Market
Market Dynamics Around Token Unlocks

Token unlocks are more than just scheduled events; they are critical market drivers. Whether causing price suppression, volatility, or ecosystem growth, their impact is undeniable. Keyrock, a cryptocurrency market maker, published a report on token unlocks and how these events affect the market.
The research highlights that token unlocks, though predictable, have significant impacts. Leveraging insights from the study enables crypto market participants to navigate these events more effectively, transforming potential disruptions into opportunities.
Keyrock Research Unveils Insights on Token Unlocks
The study examined more than 16,000 token unlocks, shedding light on the substantial effects these events have on market behavior. The findings of the research provide valuable insights for traders and investors alike. Every week, over $600 million worth of tokens enter circulation due to unlocks. Despite their frequency, the market reaction to these events is almost uniform.
“Understanding unlock schedules is no longer optional for traders. It’s essential for timing market entries and exits effectively,” the research highlighted.
According to Keyrock, 90% of unlocks create negative price pressure. This is true regardless of the size, type, or recipient of the tokens. Interestingly, price impacts often begin well before the unlock date, likely as community members front-run the event. Bigger unlocks amplify this effect, causing sharper price drops (up to 2.4 times greater) and increased volatility.
Of note is that token unlock events typically follow structured schedules outlined in vesting tables. These schedules can range from single large releases (cliffs unlocks) to continuous monthly distributions (linear unlocks). Keyrock’s research categorizes these events by size, establishing that smaller unlocks, while less impactful individually, can create cumulative price suppression.
- Nano (<0.1%) and Micro Unlocks (0.1%-0.5%): Minimal impact.
- Small (0.5%-1%) and Medium Unlocks (1%-5%): Capable of influencing market sentiment.
- Large (5%-10%) and Huge Unlocks (>10%): Significant events with high market impact.
For traders, the size of an unlock determines its importance. Huge token unlocks, though initially disruptive, often spread their effects over time, leading to a more gradual price recovery.
Besides size, the type of recipient receiving the unlocked tokens also significantly influences price dynamics. Assessing the unlock recipient’s profile is crucial for determining the potential market impact. Keyrock has identified five primary categories in this context.
Team Unlocks
These are the most detrimental, leading to average price drops of up to 25%. Uncoordinated selling by team members, coupled with a lack of strategic measures to minimize market impact, exacerbates the situation. Often treated as compensation, these tokens are sold quickly to address financial needs, resulting in sharp price declines.
“Team unlocks exemplify how lack of planning can amplify market disruption,” the report noted.
Therefore, traders should avoid entering positions during these unlock periods or even during the linear distribution that often follows.
Investor Unlocks
Managed strategically and exhibited controlled impacts due to advanced hedging and liquidation strategies. Interestingly, investor unlocks exhibit more controlled price behavior compared to team unlocks.
Early investors, often from venture capital (VC) backgrounds, employ advanced strategies such as OTC deals, derivatives, and options to mitigate the impact of token sales. These methods reduce immediate sell-side pressure and ensure orderly market conditions.
Keyrock’s research points out, that the adoption of similar strategies by project teams could significantly reduce the negative impacts of token unlocks.
“Sophistication in planning and execution can turn unlocks into opportunities rather than liabilities,” Keyrock added.
Ecosystem Development Unlocks
Uniquely positive, these often result in price increases (+1.18% on average) as they inject liquidity or incentivize ecosystem growth. The tokens typically serve for infrastructure development, contributing to long-term ecosystem growth.
Keyrock cites the example of Optimism (OP), which strategically allocated $36 million in tokens to 24 projects following a major unlock in June 2022. This approach not only stabilized the market but also drove network expansion.
“Unlocks aligned with ecosystem growth strategies can act as catalysts rather than disruptors,” Keyrock said.

Community or public unlocks often exhibit mixed impacts, with many tokens held or sold by recipients, reflecting moderate price pressures. On the other hand, burn unlocks are rare and, therefore, excluded from the analysis.
Key Takeaways: Patterns and Strategies Around Unlocks
Meanwhile, two phenomena frequently drive pre-token unlock price suppression. First, is retail anticipation, where traders sell early to avoid dilution, further driving down prices. Second, is institutional hedging, where sophisticated holders preemptively lock in prices, minimizing their impact on unlock days.
Post-unlock, prices often stabilize within two weeks as market dynamics adjust. For ecosystem development unlocks, the stabilization is coupled with tangible growth benefits, as seen in projects like Optimism, which effectively used token unlocks to fund ecosystem expansion.
“Optimism’s strategy following its aggressive June 2022 unlock offers a textbook example of how ecosystem unlocks, when well-designed, can drive both immediate utility and long-term growth. Despite an initial selloff, Optimism demonstrated how aligning unlocks with targeted incentives can transform a supply shock into a springboard for expansion,” an excerpt from the research stated.
eyrock’s research highlights the importance of monitoring unlock schedules and understanding recipient behavior. For traders, timing is crucial. Exiting positions 30 days before major unlocks and re-entering 14 days later can reduce risks and maximize returns. For projects, carefully planned unlock schedules and strategies, such as phased releases and liquidity support, can minimize market disruptions and align with long-term growth objectives.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Stellar (XLM) Falls 5% as Bearish Signals Strengthen

Stellar (XLM) is down more than 5% on Thursday, with its market capitalization dropping to $8 billion. XLM technical indicators are flashing strong bearish signals, suggesting continued downward momentum that could test critical support levels around $0.22.
While a reversal scenario remains possible with resistance targets at $0.27, $0.29, and $0.30, such an upside move would require a substantial shift in market sentiment.
XLM RSI Shows Sellers Are In Control
Stellar’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped sharply to 38.99, down from 59.54 just two days ago—signaling a notable shift in momentum.
The RSI is a widely used momentum oscillator that measures the speed and magnitude of recent price changes, typically ranging between 0 and 100.
Readings above 70 suggest overbought conditions, while levels below 30 indicate oversold territory. A reading between 30 and 50 often reflects bearish momentum but is not yet extreme enough to trigger an immediate reversal.

With Stellar’s RSI now below the key midpoint of 50 and approaching the oversold threshold, the current reading of 38.99 suggests that sellers are gaining control.
While it’s not yet in oversold territory, it does signal weakening buying pressure and increasing downside risk.
If the RSI continues to fall, XLM could face further price declines unless buyers step in soon to stabilize the trend and prevent a slide into more deeply oversold levels.
Stellar CMF Heavily Dropped Since April 1
Stellar’s Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) has plunged to -10, a sharp decline from 0.19 just two days ago, signaling a significant shift in capital flow dynamics.
The CMF is an indicator that measures the volume-weighted average of accumulation and distribution over a set period—essentially tracking whether money is flowing into or out of an asset.
Positive values suggest buying pressure and accumulation, while negative values point to selling pressure and capital outflow.

With XLM’s CMF now deep in negative territory at -10, it indicates that sellers are firmly in control and substantial capital is leaving the asset.
This level of negative flow can put downward pressure on price, especially if it aligns with other bearish technical signals. Unless buying volume returns to offset this outflow, XLM could continue to weaken in the near term.
Will Stellar Fall To Five-Month Lows?
Stellar price action presents concerning signals as EMA indicators point to a strong bearish trend with significant downside potential.
Technical analysis suggests this downward momentum could push XLM to test critical support around $0.22. It could breach this level and fall below the psychologically important $0.20 threshold—a price not seen since November 2024.
This technical deterioration warrants caution from traders and investors as selling pressure appears to be intensifying.

Conversely, a trend reversal scenario would require a substantial shift in market sentiment. Should bulls regain control, XLM could challenge the immediate resistance at $0.27, with further upside targets at $0.29 and the key $0.30 level.
However, this optimistic outlook faces considerable obstacles, as only a dramatic sentiment shift coupled with the emergence of a powerful uptrend would enable such a recovery.
Until clearer bullish signals manifest, the prevailing technical structure continues to favor the bearish case.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Solana (SOL) Crashes 11%—Is More Pain Ahead?

Solana (SOL) is under heavy pressure, with its price down more than 10% in the last 24 hours as bearish momentum intensifies across key indicators. The Ichimoku Cloud, BBTrend, and price structure all point to continued downside risk, with SOL now hovering dangerously close to critical support levels.
Technical signals show sellers firmly in control, while the widening gap from resistance zones makes a near-term recovery increasingly difficult.
Solana’s Ichimoku Cloud chart is currently flashing strong bearish signals. The price has sharply broken below both the Tenkan-sen (blue line) and Kijun-sen (red line), confirming a clear rejection of short-term support levels.
Both of these lines are now angled downward, reinforcing the view that bearish momentum is gaining strength.
The sharp distance between the latest candles and the cloud further suggests that any recovery would face significant resistance ahead.

Looking at the Kumo (cloud) itself, the red cloud projected forward is thick and sloping downward, indicating that bearish pressure is expected to persist in the coming sessions.
The price is well below the cloud, which typically means the asset is in a strong downtrend.
For Solana to reverse this trend, it would need to reclaim the Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen and push decisively through the entire cloud structure—an outcome that looks unlikely in the short term, given the current momentum and cloud formation.
Solana’s BBTrend Signals Prolonged Bearish Momentum
Solana’s BBTrend indicator currently sits at -6, having remained in negative territory for over five consecutive days. Just two days ago, it hit a bearish peak of -12.72, showing the strength of the recent downtrend.
Although it has slightly recovered from that low, the sustained negative reading signals that selling pressure remains firmly in control and that the bearish momentum hasn’t yet been reversed.
The BBTrend (Bollinger Band Trend) measures the strength and direction of a trend using Bollinger Bands. Positive values suggest bullish conditions and upward momentum, while negative values indicate bearish trends.

Generally, values beyond 5 are considered strong trend signals. With Solana’s BBTrend still well below -5, it implies that downside risk remains elevated.
Unless a sharp shift in momentum occurs, this persistent bearish reading may continue to weigh on SOL’s price in the near term.
Solana Eyes $112 Support as Bears Test February Lows
Solana’s price has broken below the key $115 level, and the next major support lies around $112. A confirmed move below this threshold could trigger further downside. That could potentially push the price under $110 for the first time since February 2024.
The recent momentum and strong bearish indicators suggest sellers remain in control, increasing the likelihood of testing these lower support levels in the near term.

However, if Solana manages to stabilize and reverse its current trajectory, a rebound toward the $120 resistance level could follow.
Breaking above that would be the first sign of recovery, and if bullish momentum accelerates, SOL price could aim for higher targets at $131 and $136.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Crypto Market Mirrors Nasdaq and S&P 500 Amid Recession Fears

As traditional markets show clear signs of an impending recession, the crypto space is not immune from damage. Liquidations are surging as the overall crypto market cap mirrors declines in the stock market.
Even though the source of these problems is localized to the US, the damage will have global implications. Traders are advised to prepare for a sustained period of trouble.
How Will A Recession Impact Crypto?
Several economic experts have warned that the US market is poised for an impending recession. For all we know, it’s already here.
Since Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs, all financial markets have taken a real hit. The overall crypto market cap is down nearly 8%, and liquidations in the last 24 hours exceeded $500 million.

A few other key indicators show a similar trend. In late February, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index was at “Extreme Fear.” It recovered in March but fell back down to this category today.
Similarly, checkers adjacent to crypto, such as Polymarket, began predicting that a recession is more likely than not.
Although the crypto industry is closely tied to President Trump’s administration, it is not the driving force behind these recession fears. Indeed, crypto actually seems to be tailing TradFi markets at the moment.
The Dow dropped 1600 points today, and the NASDAQ and S&P 500 both had their worst single-day drops since at least 2020.

Amidst all these recession fears, it’s been hard to identify an upside for crypto. Bitcoin briefly looked steady, but it fell more than 5% in the last 24 hours.
This doesn’t necessarily reflect its status as a secure store of value, as gold also looked steady before crumbling. To be fair, though, gold has only fallen 1.2% today.
In this environment, crypto enthusiasts worldwide should consider preparing for a recession. Trump’s proposed tariffs dramatically exceeded the worst expectations, and the resultant crisis is centered around the US.
Overall, current projections show that the crypto market will mirror the stock market to some extent. If the Nasdaq and S&P 500 fall further, the implications for risk assets could worsen.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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