquidity coins: Prevents overpaying due to slippage.

  • You’re building a strategy: Setting multiple entries and exits without active monitoring.

How Token Metrics Helps You Use Market & Limit Orders Effectively

Placing orders is one thing—placing them at the right time is what makes you profitable. That’s where Token Metrics helps.

1. AI-Powered Trading Signals

Get real-time bullish and bearish alerts based on 80+ technical indicators, helping you know when to execute market or limit orders for maximum efficiency.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

Use Trader Grades for short-term trading opportunities (perfect for market orders) and Investor Grades for long-term accumulation (ideal for limit orders).

3. Narrative Tracking

Our AI identifies emerging narratives—like AI tokens or DeFi plays—so you can strategically place limit orders before trends take off.

4. AI-Managed Indices

Don’t want to place manual orders? Token Metrics’ AI-managed portfolios automatically rebalance based on market conditions, helping you avoid constant order management.

Practical Example: Combining Both Orders

Imagine you’re trading Ethereum (ETH):

  • Step 1: Token Metrics issues a bullish signal at $2,400, projecting a potential breakout.

  • Step 2: You place a market order to enter quickly at $2,400 to catch the momentum.

  • Step 3: You set a limit sell order at $2,700 to automatically secure profits without monitoring the chart.

This combination allows you to enter fast and exit smart—with less emotional stress.

Advanced Tips for Using Limit & Market Orders

  1. Use Stop-Limit Orders: Combine stop-loss and limit functions to protect against big losses.

  2. Layer Your Limit Orders: Place multiple buy/sell limits at different price levels for better cost averaging.

  3. Avoid Market Orders on Illiquid Coins: Slippage can cost you significantly.

  4. Use AI for Timing: Token Metrics helps you time entries and exits—so you’re not just placing random orders.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the difference between limit orders and market orders?

  • Market orders are for speed—you get the trade done instantly at the best available price.

  • Limit orders are for control—you set the exact price you want to buy or sell.

The key is knowing when to use each—and using data-driven insights to make those decisions.

That’s where Token Metrics gives you an edge. With AI-powered trading signals, narrative tracking, and automated portfolio tools, Token Metrics helps you decide when to use market vs. limit orders, so you can trade confidently and profitably.

In crypto trading, timing is everything—and Token Metrics makes timing smarter.

Research

How Do I Manage Risk in Crypto Trading?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency trading can be highly profitable—but it’s also one of the riskiest markets in the world. Prices can swing wildly in seconds, projects can collapse overnight, and emotional decisions often lead to costly mistakes.

If you want to survive (and thrive) in crypto trading, you must learn how to manage risk effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down why risk management is critical, the top strategies to protect your capital, and how Token Metrics can help you trade smarter, safer, and with more confidence using AI-driven insights.

Why Risk Management Is Non-Negotiable in Crypto

In traditional markets, a 5% price movement is big news. In crypto? Daily moves of 10–20% are normal.

  • High volatility: Crypto is more speculative than stocks or forex.
  • Unregulated space: Scams and market manipulation are more common.
  • Emotional trading: Fear and FOMO lead to poor decisions.

Without a solid risk management plan, even experienced traders can lose everything.

Top Risk Management Strategies for Crypto Trading

1. Only Invest What You Can Afford to Lose

This is rule number one.

  • Never invest rent, emergency savings, or money you can’t afford to lose.
  • Treat crypto like a high-risk asset class—because it is.

2. Diversify Your Portfolio

Don’t put all your funds into one token.

  • Spread across different coins & sectors: Bitcoin, Ethereum, AI tokens, DeFi, etc.
  • Balance risk levels: Mix large-cap coins with small-cap moonshots.

How Token Metrics Helps:
Use AI-driven indices to build a diversified, auto-rebalanced portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance.

3. Use Stop-Loss Orders

Set stop-loss levels to automatically sell if prices fall below a certain threshold.

  • Prevents small losses from becoming catastrophic.
  • Helps maintain discipline during market dips.

Pro Tip: Place stops at strategic support levels, not random round numbers.

4. Size Your Positions Properly

Don’t go “all-in” on one trade.

  • Position sizing ensures no single trade wipes out your portfolio.
  • A common rule: risk 1–2% of your capital per trade.

5. Avoid Overleveraging

Leverage amplifies gains—but also losses.

  • Start with low or no leverage until you’re experienced.
  • High leverage trading can lead to instant liquidation in volatile markets.

6. Keep Emotions in Check

Fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out) destroy portfolios.

  • Stick to your strategy.
  • Don’t chase pumps or panic-sell during dips.

How Token Metrics Helps:
Our AI-powered bullish and bearish signals take emotions out of trading by giving you data-backed entry and exit points.

7. Stay Informed

Markets move on news—regulations, partnerships, or even tweets.

  • Follow credible sources for updates.
  • Use narrative tracking to spot market-shifting trends early.

How Token Metrics Helps:
Our AI tracks emerging narratives (e.g., AI tokens, DeFi, RWAs), so you can adjust positions before the crowd reacts.

8. Use Risk/Reward Ratios

Before entering a trade, ask:

  • Is the potential reward worth the risk?
  • Aim for at least a 2:1 or 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio.

9. Practice Secure Asset Storage

Risk management isn’t just about trades—it’s also about keeping your crypto safe.

  • Use hardware wallets for long-term holdings.
  • Enable 2FA on exchanges.

10. Review & Adjust Your Strategy

Markets evolve—your plan should too.

  • Track your wins and losses.
  • Optimize your strategy using performance data.

How Token Metrics Helps You Manage Risk

Token Metrics isn’t just a research platform—it’s an AI-powered risk management assistant.

1. AI-Powered Trade Insights

Get real-time bullish and bearish signals to time entries and exits more effectively—reducing impulsive trades.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

Quickly assess tokens for short-term trading potential (Trader Grade) or long-term viability (Investor Grade)—helping you avoid high-risk projects.

3. AI-Managed Indices

Use auto-rebalanced AI indices to maintain diversification and reduce risk exposure.

4. Moonshot Finder

Interested in high-risk, high-reward tokens? Our Moonshot Finder filters low-cap projects using AI, helping you avoid scams and rug pulls.

5. Narrative Detection

Our AI tracks emerging narratives so you can anticipate market movements early—reducing exposure to collapsing trends.

Example: Risk Management Using Token Metrics

Imagine you want to invest $5,000 in crypto:

  • Without Token Metrics: You randomly choose 3 coins based on hype and YouTube videos. Two collapse, and your portfolio drops 50%.

  • With Token Metrics: You build a diversified AI-managed index of large-cap and promising small-cap tokens, use stop-loss levels, and set alerts for bullish/bearish signals. Your portfolio drops only 10% in a downturn—saving thousands.

This is how data-driven trading transforms risk into opportunity.

Practical Risk Management Checklist

  1. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.

  2. Diversify across coins and sectors.

  3. Use stop-loss orders to cap losses.

  4. Avoid overleveraging at all costs.

  5. Set realistic reward-to-risk ratios (2:1 or better).

  6. Use AI-powered tools like Token Metrics for smarter trades.

  7. Stay informed about news and emerging narratives.

  8. Secure your assets with hardware wallets and 2FA.

  9. Track and adjust your trading strategy regularly.

  10. Trade with logic, not emotions.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you manage risk in crypto trading? It’s about balancing your portfolio, using smart tools, and staying disciplined.

While volatility is unavoidable, you can control how much you’re exposed to it. With Token Metrics, you gain AI-powered insights, trade signals, and portfolio tools that help you reduce risks while maximizing opportunities.

In crypto, it’s not just about making profits—it’s about keeping them.

Research

What’s the Best Time to Trade Cryptocurrency?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

Cryptocurrency trading is a 24/7 market—unlike stocks, there’s no opening or closing bell. This leads many traders to wonder: “When is the best time to trade cryptocurrency?”

The truth is, timing your trades can make a huge difference in profitability. Trading during periods of high liquidity or increased volatility can provide better opportunities, while poorly timed trades can lead to slippage and losses.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best times to trade crypto, how different time zones affect price movements, and how Token Metrics can help you identify the right moments to enter or exit trades using AI-powered insights.

Why Timing Matters in Crypto Trading

Even though the crypto market never sleeps, trading activity is not equal throughout the day.

  • High liquidity: When more traders are active, spreads are tighter, making it easier to enter and exit trades at good prices.
  • Volatility opportunities: Price swings create profit potential—but also risk.
  • Market overlaps: When multiple regions are active, volume surges.

Knowing when the market is most active can help you reduce trading fees, minimize slippage, and maximize your gains.

The Best Times to Trade Cryptocurrency

1. Overlap Between U.S. and European Markets (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM UTC)

The busiest period for crypto trading is when U.S. and European sessions overlap.

  • Why?

    • The U.S. is home to major crypto exchanges and institutional traders.
    • Europe contributes significant trading volume and liquidity.

  • Benefits:

    • Higher volatility for short-term traders.
    • Tighter spreads for efficient execution.

This overlap often sees the biggest price movements of the day—perfect for day traders and scalpers.

2. Early U.S. Trading Hours (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM UTC)

The start of the U.S. session brings increased activity from institutional investors and retail traders waking up to market news.

  • Best for:

    • News-based trades (after U.S. economic announcements).
    • Entering/exiting positions with high liquidity.

3. Weekend Volatility (Saturday & Sunday)

Crypto is unique because weekend trading can be extremely volatile due to:

  • Lower liquidity (fewer institutional players).
  • Retail-driven price movements.

  • Who benefits:

    • Swing traders looking for sharp moves.
    • Those willing to tolerate higher risk for bigger gains.

4. After Major News & Events

The “best time” isn’t always about the clock—it’s about market catalysts.

  • Regulatory updates.
  • Exchange announcements.
  • Macro events (interest rate changes, economic data).

These events can cause instant surges or drops—great for traders who react quickly.

Does the Day of the Week Matter?

Yes. Research shows:

  • Mondays & Fridays: Often more volatile as traders adjust positions before/after the weekend.
  • Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday): Tends to have steady, higher trading volumes.

For swing traders, entering positions midweek may reduce erratic weekend exposure.

How Token Metrics Helps You Trade at the Right Time

Timing trades isn’t just about watching charts—it’s about analyzing multiple data points in real time. That’s where Token Metrics gives you a powerful edge.

1. AI-Powered Trading Signals

Get real-time bullish and bearish alerts based on 80+ data points, helping you know when to enter or exit trades confidently.

2. Narrative Tracking

Our AI monitors emerging crypto narratives (AI tokens, DeFi, RWA, etc.) so you can act before the crowd—crucial for timing market moves.

3. Trader & Investor Grades

Use Trader Grades for short-term opportunities and Investor Grades for long-term positions, aligning your trades with market momentum.

4. AI-Driven Indices

Don’t want to time trades manually? Token Metrics offers auto-managed crypto indices that rebalance based on AI-identified market conditions.

Tips for Timing Crypto Trades

  1. Trade During High Liquidity Windows: Overlaps between U.S. and European sessions are best.
  2. Watch for News: Major announcements can create rapid price moves—be ready.
  3. Avoid Low-Volume Hours: Late-night trading (UTC) often has higher slippage.
  4. Use AI for Precision: Let Token Metrics guide entry and exit points with data-backed insights.
  5. Set Alerts: Use Token Metrics’ customizable alerts for price, grades, and signals so you never miss an opportunity.

Example: Using Token Metrics for Timing

Imagine you’re planning to trade Ethereum. Instead of guessing when to enter:

  • You use Token Metrics Trader Grades to spot when ETH has strong short-term potential.
  • You set AI-powered alerts for price changes and bullish signals.
  • You execute your trade during the U.S.-EU overlap when liquidity is highest—reducing slippage and maximizing efficiency.

This data-driven approach takes the guesswork out of timing.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the best time to trade cryptocurrency?

  • Weekdays during the U.S.-EU overlap (1:00–5:00 PM UTC) offer the best liquidity and volatility.
  • Early U.S. hours and weekends can also present opportunities—but with higher risks.
  • Major news events often create the best entry/exit windows.

But the truth is, there’s no universal “perfect time.” The real key is using data-driven insights to trade at your best time—when probabilities are in your favor.

That’s why Token Metrics is essential for traders. With AI-powered trading signals, narrative tracking, and portfolio management tools, Token Metrics helps you time the market intelligently, not emotionally.

Whether you’re a day trader chasing volatility or a long-term investor, Token Metrics puts the right data at your fingertips—so you can trade with confidence, anytime.

Research

How Do I Keep My Cryptocurrency Safe?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

The cryptocurrency market has created life-changing wealth for millions, but it has also attracted hackers, scammers, and bad actors. From exchange hacks to phishing scams and rug pulls, billions of dollars in crypto have been lost due to poor security practices.

If you’re serious about trading or investing in crypto, one of your top priorities should be keeping your cryptocurrency safe. In this guide, we’ll walk through the biggest risks to your crypto security, best practices to protect your assets, and how Token Metrics can help you make informed, safe decisions when navigating the crypto market.

Why Is Cryptocurrency Security So Important?

Unlike a traditional bank account, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. If your funds are stolen, there’s usually no way to recover them.

  • No centralized authority: There’s no bank to call for refunds.
  • Pseudonymous transactions: It’s nearly impossible to trace funds once they’re moved.
  • High-value targets: Hackers actively target crypto investors due to the potential for large payoffs.

This means you are your own bank—and you’re responsible for protecting your funds.

Common Threats to Your Cryptocurrency

Before learning how to protect your crypto, you need to know what you’re up against:

1. Exchange Hacks

Crypto exchanges are frequent targets for hackers. Even top-tier exchanges like Mt. Gox and FTX have experienced devastating losses.

2. Phishing Attacks

Scammers use fake websites, emails, or social media accounts to trick you into revealing your private keys or login credentials.

3. Malware & Keyloggers

Cybercriminals install malicious software on your devices to steal passwords and seed phrases.

4. Rug Pulls & Scams

Fraudulent projects lure investors with promises of high returns, then disappear with the funds.

5. Human Error

Lost passwords, mishandled private keys, or accidental transfers can lead to permanent loss of funds.

How to Keep Your Cryptocurrency Safe

Here’s a step-by-step approach to safeguarding your crypto:

1. Use a Secure Wallet

Hardware Wallets:

  • The safest option for long-term storage.
  • Devices like Ledger or Trezor keep your private keys offline, out of reach of hackers.

Software Wallets:

  • Convenient for active trading but more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Use reputable wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet and enable strong security features.

Pro Tip: Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings and a software wallet for small, active trading balances.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Always enable 2FA on your exchange accounts, wallets, and email addresses.

  • Use Google Authenticator or Authy, not SMS-based 2FA, which is susceptible to SIM swaps.

3. Beware of Phishing & Fake Websites

  • Double-check URLs before logging into exchanges or wallets.
  • Never click links from suspicious emails or DMs.
  • Bookmark the official websites of your exchanges and platforms.

4. Keep Your Seed Phrase Offline

Your wallet’s seed phrase is the master key to your funds.

  • Write it down on paper and store it securely (safe, vault).
  • Avoid storing it in digital form (cloud storage, photos).
  • Consider splitting the phrase into parts and storing them in separate locations.

5. Research Projects Before Investing

Many scams and rug pulls target uninformed investors chasing hype.

How Token Metrics Helps:

  • Use AI-powered Investor Grades to assess projects for long-term viability.
  • Leverage Moonshot Finder to discover vetted early-stage tokens with real growth potential—not scams.

6. Diversify Your Storage

Don’t keep all your crypto in one place.

  • Use multiple wallets for different purposes (trading vs. holding).
  • Spread funds across hardware, software, and exchange wallets.

7. Stay Updated on Threats

The crypto landscape changes fast.

  • Follow credible crypto news platforms.
  • Monitor regulatory updates and security alerts.
  • Use Token Metrics to stay ahead of market narratives and avoid projects flagged as high-risk.

How Token Metrics Helps You Stay Secure

While Token Metrics isn’t a wallet or exchange, it’s a powerful AI-powered platform designed to help you make safer investment decisions.

1. AI-Powered Risk Analysis

Token Metrics uses AI-driven evaluations to score projects, helping you avoid high-risk tokens and scam projects.

2. Investor & Trader Grades

Our proprietary grading system helps you quickly identify safe, high-quality assets for both short-term trading and long-term holding.

3. Moonshot Finder

Interested in low-cap tokens? The Moonshot Finder helps you spot legitimate early-stage projects before they pump—without falling into scams.

4. Narrative & Market Tracking

Stay ahead of emerging narratives and security concerns with Token Metrics’ real-time AI-driven analysis, helping you dodge risky trends.

Practical Security Checklist for Every Crypto Holder

  1. Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings.
  2. Enable 2FA on all accounts—never rely on SMS-based security.
  3. Store seed phrases offline and securely.
  4. Avoid suspicious links and verify all URLs.
  5. Research every project using platforms like Token Metrics.
  6. Diversify storage across multiple wallets.
  7. Stay informed about new threats and market risks.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you keep your cryptocurrency safe? It comes down to strong storage practices, personal vigilance, and making informed investment decisions.

While hardware wallets and 2FA secure your assets, knowing where to invest is just as important. That’s where Token Metrics comes in—using AI-powered analysis to help you avoid scams, choose safe projects, and trade with confidence.

In crypto, you are your own bank—so take your security seriously. And with Token Metrics guiding your decisions, you can navigate this high-risk market safely and profitably.

Research

What Are Trading Fees and How Do They Work?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

If you’ve ever bought or sold cryptocurrency, you’ve likely noticed that exchanges charge trading fees. While these fees may seem small at first glance, they can add up significantly over time, especially for frequent traders.

Understanding how trading fees work is essential for maximizing your profits and choosing the right platform and strategy. In this guide, we’ll explain what trading fees are, how they’re calculated, the different types of fees, and how Token Metrics can help you minimize costs while optimizing your trades.

What Are Trading Fees?

Trading fees are charges imposed by cryptocurrency exchanges whenever you execute a trade—whether you’re buying, selling, or swapping digital assets.

  • Purpose:

    • They compensate exchanges for providing liquidity, security, and order-matching services.
    • They discourage spam orders that could overload the exchange.

Example:
If you buy $1,000 worth of Bitcoin with a 0.1% trading fee, you’ll pay $1 in fees for that transaction.

How Are Trading Fees Calculated?

Most crypto exchanges calculate fees based on:

  1. Trade Value (Percentage):

    • The most common model.
    • Fees are a percentage of the total trade amount (e.g., 0.1% per trade).

  2. Flat Fees:

    • Some platforms charge a fixed fee per trade, regardless of trade size.

  3. Tiered Fee Structures:

    • Frequent traders often benefit from lower fees when they reach certain monthly trading volumes.

Maker vs. Taker Fees

Many exchanges use a maker-taker model to incentivize liquidity:

  • Maker Fees:

    • You pay a lower fee (or sometimes nothing) when you add liquidity by placing a limit order that isn’t immediately matched.

  • Taker Fees:

    • You pay a higher fee when you remove liquidity by placing a market order that is filled instantly.

Example:
On Binance, makers might pay 0.08%, while takers pay 0.1%.

Types of Crypto Trading Fees

When trading crypto, you’ll encounter more than just trading fees:

1. Trading (Transaction) Fees

  • Charged when buying or selling crypto.
  • Often range from 0.05%–0.5% depending on the exchange.

2. Deposit Fees

  • Some exchanges charge when funding accounts via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfers.
  • Crypto deposits are typically free.

3. Withdrawal Fees

  • Charged when moving funds off the exchange.
  • Often fixed per withdrawal (e.g., 0.0005 BTC).

4. Network (Gas) Fees

  • Separate from exchange fees, paid to blockchain validators.
  • Ethereum and other networks can have high gas fees during peak demand.

Why Do Trading Fees Matter?

Even small fees can significantly impact your profits, especially if you trade often.

Example:

  • A day trader making 50 trades/month with a 0.1% fee per trade on $1,000 positions will pay $50/month in fees.
  • Over a year, that’s $600 lost to fees—before considering withdrawal or gas costs.

This is why reducing fees is crucial for active traders.

How to Minimize Trading Fees

1. Use Low-Fee Exchanges

Compare platforms—Binance, Bybit, and Kraken often offer competitive rates for high-volume traders.

2. Increase Your Trading Volume

Many exchanges lower fees as your monthly trading volume increases.

3. Use Limit Orders

Save on fees by acting as a maker instead of a taker whenever possible.

4. Pay with Exchange Tokens

Some exchanges offer discounts when fees are paid with their native token (e.g., BNB on Binance).

5. Optimize Your Trading Strategy with AI

Instead of making dozens of small trades, use data-driven insights from Token Metrics to make high-probability trades—reducing overall fee impact.

How Token Metrics Helps You Save on Fees

Token Metrics isn’t an exchange—it’s an AI-powered crypto research and trading platform designed to maximize your profits.

Here’s how it helps with trading fees:

1. AI-Powered Trade Optimization

Token Metrics provides bullish/bearish trading signals based on 80+ technical indicators, helping you enter fewer but higher-quality trades—minimizing unnecessary fees.

2. Trader & Investor Grades

Our proprietary grading system helps you identify top-performing cryptos, reducing guesswork and avoiding costly trial-and-error trading.

3. AI-Managed Indices

Instead of manually rebalancing portfolios (and paying multiple trading fees), use Token Metrics AI-driven crypto indices, which rebalance intelligently while keeping transaction costs low.

4. Narrative Tracking

Our AI detects emerging crypto narratives early, helping you position yourself before the market gets crowded—reducing the need for excessive short-term trading.

Practical Example: Using Token Metrics to Reduce Fees

Imagine you’re trading altcoins manually and make 20 trades/month.

  • At 0.2% per trade on $1,000 positions, you pay $40/month in fees.
  • With Token Metrics AI signals, you cut this down to 8 high-probability trades per month—reducing your fees by 60% while increasing win rates.

This is how data-driven trading saves both money and stress.

Final Thoughts

So, what are trading fees and how do they work? They’re the charges exchanges take for facilitating trades, withdrawals, and transactions—and while they may seem small, they can eat into your profits quickly.

The good news? You can minimize trading fees with the right strategies—and Token Metrics can help.

By providing AI-powered trading signals, long-term Investor Grades, and automated crypto indices, Token Metrics helps you reduce unnecessary trades, make smarter decisions, and maximize your returns—all while minimizing the impact of trading fees.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced trader, using Token Metrics means trading smarter, not harder.

Research

Should I Use Leverage When Trading Crypto?

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.

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