Sonic Labs has launched a new points program to drive DeFi growth and reward users. 

The S&P 500 gained 0.11%, led by utilities, financials, and materials, as lighter inflation eased yields. Focus shifts to December's inflation report and financial earnings. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 3.03%, with Bitcoin and Ether rising by 3.14%  and 3.24%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is A8, which surged 29.7% following the launch of Ancient8 SuperApp V3, an all-in-one platform for simplified Web3 management.

Ancient8 (A8), founded in 2021, is a gaming-focused Ethereum Layer 2 network using Optimism and Celestia to enable fast, affordable EVM game development with community-driven developer support. 

, a streamlined platform for managing Web3 activities. It combines staking, token swapping, liquidity management, an NFT marketplace, cross-chain asset bridging, and game discovery into a single user-friendly interface. The app simplifies processes, enhances security, and helps users maximize the potential of their digital assets, catering to both newcomers and experienced users.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

 a new points program to drive DeFi growth and reward users. The program includes three types of points: Passive Points for holding whitelisted assets, Activity Points for deploying assets as liquidity on apps, and App Points (Sonic Gems) for developers to distribute as rewards via their apps. The initiative also features an airdrop of 200 million S tokens and incorporates Rings, a yield-bearing stablecoin protocol that provides liquidity to DeFi apps. Sonic's points program offers a dynamic way for users and developers to enhance their DeFi experience while contributing to the growth of the platform.

Yesterday, the BTC Spot ETF data showed a total flow of $9.7 million, with $0.0 million from GBTC and $9.7 million from non-GBTC sources.

, offering participants a chance to receive tokens as part of the platform's decentralization journey. The airdrop rewards key contributors, including early adopters, active community members, and global partners. Registration is open until January 18, 2025, and participants can claim tokens before the Token Generation Event (TGE) in Q1 2025. Plume's mission is to build a unified onchain economy that connects real-world assets with crypto, and the airdrop is the first step toward that vision. More details and eligibility information can be found on their official website.

Beginner

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Sonic Labs Launches Innovative Points Program to Drive DeFi Growth and Reward Users

GAME by Virtuals (GAME) is a leading AI agent development framework enabling quick creation and deployment of autonomous agents for web3, gaming, and social media.

Few people will argue with the notion that 

 (AI) is the fastest-growing sector in the world of business. This also applies to the 

 industry. Within the broader AI field, however, there's one area that particularly stands out with its growth rates — the niche of 

. Self-contained, autonomous AI workers are growing increasingly popular on blockchains, with leading AI agent cryptocurrencies posting head-spinning price increases.

 (VIRTUAL) and several tokens related to the platform, including GAME by Virtuals (GAME). Leveraging the underlying Virtuals Protocol, GAME is a development framework that lets developers quickly build and deploy autonomous AI agents suitable for various transactional environments. The GAME framework allows AI agents to make complex decisions based on the information supplied, lifting the overall sophistication of such agents to an entirely new level.

Launched in October 2024, the GAME token has appreciated over 3,000% as of January 2025, entering the list of the top 10 AI agent cryptocurrencies by market cap.

 (GAME) is an AI agent development framework powered by the Virtuals Protocol. 

It lets developers quickly build modular, autonomous AI agents and deploy them to various environments, such as gaming, entertainment and social media platforms.

At the core level, GAME is supported by the Virtuals Protocol, a decentralized platform on the 

 Layer 2 chain that’s designed to power tokenized, co-owned AI agents with revenue-generating capabilities. Virtuals Protocol provides an environment for tokenizing and using AI agents for various use cases.

GAME by Virtuals supports low-code, efficient creation and management of AI agents that can easily be plugged into various web3 platforms and even interact in real time with other agents. By default, AI agents developed using the GAME framework are deployed as X (formerly Twitter) agents. In this capacity, they can serve varied purposes for crypto users and 

 (DApp) operators. This could include community building, market monitoring, news and trading signal aggregation, data collection and even API-based integration with external trading platforms.

Thanks to the framework's modular design, a GAME-based agent can include different functions that are easily plugged into and out of it. Additionally, GAME allows developers to create non–X AI agents from scratch to integrate into other environments, such as blockchain games, messaging networks like Telegram and other types of applications. In essence, the programming tool kit provided by GAME allows developers to specify sophisticated agent characteristics and autonomous behavior. For example, GAME-based autonomous agents might operate in gaming, virtual reality (VR) and virtual world applications, providing immersive experiences and carrying out complex tasks.

The development of X-based agents via GAME is a simplified process. Developers can utilize an Agent Sandbox, a test environment provided by the Virtuals Protocol, to specify the key characteristics of their AI agent on X. This is a streamlined way to quickly and efficiently launch a basic social media agent without having to create an agent token. 

After deploying the agent to X, developers can easily add or remove its functionalities to adapt the agent to their specific use cases.

For applications beyond X, developers can build an agent from scratch using the GAME framework's programming functions. In the project's terminology, this is called GAME-as-a-Service. Within this mode, the agent's decision-making rules and characteristics are specified via API calls. For those familiar with AI-based programming, GAME-as-a-Service provides a more powerful and flexible way to build AI agents, with high levels of functional sophistication, as compared to the Agent Sandbox.

To build and launch an AI agent, developers must specify three categories of attributes that define their agent’s behavior and autonomous decision-making: Agent Definition Prompts, High Level Planner (HLP) Context and Low Level Planner (HLP) Context.

— These include the agent’s goal, character card and world information. In essence, this trio of attributes determines the agent’s overall behavior, memory traits, personality, background, tweeting style and the specifics of its virtual environment.

— This high-level tool establishes the input information to provide a dynamic context for the agent's decisions.

— This is a set of instructions for the agent’s expected outputs to execute various actions and functions within its environment.

To build and deploy agents via GAME-as-a-Service, you’re expected to be familiar with technologies like JavaScript and JSON. The Virtuals platform also provides an agent-building software development kit (SDK) in Python.

The GAME by Virtuals framework’s associated crypto token is also known as GAME. As of early January 2025, the project has provided scant information regarding the token’s utility beyond its basic supply specifications. In general, AI agents launched via Virtuals Protocol are monetized using project-specific tokens. Thus, it’s expected that agents built via the GAME framework are monetized using the GAME token, and that the GAME token might also support additional use cases in the future.

For each token on the Virtuals Protocol, including GAME, there’s a corresponding liquidity pool in which each token is paired with VIRTUAL, the protocol’s native cryptocurrency. This facilitates monetization and trading opportunities for AI agents built using the framework.

The GAME token was launched on Oct 26, 2024 and features a maximum, total and circulating supply of 1 billion. Similar to VIRTUAL and other platform-specific tokens on the Virtuals Protocol, GAME has been issued on the Base blockchain.

You can buy the GAME token on Bybit’s Spot market as a trading pair (

Additionally, through Jan 23, 2025, 9AM UTC, you can take advantage of Bybit's campaign dedicated to the GAME token to grab a share of the 

. New users who complete basic identity verification can earn GAME rewards by accumulating a deposit volume of at least 500 GAME, or depositing at least 100 USDT and trading 100 USDT worth of GAME via their first trade using their Bybit account. Existing users can also qualify for rewards by trading at least 500 USDT worth of GAME on Bybit’s Spot market. The more you trade, the larger your share of the prize pool. 

As of Jan 15, 2025, the GAME token is trading at $0.1922, which is 51% lower than its ATH of $0.3918 on Jan 2, 2025, and 7,190% higher than its ATL of $0.002634 on Nov 20, 2024.

Long-term price forecasts for GAME are mostly bullish.DigitalCoinPrice 

 of $0.65 in 2027 and $0.99 in 2030, whileCoinCodex 

 at around $0.202 in 2027, and rise to $0.629 in 2030.

GAME isn't the only AI agent token on Virtuals Protocol. The protocol supports a variety of applications and use cases that focus on AI agent technology, each of which may have its own token. Excluding the main platform-wide cryptocurrency, VIRTUAL, the leading tokens within the protocol's ecosystem include 

As of Jan 14, 2025, GAME is the second-highest-ranked token in the Virtuals ecosystem by market cap, behind AIXBT, the token of the AI agent-based market intelligence solution AIXBT. However, if ranked by 

 (TVL), GAME is actually the top token on the protocol, with a current TVL of $24.85 million.

GAME by Virtuals is a convenient tool for blockchain developers to launch powerful AI agents — intelligent objects that can perform diverse functions on social media platforms, gaming environments and within a wide variety of other applications. Its framework makes it easy to create X-based agents, and for other platforms and more sophisticated needs a skilled developer has numerous functions and utilities within GAME to play with.

The crypto market also seems impressed with GAME by Virtuals, judging by the GAME token's early performance. As the AI sector, particularly its AI agent niche, continues to flourish and capture the business world's attention, the GAME framework is likely to find more use cases and eager adopters in the AI developer community.

Advanced

GAME by Virtuals .png

GAME by Virtuals (GAME): Your Gateway to Advanced AI Agent Development

Bitcoin liquid staking is a DeFi mechanism that enables BTC holders to earn passive yields. Learn more about how it works in this article.

The rise of Bitcoin liquid staking marks a significant evolution in cryptocurrency yield generation. At the core of this innovation is Babylon, a non-custodial infrastructure that serves as the foundation for Bitcoin liquid staking protocols like Lombard and pSTAKE. By building on Babylon, these protocols enable BTC holders to earn staking rewards while maintaining liquidity, BTC holders to earn rewards while retaining their assets’ liquidity, bridging the gap between Bitcoin's store-of-value proposition and yield opportunities within 

This article explores how Bitcoin liquid staking works, examines its advantages and risks, and considers whether it’s worth trying. We also analyze the leading Bitcoin liquid staking platforms driving adoption in this rapidly growing ecosystem.

Bitcoin liquid staking is a DeFi mechanism that enables BTC holders to earn passive yields by participating in 

 (PoS) networks and receive tradable tokens that maintain their Bitcoin's liquidity and utility in the broader DeFi ecosystem.

Liquid staking protocols open new yield-bearing opportunities in the Bitcoin ecosystem. While Ethereum liquid staking generates yields through network validation rewards, Bitcoin liquid staking creates returns by securing other blockchain networks, and through 

 that expand the utility of BTC beyond its primary function as a store of value.

Bitcoin liquid staking operates through a straightforward process that bridges traditional Bitcoin holding with DeFi functionality. When users stake their Bitcoin, they interact with specialized DeFi protocols that generate yield while maintaining liquidity.

First, users deposit their Bitcoin into a liquid staking protocol, where it's securely stored using various methods, which can include multi-signature wallets or other security mechanisms depending on the platform.

Users begin by depositing their Bitcoin into their chosen liquid staking protocol, which secures deposits through various methods like 

 or other security mechanisms. In return, they receive 

 (LSTs) representing their staked BTC on a 1:1 basis.

These LSTs can be used across various DeFi applications while the underlying Bitcoin works to secure PoS networks through protocols such as 

. The staking rewards are generated through point systems, protocol incentives or network fees, depending upon the specific Bitcoin liquid staking platform used.

, users' staked Bitcoin helps secure their networks. Rewards are typically distributed daily through the protocol's native tokens, which users can claim while holding their LST positions.

The unstaking process is equally straightforward — users can redeem their LSTs for their original Bitcoin whenever they choose, subject to any applicable unbonding periods or protocol-specific conditions.

Bitcoin liquid staking offers unique opportunities for yield generation, but it comes with its own set of risks that investors should carefully evaluate.

The Bitcoin liquid staking landscape offers diverse options for BTC holders seeking yield opportunities. Following are the top platforms.

Lombard transforms Bitcoin into a yield-generating asset through its LBTC token on Ethereum, with over $1.5 billion in 

 (TVL). The protocol integrates with established DeFi platforms like Morpho, Pendle and Symbiotic, enabling LBTC holders to access lending, borrowing and 

 opportunities. A 5% fee applies to staking rewards.

Following a successful private beta that attracted $230 million from over 4,000 institutional and individual users, Lombard has entered its public beta. Lombard maintains strict security standards through regular audits and a self-custodial model, ensuring LBTC remains fully backed by Bitcoin at a 1:1 ratio.

Recently launched by the Core Foundation, LstBTC is an 

 blockchain. The protocol enables daily rewards in CORE tokens through a dual staking model, whereby users can stake both Bitcoin and CORE tokens for enhanced yields.

Since its launch in April 2024, Core has attracted over 5,500 BTC (around $500 million) in staked assets and built a comprehensive 

 ecosystem. The protocol leverages Bitcoin 

 power for security, with about 55% of miners contributing to network stability.

 integration, allowing users to earn rewards from Layer 2 activity. The protocol converts deposited BTC into stBTC tokens for DeFi applications, enabling its users to earn daily Lightning Network routing fees without managing node infrastructure.

With over 105 active channels and the capacity to process over 18,000 

 (TPS), Stroom Network is secured by established validators, such as P2P.org and Allnodes. Stroom' 

 structure and multisig system ensure decentralized governance while managing Lightning Network integrations.

Babylon is an infrastructure protocol that enables Bitcoin holders to secure PoS networks through BTC staking without requiring 

 or third-party custody. The protocol has accumulated nearly 24,000 BTC in its ecosystem since launching in 2024.

Babylon’s platform prioritizes security through its innovative timestamping protocol, and partnerships with established validators like P2P.org. Though offering more conservative yields than competitors, Babylon's self-custodial model and robust security features have attracted institutional users seeking to put their Bitcoin to work while they maintain control of their assets.

 simplifies BTC yields through Bitcoin staking on Babylon's infrastructure. With over $35M in TVL, the platform offers two core offerings: a fixed-yield earn product (similar to Bybit Earn) accessible to all users and a Bitcoin LST, called YBTC, that offers tailored Bitcoin yield solutions to institutions.

Users can earn staking rewards from Bitcoin-secured networks by staking native BTC through 

. YBTC, a yield-bearing ERC-20 token on Ethereum backed 1:1 by BTC, connects with BNB Chain, Corn, B Squared, and Bitlayer through LayerZero integration.

Institutions can use YBTC in the BTCfi ecosystem to generate additional yields from DeFi protocols focused on restaking, yield farming, and more. PSTAKE — the protocol's incentivization, governance, and staking token — trades on exchanges like Bybit and can be staked on the Base L2 chain to earn Bitcoin rewards for participating in protocol and community activities.

Bitcoin liquid staking is worth considering if you:

Before participating, investors should carefully evaluate platform security, understand the technical aspects of liquid staking and assess their 

. Additionally, smart contract vulnerabilities and LST price fluctuations present real risks that need to be considered against potential rewards.

Choose a platform that aligns with your expertise level and goals. Established protocols like pSTAKE suit experienced DeFi users, while newer participants might prefer user-friendly platforms, such as Core's LstBTC. Start with smaller amounts of assets to familiarize yourself with the mechanics before committing significant capital.

Bitcoin liquid staking represents a significant evolution in Bitcoin's utility, offering holders new ways to earn yields while participating in the broader DeFi ecosystem. While the technology and protocols are still being developed, growing market adoption and continued innovation suggest a promising future for the Bitcoin liquid staking sector.

Intermediate

bitcoin liquid staking.png

Bitcoin Liquid Staking: New Yield Opportunities for BTC Holders

BlackRock has launched the iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) on Cboe Canada, offering Canadian investors access to Bitcoin through brokerage accounts.

The S&P 500 rose 0.16% as focus shifts to inflation data and earnings reports from major banks. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was down by 0.16%, with Bitcoin and Ether dropping by 1.14%  and 4.65%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is AAVE, which surged 4.3% after the announcement of Aave and GHO's expansion across networks for broader integration.

Aave (AAVE), founded in 2017, is a decentralized lending platform on Ethereum for lending, borrowing, and earning interest on 17 cryptocurrencies. It uses smart contracts, collateral for loans, and aTokens for interest, along with features like instant loans. Aave is 

 to multiple networks, with ARFCs passed for Linea, Celo, and World Liberty Finance, while Sonic, Mantle, BOB, and Rootstock are in earlier stages. GHO stablecoin is also growing, with expansions to Avalanche and Base already approved. Aave and GHO aim for widespread integration.

 the iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) on Cboe Canada, offering Canadian investors access to Bitcoin through brokerage accounts. The ETF mirrors Bitcoin's price performance by investing in the U.S. iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, which holds long-term Bitcoin assets. This launch highlights BlackRock’s focus on innovation and simplifying Bitcoin exposure by addressing operational and custody complexities. Cboe Canada, known for pioneering financial products, emphasizes its role in expanding the crypto ecosystem. IBIT and IBIT.U join seven other iShares ETFs on Cboe Canada, enabling investors to trade via standard investment channels.

Yesterday, BTC Spot ETFs experienced outflows totaling $313.6M, including $89M from GBTC and $224.6M from non-GBTC sources.

 its governance token, $ANIME, in January 2025 with a total supply of 10 billion (7.69 billion initially circulating). Community allocation is 50.5%, including 2% for Hyperliquid stakers, Kaito yappers, and Arbitrum users. Completing Azuki's points tasks might help with eligibility for the airdrop.

BlackRock Launches iShares Bitcoin ETF on Cboe Canada for Simplified Crypto Access

Bitcoin

Trading

Strategies

There is no better time to trade Bitcoin than now. Learn four Bitcoin trading strategies and more tips that will make your trades a success.

After experiencing a price decline of over 75% between 2021 and 2022, 

 has staged an impressive recovery, surging to $35,000 in early November 2024 and marking a level not seen in almost two years. Since its bottoming in November 2022, Bitcoin’s new bull run is drawing investors and traders back into the market. 

Additionally, regulatory changes are fueling Bitcoin's upward momentum, with the emergence of instruments like Bitcoin ETFs making a notable entrance to the scene. Interested in being a part of this Bitcoin rally? In this article, we delve into various strategies for you to easily reap profits in your Bitcoin trading in 2024.

Bitcoin trading has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, offering investors an opportunity to profit from the volatile nature of the world's most famous cryptocurrency. With the emergence of new financial products like Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the Bitcoin trading landscape is evolving significantly.

Bitcoin trading refers to the practice of buying and selling Bitcoin in financial markets to make a profit. Traders can participate in the Bitcoin market through various platforms, including cryptocurrency exchanges, brokerages and — in the near future—Bitcoin ETFs.

There are many different products for traders to invest in that mimic Bitcoin’s price movements. 

For example, cryptocurrency exchanges offer spot trading, options and futures contracts for investment and trade. Additionally, there are contracts-for-difference (Bitcoin CFDs), which are a form of Bitcoin derivative. CFDs allow traders to speculate on the price movements of Bitcoin on a short or long-term basis and profit from price changes without actually owning any coins. 

Lastly, Bitcoin ETFs are entering the trading arena.

In 2024, one of the most significant developments in the world of Bitcoin trading has been the introduction of the Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, or 

. This financial instrument is designed to make it easier for traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities of owning and managing the actual cryptocurrency.

A Bitcoin ETF is structured like a traditional exchange-traded fund, but holds Bitcoin as its underlying asset. This means that by investing in a Bitcoin ETF, you have indirect exposure to the world’s largest and first successful cryptocurrency without the need to set up and secure a 

. Bitcoin ETFs are traded on major stock exchanges, just like stocks, making them more accessible and familiar to traditional investors.

, have applied for approval to launch a Bitcoin ETF, with their applications anticipated to be granted. Once these Bitcoin ETFs receive the green light, demand for Bitcoin is likely to increase as Bitcoin becomes more accessible to a broader range of market participants.

Opening an account and creating a Bitcoin wallet is a quick and easy process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start Bitcoin trading in 2024.

Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is critical. Look for a platform with a good reputation, high security standards, a user-friendly interface and consistently recommended customer service and satisfaction, such as Bybit, which is a highly reliable exchange with diverse Bitcoin trading options. 

Additionally, ensure your selected exchange can offer cryptocurrency trading to your country of residence. This is crucial, as exchanges are becoming increasingly regulated to operate based on each country's rules and guidelines.

Sign up for an account on your chosen exchange. This process typically involves providing personal information, verifying your identity and setting up security measures, such as two-factor authentication. Remember to store your login credentials and recovery information securely.

Once your account is set up, deposit your preferred fiat currency (e.g., USD, EUR) or other cryptocurrencies into your exchange wallet. This is the capital you'll use to start trading.

With funds in your exchange wallet, you can begin trading. Familiarize yourself with the different trading pairs and order types. Some common trading pairs include BTC/USD, BTC/ETH and BTC/USDT. Make informed decisions, 

 to mitigate risk and consider utilizing 

Crypto trading is inherently volatile, and prices can fluctuate rapidly. It's crucial to 

 by investing no more than you can afford to lose. Diversify your portfolio to spread out your risk, and establish a clear trading strategy with entry and exit points.

Stay updated with the latest news and developments in the cryptocurrency space. Both 

 are great places to glean recent developments. 

Market sentiment can change rapidly in response to news events, regulatory changes and technological advancements. Use reliable sources of information to help you make informed trading decisions.

Bitcoin trading can be both exhilarating and challenging. It's essential to exercise patience, discipline and emotional control. Avoid making impulsive decisions, and be prepared for both gains and losses.

There are a variety of strategies for Bitcoin traders to implement. Below are just a few of the more common types of Bitcoin trading strategies.

ing ("holding on for dear life”), a long-term directional position that Bitcoin's price will increase over time. This strategy is less concerned with daily, weekly or monthly price movements, instead focusing on the long term.

Traders consider the current price of Bitcoin and how it compares to its long-term potential value. They may look at blockchain fundamentals or long-term price momentum indicators on weekly or monthly price charts.

 the Bitcoin trader wants to capitalize on medium-term trends in the market. Swing traders believe the market doesn’t move in a straight line and will experience large corrections from time to time. 

Therefore, a swing trader will want to lock in profit on a bull trend, then short or wait to re-buy at a better value. This allows the swing trader to better utilize their capital than waiting through long corrections. Most swing trades are held open for a couple of days to a couple of months.

, as holding Bitcoin positions overnight can incur overnight funding charges. Therefore, they seek shorter-term trades that they can open and close on the same day.

The day trader’s strategy is to analyze short-term price chart patterns and find small opportunities that are repeatable each day. Day trading relies heavily on chart reading and technical analysis.

 is a shorter-term, more active trading style than day trading. Scalpers are in the market for minutes at a time, trying to pick up just a couple of points each trade. Since this form of trade requires speed, many scalpers utilize automated trading, which lets them create a custom program for their trading strategies.

Scalping typically involves a high win rate and is very risky. It only takes one losing trade to eat up the profit from several winning trades.

Trading Bitcoin is a challenging endeavor, given the cryptocurrency's inherent volatility. To succeed, you’ll need a robust strategy and a commitment to continuous learning. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate Bitcoin trading successfully in 2024 and beyond.

When it comes to trading Bitcoin, knowledge is power. Before making any trade, invest your time in researching the cryptocurrency market. Review Bitcoin’s historical price trends and the size of its typical drawdowns and corrections. It’s critical that you take the time to review and study factors that influence Bitcoin’s value, so we’ve compiled the following list.

Fundamental analysis in this case involves assessing the intrinsic value of Bitcoin by evaluating the factors that drive its price, such as adoption rate, network security and 

, regulatory developments and macroeconomic trends. For example, regulatory changes in major economies can have a substantial impact on Bitcoin's price.

Technical analysis is the study of price charts, trading volume and historical data to identify trends and predict future price movements. Traders use various indicators and patterns to make decisions. 

 and additional techniques can provide insights into market sentiment, as well as potential entry or exit points. Technical analysis can complement your fundamental research and help refine your trading strategy to spot ideal entry and exit prices.

Staying informed about the latest news and developments in the cryptocurrency space is essential. Market sentiment can shift dramatically in response to news events and regulatory changes. For example, developments in the approval of Bitcoin ETFs can generate more demand for Bitcoin. Ensure that you have access to reliable sources of information, such as reputable cryptocurrency news websites and official announcements from exchanges and regulatory bodies.

That said, it's crucial to differentiate between credible news and rumors, or even phony news. The cryptocurrency space is rife with misinformation and rumors that can lead to unwarranted price volatility. 

Always verify information with multiple reliable sources before making trading decisions.

Bitcoin's notorious price swings make diversification a vital risk management strategy. Instead of putting all your capital into a single asset like Bitcoin, consider spreading your investments across various cryptocurrencies. This can help reduce your exposure to Bitcoin's specific risks and create a more balanced portfolio.

Moreover, diversification extends beyond cryptocurrencies. Consider including traditional assets like stocks, bonds or real estate in your investment portfolio. Diversification can help safeguard your capital during times of extreme volatility or lack of volatility in the cryptocurrency markets.

Bitcoin trading is not without risks. To protect your capital, establish a clear risk management strategy. This includes setting stop-loss orders, defining acceptable losses and adhering to a 

. Avoid investing more than you can afford to lose, and save enough capital so you can continue to live comfortably even if you lose your entire investment.

Emotions can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive decisions. 

 are common emotions that can influence your trading choices. Create a trading plan with predefined entry and exit points, and stick to it. Make your trading plan and strategy as systematic as possible. Consider automating your strategy to help remove your emotions from trading. Emotionless trading is a key component of successful trading.

Trading Bitcoin successfully in 2024 and beyond requires a combination of thorough research, a clear trading strategy, effective risk management and a commitment to continuous learning. By staying informed, employing both fundamental and technical analysis, diversifying your investments and controlling your emotions, you can navigate the volatility of the Bitcoin market with greater confidence and potentially achieve success in your trading endeavors.

There are several ways a trader can gain access to Bitcoin with Bybit. Following are three of the most popular products Bitcoin traders use.

 is the simplest, most basic method for trading Bitcoin. New traders typically start their trading journey by interacting with spot markets.

Spot trading refers to buying and selling Bitcoin (or other cryptocurrencies) at the current market price, known as the spot price. The expectation is an immediate exchange or delivery of Bitcoin to the buyer’s account.

Spot buyers in Bitcoin are hoping that Bitcoin prices will rise over time so that they can sell Bitcoin for a profit in the future. This is popular, because spot buyers of BTC can hold onto their coins for as long as they want, with no expiration.

Another form of Spot trading at Bybit is 

, which means the trader is borrowing the funds to buy or short Bitcoin. Then, when the trade is closed out, the loan is repaid and any excess funds from the trade are considered profit. Spot Margin trading lets traders control positions larger than the value of their account by using 

As a financial product, Spot Margin trading is used by shorter-term traders. Since funds are borrowed, funding rates and interest are owed to the broker to hold the trade open. Longer-term traders would thus end up with interest eating into their profits, whereas shorter-term trades don’t incur as much in fees.

Bitcoin futures are a typical product traders like to use to trade the price movements of Bitcoin. The contracts used in futures trading at Bybit are called 

, and are a derivative product similar to Bitcoin Spot Margin trading.

Perpetual trading can be conducted using 

. This means the margin, profit and loss, and risk exposure are in USDT or USDC. There are also Inverse Perpetual contracts that allow the trader to use Bitcoin as the base currency. This means that margin, profit and loss, and risk exposure are calculated in Bitcoin.

There are very subtle differences between Perpetual contracts and Spot Margin trading, one of which is how often interest calculation is charged to the account. Perpetuals charge interest every eight hours, and only if you’re holding the position open at the end of that 8-hour shift. Spot Margin trading, on the other hand, charges interest every hour, regardless of whether or not your order has been filled.

 are preferred vehicles for trading when you’re considering more advanced strategies or shorter-term holdings. For example, a Perpetual or Inverse Perpetual trader could hold a position open for four hours and not be liable for the interest, so long as they didn’t hold the position at 12AM UTC, 8AM UTC or 4PM UTC.

Options are another popular vehicle for trading Bitcoin. 

 are contracts that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at a predetermined price and at a specified time in the future.

With options, traders can bet on the rise or fall of the price of Bitcoin without committing the entire amount of the trade, and without actually owning Bitcoin. As a result, the trader can leverage their capital and put it to greater use. Options have an expiration date and other, more complex calculations that can have an impact on their value.

 to hedge a current trade or implement a strategy that involves multiple options on the same trade.

Aside from Spot, Futures and Options, there are a couple of other popular vehicles on Bybit when it comes to having a Bitcoin trading account.

. Essentially, you research the top Master Traders on the 

 and decide which one(s) to follow. When these traders open or close a position, the trade is automatically copied into your account with no manual intervention on your part. Copy trading presents an effortless way for beginners to start trading without having to make their own trading decisions.

 that Bitcoin traders can apply to their accounts. On the 

 you can see four types of trading bots: 

. Each bot is designed for different purposes, so you can choose the one that best matches your trading goals. Every bot also offers an Auto-Fill function, with fixed parameters to follow, making trading a simple and hassle-free process for beginning traders. 

Key Factors Influencing Bitcoin’s Price

Several factors play an important role in determining Bitcoin’s price movements. Understanding these factors will help investors and traders more successfully navigate the Bitcoin market.

Bitcoin operates on a fixed supply schedule. There will only ever be 

 in existence, a scarcity that’s integral to its value proposition. As more people seek to acquire and hold Bitcoin, increased demand puts upward pressure on BTC’s price. Conversely, a decrease in demand can lead to price declines.

One of the most significant events impacting supply and demand is a 

, which occurs approximately every four years. The next halving is anticipated to occur in April 2024. During this event, the rate at which new bitcoins are rewarded for BTC 

 is reduced by half. The supply of new coins is consequently reduced, and can lead to price appreciation as the market adjusts.

 ("market cap") is another key indicator of its overall value. Market cap is calculated by multiplying the current price of one Bitcoin by the total number of bitcoins in circulation. It provides insights into the relative size of the cryptocurrency as compared to other assets or cryptocurrencies.

Growing market cap signifies an increase in Bitcoin's total value, attracting more investors and attention. This increased demand can drive up its price. However, market cap alone doesn't account for the distribution of ownership or the circulation of coins, which can vary significantly among cryptocurrencies.

The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, with thousands of alternative cryptocurrencies (

) competing for attention and investment. Bitcoin faces competition from projects like 

, each offering unique features and use cases.

Competition can have a significant impact on Bitcoin's price. If an altcoin gains popularity and captures a substantial share of the crypto market, it may divert investment away from Bitcoin. Conversely, advancements in Bitcoin's technology or increased adoption of the coin can help it maintain or strengthen its position as the dominant cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Trading Strategies for Success in 2024

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards