Why the Crypto Markets Seem So Broken and How They Get Fixed After 10/10
Why the Crypto Markets Seem So Broken and How They Get Fixed After 10/10
60 days agoUnchainedLaura Shin
Podcast1 hr 6 min
Listen to Episode
Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

Investors should utilize the current $60k to $70k price range to Dollar Cost Average (DCA) into Bitcoin (BTC), maintaining a long-term outlook of 3 to 5 years. For exposure to the growing Real World Asset (RWA) sector, focus on high-conviction infrastructure plays like Ondo (ONDO) or platforms offering tokenized Magnificent Seven stocks and commodities. The BitGet (BGB) token remains a strategic hold for ecosystem utility and potential value accrual as the exchange moves toward a US IPO and a universal trading model. Exercise extreme caution with speculative "AI Altcoins," as many lack functional utility; instead, prioritize companies using AI for operational efficiency or autonomous commerce. Given recent market volatility and liquidity risks, shift focus away from governance-only tokens toward assets with clear value accrual, such as dividends or buybacks, to outperform BTC.

Detailed Analysis

BitGet (BGB)

• The exchange is pivoting to a Universal Exchange (UEX) model, moving beyond just crypto to include tokenized stocks, forex, and commodities. • Strategic Shift: BitGet transferred ownership of its native token, BGB, to the Morph Foundation to avoid conflicts of interest ahead of a potential US IPO (targeted for late 2026 or early 2027). • AI Integration: Launched the AI Agent Hub, utilizing the "OpenClaw" framework to provide 58 different trading tools and "Agent OS" to help users make automated portfolio decisions. • US Expansion: Currently in the process of acquiring licenses and seeking local partners for a US market entry, likely via a joint venture or acquisition.

Takeaways

Diversification: Investors can now use stablecoins (USDT/USDC) to trade traditional assets like M7 stocks (Magnificent Seven) or ETFs (QQQ) in tokenized form on the platform. • Institutional Focus: The UEX shift is attracting more VIP and institutional clients who want to manage TradFi and Crypto assets under one "umbrella." • BGB Utility: Despite the ownership transfer, BGB remains the core ecosystem token for launchpools, discounts, and VIP tiers.


Bitcoin (BTC)

• Described as "Millennials' digital gold" and a pure reflection of global liquidity. • Current Sentiment: Viewed more as a "risk-on" asset rather than a "risk-off" hedge in the current volatile climate. • Price Context: Discussion noted a significant drop from $95k to $65k following the "10/10" market event.

Takeaways

Accumulation Strategy: The $60k to $70k range is identified as a strong zone for Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA). • Long-term Outlook: Recommended for investors with a 3 to 5-year horizon. • Macro Catalyst: Future growth is heavily dependent on the Fed's shift toward Quantitative Easing (QE) and interest rate cuts.


Real World Assets (RWA) & Tokenized Equities

Market Growth: Significant rise in tokenized stocks and commodities (Gold, Silver, Oil) since 2025. • Key Players: Xox (acquired by Kraken) and Ondo (ONDO) were highlighted for providing comprehensive technology structures and auditing for tokenized assets. • Efficiency: Tokenized stocks offer 24/7 trading and instant settlement compared to the traditional T+2 settlement cycle.

Takeaways

Global Access: RWA platforms are particularly popular in Asia and Emerging Markets where users face capital controls or difficulty opening traditional US brokerage accounts. • Concentration: Trading volume is highly concentrated; the top 10 tokenized stocks (mostly big tech) account for roughly 80% of volume.


AI & Crypto Themes

AI Agents: There is a growing trend of agents using stablecoins for autonomous micro-payments and "agentic" commerce. • Skepticism on AI Tokens: Gracie Chen expressed a bearish view on "AI Altcoins," noting that many are essentially "AI Memes" that lack functional utility or real products. • Infrastructure: Projects like VVB (by Eric Voorhees) are exploring permissionless/private wrappers for AI models.

Takeaways

Investment Caution: Investors should distinguish between companies using AI to improve services (like BitGet) and speculative "AI tokens" that may not outperform Bitcoin. • Operational Efficiency: AI is being successfully used for KYT (Know Your Transaction) to detect fraud and sanctioned accounts in real-time.


Macro Trends & Risk Factors

The "10/10" Event: A major market "break" caused by a "liquidity vacuum," high leverage liquidations (specifically affecting USDE and wrapped assets like bbSOL), and technical glitches on major exchanges. • Geopolitical Impact: The conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have spiked oil prices (from $70 to $110+), which acts as a major drag on risk assets. • Fed Leadership: The potential appointment of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair is viewed as "Hawkish," which could delay interest rate cuts if inflation remains sticky.

Takeaways

"Altcoins are Dead" (Selective): The sentiment is that it is increasingly difficult for altcoins to outperform BTC. The "four-year cycle" may be broken due to the massive amount of retail capital lost in 2025. • Token Accrual: Investors should look for protocols with clear value accrual (dividends, buybacks) rather than tokens that act only as "governance" or memes. • Risk Management: The "10/10" event proved that even "stable" wrapped assets can de-peg during liquidity crises; diversification across regions and asset classes is now a necessity.

Ask about this postAnswers are grounded in this post's content.
Episode Description
Rob Hadick and Gracy Chen dig into Bitget's universal exchange shift as more crypto exchanges look to become an “everything app.” Plus, Gracy lets slip details of U.S. plans and how it ties to its transfer of BGB ownership. Bits + Bips is spreading its wings Starting soon, new episodes will only be published on our brand‑new feeds. What you need to do: Click the links below. ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Apple⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠X⁠ Smash Follow or Subscribe. 🎉 Done. Bitget since September has said it is much more than a centralized cryptocurrency exchange. Dragonfly General Partner Rob Hadick and Bitget CEO Gracy Chen peel back Bitget's universal exchange branding to reveal the trends driving the company's expansion and really that of other exchanges both in TradFi and crypto. The main takeaway? “Users want a place to trade everything.” Gracy also teases Bitget's U.S. market entry plans and lets slip the real reason the company transferred ownership of BGB.  Plus, why Gracy is not so optimistic about AI agents materially impacting the crypto market and what Rob says needs to happen for altcoins to accrue value again. He says it is no longer a market where everything goes up and down together. Guests: Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget, previous appearances on Unchained: Why All Financial Institutions Are 'All Systems Go' on Stablecoins Stablecoins Are Popping Up Everywhere. What's the End Game? When a Crypto Treasury Company Is and Isn't Worth a Premium Why Crypto Has 'a Good Setup' for the Long Term Right Now: Bits + Bips Links: Unchained: Inside Robinhood’s Big Super App Plan: ‘There’s Still a Lot of Work to Be Done’ Coinbase Launches Stock Trading and Prediction Markets Crypto’s Black Friday Was Its Largest Liquidation Ever. What the Hell Happened? Uneasy Money: Why Peter Steinberger and Non-Crypto People Hate the Crypto Mob Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Unchained
Unchained

Unchained

By Laura Shin

Crypto assets and blockchain technology are about to transform every trust-based interaction of our lives, from financial services to identity to the Internet of Things. In this podcast, host Laura Shin, an independent journalist covering all things crypto, talks with industry pioneers about how crypto assets and blockchains will change the way we earn, spend and invest our money. Tune in to find out how Web 3.0, the decentralized web, will revolutionize our world. Disclosure: I'm a nocoiner.