One More Push Higher Before the Crash?
One More Push Higher Before the Crash?
264 days ago1000xBlockworks
Podcast53 min 20 sec
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

The current pullback in Ethereum (ETH) presents a buying opportunity for a final rally expected to last another 3-4 weeks. During this period, consider aggressively taking profits on ETH-beta plays like Chainlink (LINK) and Aerodrome (AERO), as this "alt season" is likely temporary. Plan to rotate profits from these speculative trades back into Bitcoin (BTC), which is viewed as the core asset to hold for the long term. The highest conviction future opportunity is to buy Digital Asset Treasury stocks like MicroStrategy (MSTR) if they trade at a deep discount (30-40%) to their crypto holdings. Monitor these stocks closely, as them trading at a discount is a key warning sign that the crypto rally's buying pressure is ending.

Detailed Analysis

Ethereum (ETH)

  • The recent rally in ETH is seen as being driven almost exclusively by flows from "Treasury Companies" (also called DATs, or Digital Asset Treasuries) buying up the asset, not by fundamental belief in its technology or narrative.
  • The hosts estimate that $10 billion of direct buying from these companies, plus another $10 billion of "front-running" from other traders, has fueled the recent price action.
  • The current market environment is described as an "alt season" centered on ETH and its related tokens (ETH-beta).
  • A recent 10% pullback from all-time highs is viewed as a healthy retracement and a potential buying opportunity, as treasury companies are still purchasing ETH.
  • The hosts believe this ETH-centric alt season may only last for another 3 to 4 more weeks before a significant "implosion" or correction.
  • The market psychology described is a "tasting pump" to get investors interested, followed by a pullback. The next leg up is expected to be driven by FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) from those who missed the initial rally, leading to a "really stupid" move higher before it unravels.

Takeaways

  • Short-Term Bullish: The current pullback is considered a buying opportunity for what could be the final, most parabolic leg up of this "alt season."
  • Medium-Term Bearish: Be prepared to be a net seller of crypto on the next major rally. The end of the rally in ETH and altcoins could signal a broader market top.
  • Key Indicator to Watch: The price of ETH Treasury Company stocks relative to their Net Asset Value (NAV). Once these stocks begin trading at a significant discount, it signals that the primary source of buying pressure for ETH is drying up.

Treasury Companies (DATs) & The "DAT Trade"

  • This is the most significant theme discussed. These are publicly traded companies that hold large amounts of cryptocurrency (like ETH or BTC) on their balance sheets.
  • The hosts identify the buying pressure from these companies as the primary driver of the current ETH rally.
  • A major risk factor has emerged: some ETH treasury companies, like SBET, have recently started trading at a discount to their Net Asset Value (NAV). This means the company's stock market value is less than the value of the ETH it holds.
  • This trend is described as "worrying" and "grotesque," as it could signal the end of their ability to raise capital and buy more crypto, effectively turning off the buying pressure.
  • Specific companies mentioned include MicroStrategy (MSTR), SBET, BMNR, BTCS, Metaplanet, and Nakamoto.

Takeaways

  • The "Home Run" Trade: The hosts are extremely excited about a future opportunity to buy these treasury company stocks when they trade at a deep discount (30-40% or more) to their NAV. This would be a way to buy BTC or ETH at a significant discount, similar to the highly profitable Grayscale (GBTC) trade of the past.
  • Risk Management is Crucial: Not all treasury companies are created equal. Investors must research the structure of each company. Unlike GBTC, some of these newer companies have debt and could face insolvency or illiquidity risk, meaning you could lose your entire investment even if the underlying crypto goes up.
  • Specific Stocks to Watch:
    • MicroStrategy (MSTR): Considered the "most battle tested." A trade at a discount would be a "screaming trade."
    • Nakamoto & Metaplanet: Believed to be "structured okay" and would be potential buys at a 20-30% discount.

General Altcoins

  • The current environment is defined as an "alt season" where traders rotate capital into various altcoins.
  • The hosts stress that this period is likely temporary and investors need to be nimble.
  • The buyers driving this rally are described as "TradFi" (Traditional Finance) investors who have much lower return expectations. They are happy with a good return (e.g., a triple that pulls back 30%) and are not "delusional moon boys" holding for 100x gains. This means they are more likely to sell and take profits quickly.

Takeaways

  • Take Profits Aggressively: If you are trading altcoins in this environment, you should have a clear profit-taking strategy.
  • Example Strategy: Sell a third of your position at a 15% gain, another third at a 30% gain, and the final third at a 50% gain.
  • Buy the Dips: The best time to enter these trades is on pullback days ("red days"), not when assets are already up 15-20%.

Chainlink (LINK)

  • LINK is identified as an "ETH beta" play, meaning its price is likely to move with ETH but with higher volatility.
  • The chart for LINK is described as looking "very good."
  • It fits the "institutional rally" theme because it is a well-known project with a clear, real-world use case (providing oracle data).
  • Major Concern: The hosts point out that LINK's on-chain revenues are "pathetic." The company claims most of its revenue is generated off-chain, but this is untrackable and unverified, making it a "nebulous business."

Takeaways

  • Momentum Trade, Not Investment: Due to the lack of transparent revenue, LINK is viewed as a short-term momentum trade rather than a long-term investment.
  • Consider holding it for a short period (e.g., "a week or two") during a market rally alongside other momentum names, but be aware of the fundamental risks.

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • BTC has been trading sideways for over a month while ETH and alts have rallied.
  • The narrative for buying BTC is different from ETH; it is seen as a "genuinely useful geopolitical asset for the future."
  • The hosts would prefer to consolidate profits from altcoins back into Bitcoin rather than cash at the peak of a rally, as they believe it still has room to run long-term.

Takeaways

  • Potential Price Path: A short-term rally over the next 3-4 weeks, followed by a significant "wash out" correction down to the $98k - $102k range. After the correction, the price is expected to go sideways before eventually moving up again.
  • Core Holding: Bitcoin is viewed as the primary asset to hold through the cycle after taking profits on more speculative altcoins.

Other Mentions

  • Aave (AAVE): Mentioned as an ETH beta token that had a quick rally and then retraced.
  • Aerodrome (AERO): Also mentioned as a good ETH beta call. One host sees the current pullback as a good opportunity to buy more.
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Episode Description
Gm! This week, we talk about Jonah & Avi’s rage bait on Twitter, the sideways chop in crypto markets, ETH’s rally fueled by treasury company flows, and strategies around margin, leverage, and picking DAT winners. Enjoy! -- Go follow the new 1000x feed to keep up to date with all new episodes! Spotify: https://bit.ly/4676Sob Apple: https://bit.ly/4etlBMd -- Follow Avi:  https://x.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah:  https://x.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x:  https://x.com/1000xPod  Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh -- Kraken OTC offers discreet, 24/7 execution for large crypto orders. Built for HNWIs and institutions trading $50K+, you get access to deep liquidity, chat-based support and flexible settlement. Learn more: kraken.com/blockworks Disclaimer: Availability of products may vary by jurisdiction. Not investment advice. Crypto trading involves risk of loss and is offered to US customers through Payward Interactive, Inc. View legal disclosures at https://kraken.com/legal/disclosures. -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and real yield, by redirecting chain revenue back to active DeFi users. The 1 billion KAT campaign is live. Bridge and deposit directly into vaults in one simple click and start earning immediately on your ETH, BTC, USDC, and more. Go to app.katana.network to check it out. -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (01:00) Jewish Rage Bait (08:39) Markets Going Sideways (09:35) Bullish LINK? (12:04) This is Your Alt Season (15:02) Ads (Kraken OTC, Katana) (16:08) How to Manage Your Capital (25:35) Ads (Kraken OTC, Katana) (26:41) DATs Sizzling Out? (33:01) Is ETH Move ALL DATs? (39:33) When to Buy DATs? (45:17) Saylor the GOAT? (46:29) One More Leg Higher? (49:54) Crypto Return Thresholds  (52:24) Final Thoughts -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on 1000x is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Avi, Jonah and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed
About 1000x
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By Blockworks

1000x is a crypto markets podcast hosted by professional traders Avi Felman and Jonah Van Bourg. We bring on experts to dive deep into the macro and micro factors that represent the lifeblood of digital money and web3. As an increasing share of economic activity and attention migrates online, tokenomics and price action is increasingly relevant to everyone. If you’re interested in the future of markets and crypto, this show is for you.