Mind (MND) news

How to Invest in Gold: The Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025 Edition)

Gold has fascinated humanity for centuries — from ancient coins and royal treasuries to modern investment portfolios. In 2025, it remains one of the most talked-about and trusted assets among investors worldwide. Whether you're a first-time investor or someone looking to diversify your holdings, gold continues to spark interest for its reputation as a symbol of security and stability. But how do you actually invest in gold today? With so many options — physical bullion, ETFs, digital platforms, and more — getting started can feel overwhelming. This beginner’s guide breaks it all down: what makes gold valuable, why people invest in it, the different ways to gain exposure, and what to consider before jumping in. If you’ve been curious about adding gold to your portfolio, this is the place to start. Why People Invest in Gold People invest in gold for a simple reason: it holds its value. In a world where markets can swing wildly and currencies can lose purchasing power, gold offers something solid — literally. It doesn’t rely on earnings reports, interest payments, or government backing. It exists independently of financial systems, which gives it a sense of stability that few other assets can match. Whether it's inflation creeping up or stock markets pulling back, gold tends to remain steady when other investments become unpredictable. Gold also has a long history of serving as a financial safety net. When inflation rises or economies slow down, gold often performs well compared to riskier assets. It's not about quick gains — for most investors, it's about protection. Gold is seen as a kind of insurance policy for a portfolio, offering peace of mind when confidence in traditional markets dips. It's also highly liquid and globally recognized, making it easy to buy, sell, and convert into cash if needed. For many first-time investors, gold is a way to build financial resilience in an uncertain world. What Are the Different Ways to Invest in Gold? There’s no single way to invest in gold — and that’s a good thing. Whether you prefer something you can hold in your hand or a paper investment you can manage through a brokerage app, there’s an option to suit every type of investor. From traditional bullion to modern digital platforms, each method has its own benefits, risks, and suitability depending on your financial goals. 1. Physical Gold: Bars, Coins, and Jewelry Physical gold is the most straightforward way to invest in the metal. This includes gold bullion (bars and coins) and, in some cases, jewelry. These assets are valued based on their weight and purity, and are widely recognized across global markets. Pros: You own the asset outright — no counterparty risk Universally recognized and valued Smaller denominations are relatively liquid Provides a sense of security during economic uncertainty Cons: Requires safe storage and insurance Premiums over spot price (typically 1–5%) Jewelry is not ideal for resale due to design and markup costs No yield or interest income Best for: Long-term holders, conservative investors, or those who value direct ownership. 2. Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) Gold ETFs offer exposure to gold prices without the need to physically store the metal. These funds are traded on stock exchanges and typically backed by physical gold held in vaults. Pros: Easy to trade via brokerage accounts Lower costs and management fees High liquidity and transparent pricing No physical handling or storage needed Cons: You don’t own physical gold directly Cannot redeem shares for bullion (except large institutional blocks) Expense ratios (0.5%–0.7%) may slightly reduce returns Best for: Investors seeking convenience, flexibility, and market-based gold exposure. 3. Gold Mutual Funds These funds invest in a mix of physical gold, gold ETFs, and gold mining stocks. Actively managed by professionals, they’re designed to provide diversified exposure to the gold sector. Pros: Actively managed diversification Accessible via retirement and brokerage accounts May include both physical gold and mining equity exposure Cons: Higher expense ratios than ETFs Not tradable intraday (priced once per day) May include non-gold assets, depending on the fund Best for: Long-term investors who prefer managed exposure to the gold sector. 4. Sovereign Gold Bonds Issued by governments in select countries, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are debt instruments linked to the market price of gold. They typically offer fixed interest payments and can be redeemed in cash at maturity. Pros: Earns annual interest plus gold price appreciation Backed by sovereign credit No storage or insurance needed Tax benefits may apply Cons: Limited availability based on jurisdiction Lock-in periods may restrict liquidity Not redeemable for physical gold Interest may be taxable Best for: Long-term investors seeking low-cost, government-backed gold exposure. 5. Gold Mining Stocks Investors can buy shares of companies involved in gold mining and production. These stocks are influenced by gold prices, but also by company fundamentals and broader market conditions. Pros: Potential for higher returns than gold itself May pay dividends Liquid and easy to trade Exposure to industry growth Cons: High volatility and stock-specific risks Not perfectly correlated with gold prices Business operations and market factors can impact returns Best for: Investors with higher risk tolerance looking for growth potential linked to gold. 6. Digital Gold Digital gold platforms allow investors to purchase fractional quantities of gold online. The gold is stored in insured vaults by the provider, and ownership is reflected digitally. Pros: Extremely accessible — start with minimal investment Backed by real, insured gold Convenient buying and selling via apps Transparent, real-time pricing Cons: Trust in the provider is essential May involve storage fees or buy/sell spreads Limited regulation in some regions Redemption minimums and added costs may apply Best for: Beginners or casual investors looking for flexible, bite-sized gold ownership. How to Choose the Right Type of Gold Investment With so many ways to invest in gold, how do you decide which one fits your needs as a beginner? The answer comes down to a few key factors: your financial goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, and how involved you want to be in managing your investment. 1. Define Your Investment Objective Understanding why you want to invest in gold is the first step. Wealth Preservation: Physical gold or sovereign gold bonds may offer long-term security and direct ownership. Inflation Hedge or Portfolio Diversification: Gold ETFs and mutual funds provide efficient, low-cost exposure. Growth Potential: Gold mining stocks or equity-based funds may offer higher returns but come with more volatility. Short-Term Trading: Digital gold or ETFs offer liquidity and ease of entry and exit. Tip: Align your gold investment type with whether you’re seeking protection (“insurance”) or returns (“investment”). 2. Assess Your Risk Tolerance Different gold assets come with different risk levels. Low Risk: Physical gold, sovereign bonds, and fully backed ETFs. Moderate Risk: Gold mutual funds and index-tracking ETFs. Higher Risk: Gold mining stocks and actively managed equity funds. Note: Physical gold is stable but non-yielding; mining stocks may outperform but are subject to company and market risk. 3. Match the Investment to Your Time Horizon How long you plan to hold your gold matters. Short-Term (0–2 years): Choose liquid options like ETFs or digital gold. Medium-Term (3–5 years): Consider mutual funds or a blend of ETFs and physical holdings. Long-Term (5+ years): Sovereign gold bonds or physical gold may be suitable for wealth accumulation and legacy planning. Reminder: Longer time horizons can better absorb price fluctuations and take advantage of gold’s full cycle performance. 4. Balance Convenience and Control Choose based on how hands-on you want to be. More Control: Physical gold gives direct ownership but requires secure storage and insurance. More Convenience: ETFs, digital gold, or mutual funds are easy to manage and trade via online platforms. Question to Ask: Do you prefer having gold in your hand — or seeing it in your account? 5. Diversify Within Gold You’re not limited to one format — consider a blended approach. Example Allocation: 50% in a gold ETF (for liquidity) 30% in physical gold (for security) 20% in mining stocks (for growth potential) Diversification within gold helps balance risk, return, and accessibility. 6. Understand Costs and Tax Implications Each option carries different costs: Physical Gold: Premiums, storage, insurance. ETFs/Mutual Funds: Management fees (typically 0.5%–1% annually). Digital Gold: Spread between buy/sell prices, possible platform fees. Sovereign Bonds: Usually low-cost but may carry income tax on interest. Tax Note: Some jurisdictions offer favorable treatment for certain gold investments (e.g., tax-exempt coins or long-term holdings). Always check local tax rules or consult a financial advisor. 7. Keep Gold a Portion of Your Portfolio Gold is a diversifier — not a core growth asset. Suggested Allocation: 5%–15% of your total investment portfolio. Why: Enough to act as a hedge, but not so much that it limits exposure to growth-oriented assets like equities. Risks and Challenges to Consider While gold is often viewed as a safe-haven asset, investing in it still involves certain risks and limitations. Understanding these challenges can help you make more informed, balanced decisions. 1. Price Volatility Although gold is relatively stable compared to equities or cryptocurrencies, it is not immune to price swings. Short-Term Risk: Gold prices can fluctuate based on macroeconomic data, interest rates, and global events. Historical Context: Gold may underperform during periods of strong economic growth or rising real interest rates. Tip: Avoid short-term speculation unless you have experience managing market risk. 2. Opportunity Cost Gold doesn’t generate income, unlike stocks or bonds. No Yield: Physical gold and most ETFs do not pay interest or dividends. Trade-Off: By allocating too much to gold, you may miss out on growth from higher-return assets. Consideration: Gold works best as a complement to, not a replacement for, growth-oriented investments. 3. Storage and Security (Physical Gold) Owning physical gold comes with logistical responsibilities. Storage: Requires a home safe, safety deposit box, or third-party vaulting. Insurance: May need to be purchased separately to protect against theft or loss. Liquidity: Large bars may be harder to sell or require discounts. Reminder: These costs can erode returns over time. 4. Liquidity Constraints Not all gold investments are equally liquid. High Liquidity: ETFs, digital gold, and listed mining stocks can be sold quickly at market prices. Lower Liquidity: Sovereign gold bonds may have limited secondary market activity; physical gold may require a reputable dealer and time to liquidate. Action Step: Choose based on how quickly you may need access to your funds. 5. Counterparty and Platform Risk Some gold investment options depend on the reliability of third parties. Digital Gold: Requires trust in the platform’s storage, auditing, and redemption practices. ETFs and Funds: Depend on the custodian’s ability to securely hold and manage assets. Solution: Stick to well-regulated, transparent providers with a strong track record. 6. Tax Implications Different forms of gold may be taxed differently depending on your location. Capital Gains: Often apply when selling gold at a profit. Income Tax: May apply to interest earned from sovereign gold bonds. Exemptions: Some gold coins or long-term holdings may be tax-advantaged. Tip: Review local tax laws or consult a tax advisor before investing. Tips for First-Time Gold Investors If you’re new to gold investing, the number of choices and considerations can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to get started — but a few smart practices can help you avoid common pitfalls and make more confident decisions from day one. Start Small and Learn as You Go You don’t need to commit thousands of dollars right away. Begin with a small investment — whether it’s a single gold coin, a few ETF shares, or even fractional digital gold. This lets you test the waters, understand how gold fits into your portfolio, and build experience without taking on big risk. Prioritize Simplicity Choose investment formats that match your current knowledge and comfort level. For many beginners, gold ETFs or digital gold are the easiest ways to start. They’re cost-effective, transparent, and easy to buy and sell. You can always explore more complex options like mining stocks or physical bullion later on. Buy from Reputable Sources Whether you’re investing in physical gold or using an online platform, stick with trusted names. Look for established dealers, government mints, or regulated financial institutions. If you’re using an app or digital platform, check for clear information about storage, security, and whether the gold is fully backed. Understand the Costs Fees can add up, especially over time. Pay attention to things like dealer markups, ETF expense ratios, storage costs, and platform commissions. Even small differences can make a noticeable impact on long-term returns. Don’t Try to Time the Market Like any asset, gold’s price moves up and down — and trying to guess the perfect moment to buy or sell is extremely difficult. Instead of waiting for a “perfect dip,” consider dollar-cost averaging: invest a fixed amount at regular intervals to smooth out volatility over time. Make Gold Part of a Bigger Picture Gold works best as part of a diversified portfolio, not as your only investment. Use it to hedge against inflation, economic instability, or currency risk — but also invest in growth assets like equities or real estate to balance long-term performance. Conclusion: Is Gold Right for You? Gold isn’t just a shiny metal — it’s a centuries-old asset with real staying power. For modern investors, it offers something few other assets can: a tangible, globally recognized store of value that can help stabilize a portfolio in uncertain times. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re looking for security, protection from inflation, or diversification beyond stocks and bonds, gold may deserve a spot in your portfolio. Just make sure you’re clear about your reasons for investing. Gold isn’t about fast gains — it’s about balance, preservation, and in some cases, peace of mind. Start with what you understand. Stick to reputable products and providers. And remember, you don’t need to go all-in — even a small allocation can provide benefits when used thoughtfully. With the right approach, gold can be a valuable long-term ally in your financial strategy. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

MetaMask Airdrop Guide: Rewards, Eligibility, and How to Claim

In the fast-moving world of crypto, few wallet applications are as widely used—or as closely watched—as MetaMask. With over 30 million monthly active users, it has become the go-to interface for accessing decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 apps. In recent months, MetaMask has drawn even more attention—not for its functionality, but for what many believe is coming next: a native token airdrop. This excitement isn’t just based on wishful thinking. In October 2025, MetaMask launched its first-ever points-based rewards system—an initiative that allows users to earn perks and token allocations through regular wallet activity. Paired with new domain registrations and a flurry of executive hints, the community is abuzz with speculation about a future MASK token. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s confirmed, what’s likely, and how you can position yourself to participate What Is MetaMask? MetaMask is a non-custodial crypto wallet that allows users to store, send, and interact with digital assets across multiple blockchains. Originally launched in 2016 by ConsenSys, it started as a browser extension for Ethereum but has since evolved into a full-fledged Web3 gateway supporting networks like Polygon, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Optimism, and more. With its mobile app and browser extension, MetaMask makes it easy for anyone to access decentralized applications (dApps), trade tokens, and manage assets securely—all while keeping control of their private keys. Beyond being a wallet, MetaMask serves as a core infrastructure tool for Web3 adoption. It enables users to seamlessly connect with DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain games without needing a centralized exchange. Its intuitive interface, cross-chain functionality, and built-in features such as swaps and bridging have made it one of the most trusted wallets in the crypto ecosystem. MetaMask Airdrop Rewards and Token Expectations While the exact details of MetaMask’s airdrop rewards haven’t been confirmed, the introduction of the Rewards Season provides the clearest signal yet that users may soon earn MASK tokens for their activity. In this system, users accumulate points through on-chain actions like token swaps, bridging between networks, or interacting with supported dApps. These points could later serve as the basis for determining who qualifies for token rewards and how much they receive. If MetaMask follows the footsteps of projects like Arbitrum, Optimism, or LayerZero, users can expect a reward model that favors early adopters, active participants, and those who consistently use MetaMask’s built-in features. Although the tokenomics of MASK remain unknown, it’s widely expected that the token will play a role in governance—allowing holders to vote on ecosystem decisions—or even provide fee discounts or staking incentives within MetaMask’s ecosystem. The anticipation around the airdrop has also fueled community speculation about its potential market impact. Given MetaMask’s massive user base, the MASK token could become one of the most significant airdrops in crypto history, both in scale and influence. Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Qualify for the MetaMask Airdrop While MetaMask has yet to officially confirm eligibility rules, insights from the Rewards Season and past airdrops suggest several key factors that could determine who qualifies. Generally, users who have been actively engaging with MetaMask’s on-chain features are more likely to be rewarded than those who simply hold assets in their wallet. Here are some likely eligibility criteria based on patterns from other major airdrops: ● Frequent usage: Performing regular swaps using MetaMask’s built-in exchange feature. ● Bridge activity: Using MetaMask’s Bridge tool to move assets across supported networks such as Ethereum, Arbitrum, or Polygon. ● DApp interaction: Connecting MetaMask to decentralized applications (DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, or games). ● Long-term engagement: Having a wallet that has been active for a considerable period, not just newly created before the airdrop. ● Participation in MetaMask Rewards Season: Earning points through consistent wallet activity may directly influence eligibility or allocation size. While these indicators don’t guarantee eligibility, users who combine several of them stand a better chance of being included in a future token drop. To prepare effectively, staying active and using MetaMask’s native features—rather than just storing tokens—will likely be key. How to Claim the MetaMask Airdrop If MetaMask proceeds with an official airdrop, claiming your rewards should be straightforward. However, given the rise in scams and fake token drops, it’s crucial to know exactly how to do it safely. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the process is likely to work, based on how other reputable projects have handled their airdrops. 1. Check for the official announcement MetaMask and its parent company, ConsenSys, will announce the airdrop through verified channels only — such as the official MetaMask website , their X (Twitter) account, or the MetaMask blog. Never trust links shared in private messages, Telegram groups, or random websites. 2. Connect your MetaMask wallet Once the airdrop is live, visit the official claiming portal provided by MetaMask. Connect your wallet using the browser extension or mobile app, ensuring the website URL is legitimate (it should start with https://metamask.io or a verified subdomain). 3. Verify your eligibility The claiming dashboard will show whether your wallet qualifies based on your activity and points from the Rewards Season. If eligible, it will display the amount of MASK tokens you can claim. 4. Claim your tokens Click the claim button and confirm the transaction on-chain. Depending on network congestion, you may need to pay a small gas fee to finalize the claim. 5. Add the MASK token to your wallet Once the transaction is complete, add the official MASK token contract address to your MetaMask wallet to view your balance. Always use the verified contract address published by MetaMask to avoid scams or fake tokens. Following these steps will help you claim safely and ensure you’re interacting only with legitimate sources. How to Stay Safe from Fake MetaMask Airdrops and Scams With the growing buzz around the MetaMask airdrop, scammers are taking advantage of the hype to trick users into connecting to fake websites or signing malicious transactions. Staying vigilant is crucial — even experienced crypto users can fall for well-designed phishing campaigns. Here are the key safety measures to keep in mind: 1. Never click on unofficial links Scammers often create websites that look identical to MetaMask’s official page. Always double-check the URL — the real site is metamask.io. Avoid clicking on airdrop announcements shared on social media, Discord, or Telegram groups unless they come from verified MetaMask or ConsenSys accounts. 2. Don’t share your seed phrase or private key MetaMask will never ask for your seed phrase or private key to confirm your eligibility or claim rewards. If any website or person requests it, it’s an immediate red flag. 3. Use the official MetaMask app or extension Make sure you’re using the latest version of the official MetaMask wallet from trusted app stores or the Chrome Web Store. Fake wallet extensions or mobile apps can drain your funds once connected. 4. Watch for impersonators on social media Fraudulent accounts often use names or logos resembling MetaMask or ConsenSys to appear credible. Before engaging, verify the handle and look for the blue verification badge. 5. Monitor announcements from trusted sources Follow MetaMask’s official blog, Twitter (X) account, and ConsenSys updates for verified information about the airdrop timeline, claiming process, and token details. Remaining cautious ensures you won’t fall victim to phishing attempts or fake token claims. In crypto, security is everything — it’s better to miss an airdrop than lose your assets to a scam. What to Expect from the MetaMask Airdrop The MetaMask airdrop could become one of the most anticipated events in crypto history — not only because of the potential rewards but also because of what it represents for the broader Web3 ecosystem. By launching a token, MetaMask may take a major step toward decentralization, giving its massive community a direct role in shaping the wallet’s future through governance and participation. While the details remain unconfirmed, the Rewards Season rollout shows that MetaMask is actively testing ways to recognize and incentivize loyal users. Whether the MASK token launches this year or later, staying active, using MetaMask’s built-in features, and keeping up with official updates are the best ways to prepare. For now, the most important thing is to stay safe, stay informed, and avoid scams — because when the real airdrop arrives, being ready will make all the difference. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

The Market is Down. So, What Now? A Guide to Not Losing Your Mind.

Let's be honest. The vibe in crypto market right now is less "when Lambo?" and more "is instant ramen a long-term investment strategy?" The digital penthouse parties have been quietly cancelled, the laser-eyed profile pictures are starting to flicker, and your portfolio looks like it tried to ski down a black diamond slope with no prior experience. The headlines are grim, the charts are red, and the only thing going up is your screen time as you stare at them, waiting for something good to happen—or praying for something bad not to happen (again!). If you’re feeling a bit of whiplash, well—you’re a not alone. This isn't the apocalypse, and it's not the end of crypto. It’s just the other side of the coin; the painful, but brutally necessary part of the cycle. So, instead of panic-selling your bags or deleting your apps, let’s talk about what’s actually happening and how to navigate it. The Great Hangover: Why Is Everyone So Gloomy? If what we had at the end of 2024 and half of 2025 was the all-night rave, now is the morning after. The music has stopped, the lights are on, and someone has to clean up. It’s not just one thing; it’s a storm of uncertainty. And the investors don't want uncertainty. While the crypto market has its own rhythm, it's also affected by the mood in the wider economy. Right now, investors everywhere are nervous for a few key reasons: Trade Wars & Tariffs: The U.S. and China are in a tense negotiation over trade rules, leading to tariffs (taxes on imported goods). This makes businesses nervous about costs and disrupts how goods move around the world. The worry is that prices for everyday items will get more expensive, hurting both consumers and businesses. Interest Rate Confusion: The Federal Reserve (the Fed) and the government have different ideas on what to do about interest rates. Lower rates can feel like a boost for markets, but the Fed is worried about prices rising too fast (inflation). This public disagreement creates uncertainty. Mixed Signals: Even the stock market is acting confused. Some parts of the economy look strong, while others look weak. This lack of a clear direction makes it hard for investors to feel confident. This mix of issues is why the "hangover" feels so intense. When big investors get nervous, they prefer cash, so they sell. Significant market swings in 2025 are nothing new. Markets breathe in and breathe out. We just went through a massive "inhale." This is the "exhale." It’s slow, it’s uncomfortable, and it feels like it’s going to last forever. But, it won’t. Survival Kit: What Smart Traders Are Actually Doing While the meme lords are quiet and the hype machine is in the repair shop, a different kind of activity is taking place. Here’s what’s on the syllabus: They’re zooming out (literally). Stop looking at the 15-minute chart, maybe even stop looking at the daily chart. Go to the weekly or monthly view. What you’ll see isn't a straight line down; you’ll see cycles. You'll see ferocious peaks and deep, gut-wrenching troughs. You’ll also see that every previous trough was eventually followed by a new peak. They're becoming a student again. Bull markets make you feel like a genius for just showing up. Bear markets are where you actually earn your stripes. Now is the perfect time to learn. Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): You’ve heard the term, but now is the time to understand it. It’s the simple act of buying/ selling a fixed amount of bluechip assets (BTC, ETH) on a regular schedule. It turns volatility from your enemy into your friend, allowing you to accumulate more when prices are low and taking profit when prices are high. It’s boring, it’s not sexy, and it’s one of the most proven long-term strategies. Exploring the tech, focusing on quality projects: Go beyond the price. Learn about the technology behind the projects and the real-world problems they're trying to solve. This is how you spot projects with real long-term potential. That way, when the market turns, you’ll be ready to act with confidence, not hype. Earning while you wait: With products like Bitget Earn, you can put your long-term holdings to work. By choosing from flexible or fixed-term options, you can earn interest and grow your assets even while the market moves sideways. We’ve Seen This Movie Before... So, what’s the final verdict on where we're headed? Ask ten different "experts" and you'll get ten different answers. One camp is calling this a full-blown bear market, settling in for a long winter. Another swears the real bull run is just delayed, maybe set to arrive in Q1 2026. The honest answer? No one knows. The market will keep being the market—throwing tantrums and parties in equal measure. The only part of this equation you can control is your own strategy. The real work isn’t in predicting the future; it's in being prepared for it. So what should you do now? Be patient, keep learning, think long-term, and stick to the plan you made with a clear head. That’s how you win, no matter what the charts do tomorrow. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

Tutorial For Selecting A Trader On Bitget Copy Trade

Bitget Copy Trading lets you mirror the trades of top traders, making trading accessible even for beginners. However, while attractive, please keep in mind that success comes down to how carefully you choose. Here are some tips on selecting the right trader to help you profit even in a volatile market. Quick tutorial on selecting the trader Note that the filter menu can be found by clicking on the filter button on the futures / spot all traders page. 1. Check the trader's ranking or Assets Under Management (AUM) - the total funds of all copiers' accounts managed by the trader. 2. Turn off the "Local" toggle, so you can see all traders worldwide. Unless you are specifically looking for an elite trader in your timezone (e.g., maybe you want to watch trading decisions when you are awake), opening up the pool to international traders gives you a better chance to find the right fit. 3. In the filters menu, set the total PnL to over 5000 USDT and the 30D Win rate to over 40%. The power of combining these two metrics has been tested and has historically proven to give traders a 60% success rate in delivering profit. (Note: The success rate is affected by many factors, and the data is under an ideal situation. Profitability depends on factors such as the trader's personal history orders, and margin, etc. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.) 4. Turn on the "Hide full" toggle to hide expert traders who are currently not eligible to have more copiers. It saves time if you want to start copy trading right away. But if you do find an elite trader that you'd like to follow, but the expert trader's copier list is already full, you can also set up a reminder to notify you when there's a slot. After selecting these filters, look at the pool of potential traders and find those who have trading orders over 50 and followers over 100, as these traders generally have more credibility to their performance ranking. But, that is just the beginning. From there, you will now need to consider more metrics to find out the right trader, from asset choice, trading style, to ROI stability, that align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and personal investment approach. Focusing only on returns without deeper evaluation increases exposure to avoidable risks. Remember: smart choices lead to sustainable success. We highly recommend you take a closer look at this article, "Key Metrics To Evaluate Elite Traders Or Bots," where we go through everything you need to know to make smarter choices. For now, let's go real quick on the evaluation checklist for choosing the best trader at a glance. Checklist to choose the right traders based on your own profile Category What to check Tip ROI & Performance curve Gradual, steady growth Favor traders with consistent upward trends rather than short-term spikes Copier' PnL Real user profits, not just creator profits Prioritise profiles where copiers are consistently earning profits Asset allocation Major coins offer more stability; altcoins carry higher risk Match the asset focus with your personal risk tolerance and financial goals Trading style Frequency and holding time match your investment style Select based on your desired activity level: passive (longer holds) or active (frequent trades) Badges & Certification TraderPro certification or trusted strategist record builds confidence Use badges as an extra filter after verifying risk and performance data Simply create an account, and start exploring the incredible Bitget copy trading today! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

Meteora Airdrop and Listing Date Confirmed for October 23, 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The countdown is on for one of Solana’s most anticipated events of the year — the launch of Meteora (MET) . After months of speculation, the project has officially confirmed its airdrop and token listing date for October 23, 2025, setting the stage for what could become one of the biggest DeFi moments of the year. Meteora is a bold attempt to reshape how liquidity and community ownership work on Solana, rewarding early adopters while showcasing a fresh approach to sustainable token distribution. Excitement is building fast as investors, traders, and airdrop hunters prepare for what many are calling “the Solana event to watch this quarter.” What makes this launch stand out is the balance between transparency, innovation, and community focus. Meteora is going all in with a fully unlocked airdrop — letting real users, not speculators, take the lead. Backed by a proven liquidity engine and an active ecosystem, the upcoming Token Generation Event (TGE) is more than just a milestone for Meteora — it’s a test case for whether DeFi can evolve beyond short-term hype into long-term stability. With launch day around the corner, all eyes are on Meteora to see if it can deliver on that promise. What Is Meteora (MET)? Meteora (MET) is a decentralized liquidity protocol built on the Solana blockchain, designed to make liquidity more efficient, adaptive, and community-driven. In simple terms, it’s a platform that allows traders and projects to access smart, automatically managed liquidity pools — similar to Uniswap or Curve, but optimized for Solana’s speed and low fees. By dynamically adjusting liquidity positions and fees based on market volatility, Meteora ensures smoother trading, higher capital efficiency, and better yields for liquidity providers. The project was founded in 2021 as an evolution of Mercurial Finance, a Solana-based stable-asset liquidity protocol. It was co-founded by Ben Chow, SIONG and Meow. Their goal was to build a next-generation liquidity infrastructure for Solana — one that could scale beyond stablecoins and support a wide variety of assets and trading strategies. Over time, Meteora’s model evolved to integrate dynamic pools, yield vaults, and liquidity automation tools that make DeFi participation simpler for users and more sustainable for projects. How Meteora (MET) Works Meteora operates as a smart liquidity engine built to optimize how capital flows within the Solana DeFi ecosystem. Instead of relying on static liquidity pools — where funds simply sit and wait for trades — Meteora uses automation to keep liquidity constantly active, efficient, and profitable. Its system reacts to real-time market data, ensuring both traders and liquidity providers (LPs) get better outcomes with less manual management. ● Dynamic Liquidity Market Maker (DLMM): Meteora’s core feature automatically adjusts trading fees and liquidity ranges depending on market volatility. When prices move quickly, DLMM narrows liquidity bands and raises fees to protect LPs from impermanent loss. During calmer periods, it widens the range and lowers fees to attract more trading activity. ● Dynamic Vaults: These vaults act as automated yield optimizers. Users can deposit assets (like SOL, USDC, or other tokens), and Meteora intelligently allocates them across pools or lending platforms to generate consistent returns without constant rebalancing. ● Liquidity Distributor System: Introduced ahead of the MET token launch, this system distributes rewards through liquidity positions instead of direct token drops. It encourages users to stay invested and earn trading fees while maintaining healthy liquidity across pools. ● Ecosystem Integration: Meteora isn’t just a DEX — it’s a liquidity foundation for new Solana projects. By providing plug-and-play liquidity tools, it allows meme coins, utility tokens, and DeFi apps to launch smoothly without depending on centralized exchanges or risky farming incentives. Meteora (MET) Tokenomics Meteora (MET) Token Allocation The MET token serves as both a utility and governance token that powers the entire Meteora ecosystem. It underpins every major function of the protocol — from rewarding liquidity providers and vault participants to enabling community-driven decision-making. Designed with sustainability and transparency in mind, the token aims to create a long-term incentive structure where both developers and users benefit from the platform’s growth. By using MET, participants can earn rewards, stake for governance rights, and contribute to maintaining balanced liquidity across Meteora’s pools and vaults. Unlike many DeFi tokens that rely on speculative emissions or short-term incentives, MET is structured around real yield and ongoing utility. The protocol’s innovative Liquidity Distributor ensures that rewards are tied to active participation rather than passive holding, encouraging users to keep their tokens in productive use. This approach not only enhances liquidity depth across the Solana ecosystem but also aligns the interests of traders, liquidity providers, and the Meteora team — laying the groundwork for a more stable, community-driven financial network. Upcoming Airdrop and Listing: What You Need to Know The Meteora (MET) airdrop is one of the most anticipated events in the Solana DeFi ecosystem, designed to reward genuine community participation and long-term liquidity support. It’s a transparent, no-lockup distribution that gives real users — not insiders — a chance to share in Meteora’s growth. Here’s everything you need to know: 1. Who’s Eligible Active participants in the Meteora ecosystem, including liquidity providers, traders, and users who earned points through Season 1 and Season 2 of the LP Stimulus Program, are eligible. Additionally, Mercurial (MER) holders and Jupiter (JUP) stakers will receive allocations as part of partnership rewards. 2. How Airdrop Amounts Are Calculated Airdrop amounts are determined by a points-based system. Users earn points for generating trading fees, maintaining liquidity positions, and engaging in ecosystem activities. The more active the participation, the higher the airdrop allocation. 3. When the Snapshot Was Taken The official snapshot of eligible wallets was taken on June 30, 2025. Any activity after that date contributes to future reward rounds, not the October airdrop. 4. No Vesting Period All airdropped MET tokens are fully unlocked at launch. Recipients will have complete control from day one — they can hold, trade, or use their tokens within Meteora’s liquidity pools immediately after the Token Generation Event (TGE). 5. When Is Meteora (MET) Listing Date? The Token Generation Event (TGE) and official listing date are both set for October 23, 2025. On that day, users can claim their MET tokens directly through the official Meteora interface, and trading will go live on supported exchanges shortly after. MET Token Price Prediction: What Could Happen After Launch? With nearly half of its total supply unlocked at launch, Meteora (MET) is expected to experience sharp volatility in its first few days of trading. Early projections place MET’s initial price between $0.0015 and $0.0022, giving it a market cap of roughly $1.5–$2.2 million at launch. Short-term fluctuations are likely as airdrop recipients take profits and new buyers enter the market. In the following months, MET’s value will depend on real ecosystem adoption and liquidity activity. Analysts outline three potential paths: ● Bullish: Strong trading volume and adoption push MET toward $0.004–$0.005. ● Neutral: The token stabilizes around $0.002–$0.003 as the market matures. ● Bearish: Heavy selling pressure drags MET below $0.0015 before recovery. It’s important to note that these figures are purely speculative predictions, not financial advice. Actual prices will depend on market sentiment, trading volume, and the broader performance of Solana’s DeFi ecosystem. Conclusion As October 23, 2025 approaches, excitement around Meteora (MET) continues to build — and for good reason. The project isn’t just introducing a new token; it’s unveiling a bold experiment in how liquidity, community, and innovation can work together on Solana. With a fully unlocked airdrop, a real-yield foundation, and an ecosystem built for active participation, Meteora is pushing DeFi toward something bigger — something more sustainable. Still, the real story begins after launch. Will MET become Solana’s next breakout success, or simply another moment in the cycle of crypto hype? That’s the mystery everyone wants to see unfold. One thing’s certain — when the clock strikes on October 23, all eyes will be on Meteora, and the outcome could redefine what a fair launch truly means in DeFi. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

U.S. Government Shutdown: Crypto Investors Aren’t Ready for This

The U.S. federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 1, 2025, after lawmakers in Congress failed to agree on a funding bill. Non-essential government operations have been halted, hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed, and agencies like the SEC and CFTC are running on skeleton crews. While shutdowns are not new in American politics, this one arrives at a moment when global markets—and particularly the crypto industry—are already dealing with heightened volatility and uncertainty. For crypto investors, the immediate question is clear: what does Washington’s budget deadlock mean for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader digital asset market? Unlike traditional equities, cryptocurrencies often react in unique ways to macroeconomic turbulence. Sometimes they move in sync with risk assets like tech stocks; other times they behave more like digital gold. That dual nature makes it harder to predict how a prolonged shutdown will shape the weeks ahead. Shutdown Shakes Crypto: BTC Steady, ETH and Alts Struggle Bitcoin (BTC) Price Today Source: CoinMarketCap In the days leading up to the shutdown, crypto markets showed a split reaction. Investors leaned toward caution, with Bitcoin holding firm while Ethereum and major altcoins slipped. Traditional safe havens like gold, meanwhile, saw renewed demand as uncertainty grew. Bitcoin (BTC): Hovered around $114,300, roughly flat on the day. Its resilience reinforced Bitcoin’s reputation as crypto’s “digital safe haven.” Ethereum (ETH): Fell about 1.3% to $4,140, reflecting investor caution but avoiding steep losses. Altcoins: Showed the weakest performance, with Avalanche (AVAX), Uniswap (UNI), and NEAR among the biggest decliners. Riskier tokens were the first to be sold off. Gold: Climbed to nearly $3,870 per ounce, underscoring the shift toward traditional hedges. The pattern is clear: BTC holds ground during macro turbulence. ETH shows moderate weakness but retains relative stability. Altcoins struggle most, bearing the brunt of investor risk-off sentiment. Whether this is just a short-term wobble or the start of a deeper correction will depend on how long the U.S. government standoff drags on. The Biggest Threats to Crypto During the Shutdown The U.S. government shutdown doesn’t just freeze federal agencies—it also creates ripple effects that directly impact digital assets. For crypto investors, the risks go beyond politics and touch on liquidity, volatility, and regulation. Here are the main areas to watch: Economic data delays: Agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Census Bureau suspend most operations. That means no monthly jobs or inflation reports, which are crucial for traders trying to anticipate Federal Reserve policy. With this “data blackout,” markets are left guessing—fueling uncertainty and volatility. Regulatory paralysis: Both the SEC and CFTC are operating with minimal staff. The SEC is running at roughly 9% of its workforce, while the CFTC has furloughed most employees. This stalls progress on ETF approvals, enforcement actions, and any new guidance for digital assets. In short, the regulatory pipeline freezes. Legislative freeze: Shutdowns divert attention away from non-urgent bills. That means crypto-related legislation—like proposed market-structure reforms or the CLARITY Act—will sit idle until Congress resolves the funding dispute. Any progress toward clearer rules is effectively put on pause. Market volatility: Prolonged shutdowns weaken confidence in U.S. governance. Analysts warn that while brief shutdowns are often shrugged off, longer standoffs amplify risk aversion across all markets. For crypto, this could mean deeper sell-offs in altcoins, increased liquidations in leveraged positions, and a sharp rise in volatility. For investors, the bottom line is that the shutdown magnifies uncertainty. It doesn’t change the fundamentals of Bitcoin or Ethereum, but it does add a layer of unpredictability that can shake even strong market trends. Can Past Shutdowns Predict Bitcoin’s Next Move? For all the noise around Washington politics, government shutdowns aren’t new—and neither is crypto’s response to them. While digital assets are still relatively young compared to traditional markets, past shutdowns give us a useful benchmark for what could happen next. Here’s a look back: October 2013 (16 days): Bitcoin rose about 14% during the standoff. At the time, BTC was in the middle of a strong bull cycle, with demand accelerating as crypto gained mainstream attention. December 2018 – January 2019 (35 days): The longest shutdown in U.S. history coincided with a 6% drop in Bitcoin. That period aligned with a crypto bear market, when demand was shrinking and investors were already risk-averse. Analysts note that the market context matters more than the shutdown itself. Julio Moreno of CryptoQuant points out that Bitcoin’s reaction has historically depended on its broader cycle: In 2013, Bitcoin was on a tear, so even political uncertainty couldn’t derail momentum. In 2018–19, Bitcoin was deep in a bear market, so the shutdown only added to the pressure. Today, many observers argue that Bitcoin’s demand profile looks closer to the bullish backdrop of 2013 than the slump of 2018. If that’s the case, a shutdown alone may not be enough to reverse crypto’s long-term trajectory—even if it sparks short-term volatility. Two Shutdown Paths, Two Crypto Outcomes Not every shutdown has the same market impact. The duration of the standoff is often the deciding factor for how investors respond—both in traditional finance and in crypto. If the Shutdown Is Short (Days to 1–2 Weeks) Markets may treat it as political noise, with little long-term effect. Bitcoin could remain stable, acting as a hedge against short-term uncertainty. Ethereum and altcoins may recover quickly, as traders re-enter riskier positions once clarity returns. Volatility would be temporary, with prices likely snapping back once a funding deal is reached. If the Shutdown Drags On (Several Weeks or More) Investor confidence could weaken, especially if the shutdown disrupts key economic data releases from agencies like the Labor Department or Census Bureau. Bitcoin may benefit from safe-haven flows, but gains could be limited if liquidity dries up. Ethereum and altcoins would face stronger pressure, with capital rotating out of riskier assets. Prolonged uncertainty might push more investors toward gold, stablecoins, and cash instead of speculative tokens. The longer the standoff, the more it amplifies existing market fears—whether about inflation, rate cuts, or global risk sentiment. For crypto traders, this means short-term swings could grow sharper, but the long-term trajectory will still depend on broader adoption and cycle momentum. Crypto Strategy Tips During the 2025 Government Shutdown The 2025 U.S. government shutdown adds a layer of uncertainty that crypto investors can’t ignore. While the long-term fundamentals of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins remain intact, the immediate weeks could be turbulent. Here’s what to keep in mind: Expect volatility: Short-term swings are almost guaranteed. BTC may hold better than altcoins, but sudden moves can happen across the board. Monitor data and news flow: With federal economic reports delayed, traders need to rely on alternative indicators and market sentiment to guide decisions. Diversify holdings: Risk management is key. Stablecoins, Bitcoin, and more established altcoins may offer relative stability compared to smaller, speculative tokens. Watch the shutdown timeline: Quick resolutions could see markets bounce back, while prolonged standoffs may push altcoins lower and create broader sell-offs. Keep perspective: Historical shutdowns show mixed effects on crypto. Long-term trends often continue despite short-term turbulence. For investors, the shutdown is less about panic and more about preparation. Being aware of potential risks, staying informed on legislative and regulatory developments, and having a clear strategy can help navigate this period of uncertainty. Conclusion The 2025 U.S. government shutdown is creating a moment of uncertainty that could redefine how crypto markets respond to political shocks. Bitcoin may hold steady, Ethereum might experience small swings, and altcoins could face larger fluctuations. Investors are left asking: will this standoff present unexpected opportunities, or will it push traders toward safer assets? The coming days may reveal surprising movements that few could have predicted. History provides some guidance, but the combination of stalled regulations, delayed economic data, and broader market volatility makes this shutdown different from any before. Crypto markets are known for resilience, yet even resilient assets are tested under uncertainty. This period could show which digital assets are truly strong and which struggle under pressure. In many ways, the shutdown is not just about politics; it is a real-time experiment in the stability and maturity of the crypto ecosystem. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

Supercharge Your Strategy: Reasons to Use a Trading Bot on Bitget

The cryptocurrency market is a 24/7 arena of volatility, opportunity, and complexity. For traders, staying ahead means leveraging every tool at their disposal. While manual trading requires constant attention and nerves of steel, automated trading bots offer a strategic advantage that can empower both novice and experienced traders. At Bitget, we are committed to providing you with innovative tools to enhance your trading journey. Our Spot Grid Bot, Spot Auto-invest+, and Futures Grid Bot are designed to be powerful, intuitive, and effective. If you've been considering automation, here are three compelling reasons why you should use a trading bot on Bitget. Unlock Profits, Even When the Market Is Quiet One of the most frustrating times for a trader is a sideways or "choppy" market. When prices consolidate within a tight range, it's difficult to execute profitable manual trades. This is where Bitget's Trading Bots shine. Trading bots are uniquely designed to thrive on volatility within a defined range. Instead of letting your assets sit idle during market indecision, you can deploy a bot to capitalize on these smaller price fluctuations. Here's how it works: The bot places a series of buy and sell orders at preset intervals within a price range you define, creating a "grid" of trades. When the price drops, it automatically executes buy orders. When the price rises, it automatically executes sell orders. This strategy allows you to systematically "buy low and sell high" on a micro-level, accumulating small, consistent profits from market volatility that would be nearly impossible to capture manually. It's the perfect way to keep your portfolio active and productive, even when you don't have a strong conviction about the market's next big move. Remove Costly Emotions from Your Trading Fear, greed, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) are powerful emotions that can derail even the most well-thought-out trading plan. Emotional decision-making often leads to common mistakes like panic-selling during a dip or buying at the peak of a hype cycle. Trading bots operate on pure logic. They execute trades based on a specific set of pre-configured rules, completely free from human emotion. Discipline: A bot will stick to the plan without hesitation. It doesn't get greedy and hold a position too long, nor does it panic and sell prematurely. Consistency: By automating your strategy, you ensure that your trades are executed with disciplined precision every single time, helping you build a more controlled and systematic trading habit. Using a Bitget trading bot instills a disciplined approach, ensuring your strategy is executed flawlessly without the interference of emotional impulses. This is a critical step in managing risk and achieving long-term consistency. Gain Full Control with Easy-to-Use Customization The idea of automation can seem daunting, but Bitget's trading bots are designed to put you firmly in the driver's seat. They are not a "black box" solution; they are a highly versatile and customizable tool that you control. Simple to Start, Powerful to Tweak: Getting started is incredibly straightforward. You don't need to understand complex technical indicators or write a single line of code. With Bitget's user-friendly interface, you can launch a bot in minutes. Total Versatility and Risk Management: You have the freedom to configure every aspect of your bot's strategy to match your goals and risk tolerance: Define Your Range: Set the upper and lower price limits where you want the bot to operate. Set Your Grid: Choose the number of grids, which determines the frequency of trades. A higher number of grids means more frequent, smaller-profit trades, ideal for a tight range. A lower number of grids is better for capturing larger price swings over a longer period. Control Your Risk: Your settings directly impact your risk level. You can opt for a conservative strategy that yields small but steady profits, or you can configure it for bigger stakes and chunkier returns. You can also implement stop-loss parameters to automatically protect your capital if the market moves against you. This level of customization means your bot’s risk management is also automated and less prone to emotional error, helping you protect your capital more effectively. Ready to Get Started? If you’re new to Bitget trading bots, start with simplicity. Begin by deploying Spot Auto-invest+ on a weekly schedule using a small allocation in BTC or ETH. This builds confidence and helps you observe how automation feels over time. Next, try a Spot Grid Bot using [AI Balanced] mode. Pick a familiar pair like BGB/USDT or ETH/USDT and let the bot handle structured volatility. Don't rush to configure everything manually; start with the AI recommendation instead and monitor the results. Hold off on using Futures Grid Bot until you fully understand leverage, liquidation risks, and price range mechanics. If you're eager to learn, try these bots with minimal capital and always enable Reserve Funds where available. The key is to layer slowly, learn by doing, and never deploy more than you can afford to observe and improve. Automation isn't about being hands-off but becoming smarter with your hands-on time. In the end, it boils down to the fact that trading bots are no longer just for elite quants. They are an accessible and powerful tool for anyone looking to trade smarter, not harder. Easy to use and set up, these bots offer an opportunity to execute trades profitably and efficiently, saving you money, time and stress. Always keep in mind, that there are always risks. Ready to upgrade your trading strategy? Join us and explore Bitget's trading bots today! Learn more about trading bots: Bitget Grid Bots Explained Stacking Bitget Bots Pro Tips For Bitget Grid Bots Crash Course on Spot Grid Complete Guide To Structured AI & Manual Grid Bot Strategies Types Of Bitget Spot Grid Bots & When To Use Them Common Spot Grid Trading Pitfalls How To Start Spot Grid Trading On Bitget Crash Course on Bitget Spot Auto-Invest+ Spot Auto-Invest+ Strategy Execution Spot Grid vs. Spot Auto-Invest+ What Is Futures Grid Trading? Bitget Futures Grid Trading: What, Why & How It Works Futures Grid Bot Setup Guide Futures Grid Bot 101: First-time Deployment Playbook Pro Tactics for Trend, Hedging, and Growth Disclaimer: Digital asset prices are highly volatile and may undergo significant fluctuations. Investors should only invest funds they can afford to lose. The value of your investment may change, and there is no guarantee of achieving financial goals or recovering your principal. Investors are advised to seek independent financial advice and carefully assess their own financial experience and circumstances. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Bitget assumes no liability for any potential losses. Nothing in this article should be construed as financial advice. For more information, refer to our Terms of Use and Futures Service Agreement.

A Complete Guide to Aster Airdrop Farming: Strategies, Aster Price, and Maximizing Rewards

Are you looking to capitalize on the Aster airdrop or seeking new approaches to Aster airdrop farm and arbitrage strategies? Wondering how the Aster price has behaved since the airdrop and what opportunities still exist? This detailed guide explores everything investors need to know: from Aster’s core features and recent developments, to a comprehensive breakdown of the Aster airdrop event, analysis of Aster price movement post-launch, and four powerful arbitrage trading and farming strategies for maximizing returns. Source: CoinMarketCap What is Aster? Aster is rapidly gaining attention as one of the most innovative decentralized perpetual trading platforms in the DeFi space. Designed for both beginners and experienced arbitrage farmers, Aster’s platform offers dual modes: Simple Mode for instant, one-click leveraged trading (up to 1000x), and Pro Mode for sophisticated order book management, advanced analytics, and professional trading tools. Key standout features of Aster include: Multi-chain accessibility: Supporting BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Ethereum, and Solana. Deep liquidity: Over $258 billion in trading volume processed. MEV-resistant trading: Enhanced protection against front-running, a major risk on DeFi platforms. Yield generation: Unique “Aster Earn” component, allowing liquidity providers to earn through BNB liquid staking (asBNB) and the innovative yield-bearing stablecoin USDF. Community-first focus: Aster’s airdrop-centric token model heavily rewards engaged users and ecosystem contributors. In the days following the second aster airdrop event, the platform surged in activity—with 710,000 new users joining in a single week and Aster’s spot in DeFi trading volume rankings rapidly climbing. Aster’s technical infrastructure has shown resilience, swiftly mitigating issues such as the “XPL perp glitch,” further building investor confidence. The combination of seamless user onboarding, reliable tech, and aggressive reward distribution has set a new standard for Aster airdrop and farming platforms. Aster Price Performance After Airdrop Launch Following the September 2025 aster airdrop, the aster price witnessed an explosive rally. According to CoinMarketCap , Aster price surged by an unprecedented 7,900%, outperforming most DeFi token launches of the year. This spike reflects surging demand, excitement around trading and farming opportunities, and anticipation of further airdrop-driven growth. Aster now consistently surpasses competitors such as Hyperliquid in daily trading volume, TVL (Total Value Locked), and 24-hour trading activity. On the airdrop launch day alone, Aster’s cumulative perpetual futures volume shattered records. Financial analysts are increasingly bullish. Forklog cites expert predictions of a further 480% rise in Aster price, driven by relative undervaluation and superior platform metrics. The Aster price performance is bolstered by active arbitrageurs, high farming yields, and a robust incentive structure for both new and loyal users. Meanwhile, volatility remains high as speculators, arbitrageurs, and long-term holders all compete in the market. These dynamics present fertile ground for those interested in aster airdrop farm and arbitrage trading. Aster Airdrop Details: How It Worked & Who Was Eligible Aster’s second Genesis aster airdrop was one of the largest and most inclusive events in the DeFi landscape. On September 17, 2025, the platform distributed 704 million ASTER tokens, representing 8.8% of its total supply. Here’s what set the aster airdrop apart: Eligibility Criteria Spectra Genesis participants: Users who accumulated Rh and Au points during Stages 0 and 1. Community and partner rewards: Contributors and early partners actively engaged in the ecosystem. Loyalty and activity points: Users trading on Aster Pro and earning ongoing loyalty rewards. Team and referral bonuses: Incentives for forming trading squads and inviting friends, increasing community engagement. Claim Process Aster designed its aster airdrop with user convenience in mind. Claimants used an eligibility checker directly on the Aster website, and successful participants received their tokens straight into their Aster spot accounts. No gas fees, no wallet approvals—reinforcing Aster’s commitment to a seamless user experience. Airdrop Impact Over 710,000 new users in a week. TVL reached $1.74 billion. $211 billion 24-hour volume—outpacing the next competitor by more than 2x. Unique structures like aster airdrop farm enable ongoing community rewards beyond the initial distribution. Four Top Arbitrage & Airdrop Farming Strategies on Aster With the launch of the Aster airdrop, the platform’s diverse ecosystem supports a wide array of aster airdrop farm and arbitrage strategies for both risk-tolerant traders and conservative yield seekers. Drawing from comprehensive user experience and on-chain data, the following four strategies are the leading approaches to maximizing value after the Aster airdrop event: 1. Funding Rate Arbitrage Aster’s perpetual futures market frequently displays large funding rate divergences with similar assets on centralized exchanges and other DEXs—for example, trading BTC, ETH, or SOL perps. Traders can profit by constructing fully delta-neutral positions: Go long on Aster while shorting an equivalent position on an exchange like Binance or Bybit, or vice versa. The key is to collect a higher positive funding rate from one platform, while paying a lower (or negative) funding fee on the other. According to PANewsLab, during periods of high volatility, net funding can reach as much as 0.35% per 8 hours, producing a sizeable passive return on capital for attentive traders. This approach not only captures the funding spread but also increases user activity—which may multiply your Aster airdrop allocation by boosting trading volume and loyalty points in the ongoing Aster airdrop farm rounds. 2. Cross-Platform Orderbook Arbitrage Due to the explosive user growth and extreme trading activity post-Aster airdrop, token prices (both in the spot market and perpetuals) can show significant discrepancies between Aster, Backpack, and other top-tier platforms: Monitor the aster price and other major assets’ prices across platforms in real time. When a price difference emerges, rapidly buy the undervalued asset on one platform and sell (or short) the overvalued one on another, pocketing the net spread. PANewsLab notes that while many bots and professional traders monitor these spreads, successful arbitrage depends on low-latency execution, efficient cross-chain withdrawals (where possible), and fee assessment. This method is especially potent for those equipped with automation tools or high-speed manual trading skills, looking to exploit micro-gaps triggered by intense aster airdrop related activity. 3. Stablecoin Yield & Collateral Farming Aster offers unique stablecoin farming opportunities that cater to USDT and USDF holders: Deposit USDT as collateral to mint or borrow USDF, then stake USDF in Aster’s high-yield liquidity pools or vaults. PANewsLab highlights the popular "looping" technique: Users can leverage their liquidity position by repeatedly depositing, minting, and staking, thereby multiplying both the yield and their contribution score for the aster airdrop farm event. Some users pair Aster’s on-platform yield with external liquidity mining protocols, harvesting dual rewards and compounding their airdrop eligibility. Keep in mind that yield rates and Aster’s parameters can fluctuate during Aster price swings and large-scale airdrop claims. This strategy is optimal for users seeking to maximize their capital efficiency with lower directional risk, all while stacking potential Aster airdrop bonuses. 4. Team-Based & Referral Incentive Farming Aster’s unique social and collaborative farming mechanism is highlighted by the “Squads” and “Inviter” leaderboard features: Users join teams or form their own. Trading, liquidity provision, or farming activity by any member contributes points to the whole squad, lifting everyone’s ranking for additional aster airdrop farm rewards. Referring new users with your invitation code not only increases your direct reward pool, but also generates downstream bonuses as new participants engage with the platform—a key dynamic noted by PANewsLab. Top teams and super-connectors have already reported receiving up to dozens of multiples more in airdrop share compared to solo farmers, thanks to leaderboard multipliers and exclusive team tasks. The community emphasis encourages ongoing user activity and staking, ensuring continued TVL and platform growth even after initial aster airdrop rounds. For anyone serious about scaling up their aster airdrop farm returns, joining an active team and optimizing referral outreach is a strategic essential. By leveraging funding rate mismatches, cross-platform price spreads, stablecoin-based yield loops, and powerful social farming via teams and referrals, users can unlock the full spectrum of aster airdrop and aster airdrop farm opportunities. As Aster’s ecosystem matures, combining these methods—rather than relying on just one—will be key to capturing maximum aster price and airdrop upside in both current and upcoming reward seasons. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.

ChainOpera AI (COAI): Decentralized AI Platform for Co-Creating AI Agents

ChainOpera AI is a decentralized AI platform and Layer 1 blockchain designed to enable the co-creation, ownership, and governance of AI agents and applications by the community. Founded by Professor Salman Avestimehr and Dr. Aiden Chaoyang He in 2022 and backed by Finality Capital Partners, Road Capital, and IDG Capital, with $17 million raised, ChainOpera AI (COAI) will soon be available on Bitget! What is ChainOpera AI (COAI)? ChainOpera AI is a Layer 1 blockchain and protocol for co-owning and co-creating decentralized AI apps and agents, backed by the federated AI OS. The platform enables all participants (developers, users, and resource providers) to collaboratively build and advance an equitable AI ecosystem while providing security, transparency, and trustworthiness through fair participation and incentivized contributions. ChainOpera AI addresses challenges in today's AI landscape, including centralization and monopoly by large Web2 companies, lack of transparency in AI model training and reward distribution, data privacy and security concerns from centralized models, barriers to AI development access, and limited user control and monetization opportunities. Core Innovation: ChainOpera AI's federated AI OS enables privacy-preserving training and collaboration across many contributors without direct data sharing, while its Proof of Intelligence system rewards contributors transparently for their role in the ecosystem through blockchain-secured incentives. Who Created ChainOpera AI (COAI)? ChainOpera AI was founded by Professor Salman Avestimehr and Dr. Aiden Chaoyang He, both renowned experts in AI, federated learning, blockchain, and distributed systems. Prof. Salman Avestimehr (CEO & Co-founder): ● Dean's Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) ● Director of the USC-Amazon Center on Trustworthy AI ● IEEE Fellow, Presidential PECASE Award recipient, NSF CAREER, and IEEE Massey Award winner ● Co-founder and CEO of FedML and TensorOpera with over 300 research papers and 30,000+ citations ● Specializes in federated learning, distributed computing, and privacy-preserving AI Dr. Aiden Chaoyang He (President & Co-founder): ● PhD in Computer Science from USC and original creator of FedML ● 10 years of R&D experience at Meta, Google, Amazon, and Tencent ● Led engineering for internet-scale products and AI platforms ● Published 30+ academic papers with 13,000+ citations and recipient of Amazon PhD Fellowship, Qualcomm Fellowship, and NeurIPS/AAAI Best Paper awards ● Deep involvement in decentralized AI/web3 projects and enterprise AI solutions Key Team Members: The ChainOpera AI team numbers over 40 members from top global institutions, including UC Berkeley, Stanford, MIT, Tsinghua, Google, Amazon, Tencent, Meta, and Apple. Team expertise spans federated learning, large-scale distributed computing, blockchain engineering, and consumer-facing AI agents, with advisors from Coinbase, Binance, OKX, Google, and Capital One. What VCs Back ChainOpera AI (COAI)? ChainOpera AI has raised a total of $17 million in seed funding from a consortium of prominent venture capital firms and angel investors in the blockchain and AI space. Funding Rounds: ● Seed Round (December 2024): $17 million Major Venture Capital Backers: ● Finality Capital Partners (lead investor) ● Road Capital (lead investor) ● IDG Capital (lead investor) ● Amber Group ● ABCDE Capital ● Camford VC ● Modular Capital ● Sparkle Ventures ● AimTop Venture ● Wisemont Capital ● LDV Partners Notable Angel Investors: ● David Tse (Co-founder of BabylonChain) ● Sreeram Kannan (Founder/CEO of EigenLayer) ● Jeff Ren (Early investor in AI and Web3) ChainOpera AI's funding supports development and launch of its Layer 1 AI blockchain and decentralized AI agent platform, positioning it as one of the most well-backed AI+blockchain startups in the space. How ChainOpera AI (COAI) Works ChainOpera AI operates through key technologies that make AI development accessible, transparent, and rewarding for everyone, not just big tech companies. Layer 1 Blockchain ChainOpera AI runs on its own custom blockchain that acts as a public database where every contribution, agent creation, and reward is recorded transparently and securely. This provides verifiability and prevents unauthorized changes. Federated AI OS Instead of sending user data to central servers, ChainOpera AI uses privacy-preserving technology where users train and improve AI models locally. Only the learning updates, not personal data, are shared with the network, preserving privacy while improving collective AI capabilities. No-Code Agent Builder Anyone can create AI assistants using drag-and-drop templates without coding knowledge. Users can customize agent personalities, set rules, and publish them to the marketplace where others can use, customize, or monetize these agents. Proof of Intelligence This system tracks who contributes data, models, GPU power, or code and automatically rewards users with tokens through smart contracts. All contributions and rewards are transparent and verifiable on the blockchain. Agent Marketplace & Social Network The platform features an open marketplace where users can browse, launch, and monetize AI agents. Agents can communicate with users and each other, collaborate on tasks, and build relationships, creating a social network of AI assistants. You can access the platform at chat.chainopera.ai for the AI Terminal and agent.chainopera.ai for the Agent Platform. ChainOpera AI Token (COAI) and Economics The COAI token serves as the native utility and governance token powering the ChainOpera AI network's consensus, security, and ecosystem growth. Token Details ● Token Name: ChainOpera AI ● Token Symbol: COAI ● Total Supply: 1,000,000,000 COAI (1 billion) ● Reasonable FDV: $150 million ● Initial Circulating Market Cap: $15 million (10% initial circulation) ● Blockchain Deployment: ChainOpera AI Layer-1 blockchain Token Distribution ● Team (including option pool): 23% - 0% at TGE, 1-year cliff, then 36-month linear release ● Company Reserve: 10.5% - Release schedule to be detailed ● Foundation: 30% - Release schedule to be detailed ● Investors (including future funding): 25% - 1-year cliff, 4-year monthly release ● Advisors: 1.5% - Release schedule to be detailed ● Market Makers: 1.5% - Released at TGE ● CEX Listing & Marketing: 3.5% - Released at TGE ● Airdrop: 5% - Released at TGE Token Utilities ● Access to AI Services: Users spend tokens to access, use, or subscribe to AI agents and applications across the ChainOpera AI ecosystem ● Contribution Rewards: Earn tokens for supplying data, labeling datasets, training models, or providing compute (GPU) resources for AI agent operations ● Developer Monetization: Developers who build and maintain AI agents receive token rewards proportional to agent usage and forking activity ● Agent Deployment & Training: Tokens are staked or spent for creating new AI agents, accessing model training infrastructure, and integrating data/models ● Protocol Governance: Token holders participate in DAO governance by voting on protocol upgrades, rules, and allocation of ecosystem funds ● Network Security: Running validator nodes and contributing to network reliability is incentivized with token rewards Why ChainOpera AI? Traditional AI development faces challenges through centralization, lack of transparency, and limited access. ChainOpera AI addresses these problems with innovations: Proven Academic Leadership: Founded by Professor Salman Avestimehr (USC Dean's Professor, IEEE Fellow) and Dr. Aiden Chaoyang He (FedML creator), combining deep AI research expertise with track records in federated learning and distributed systems. Strong Investor Validation: $17 million raised from top-tier investors including Finality Capital Partners, Road Capital, IDG Capital, and notable angels like EigenLayer founder Sreeram Kannan and BabylonChain co-founder David Tse. Privacy-Preserving Innovation: Federated AI OS enables collaborative model training without sharing raw data, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining AI advancement through community collaboration. Native Layer 1 Architecture: Purpose-built blockchain optimized for AI agent deployment, contribution tracking, and tokenized incentives, offering higher throughput and lower latency than general-purpose chains. Partnership Network: Strategic collaborations with EigenLayer for runtime-verifiable AI agents, FedML for federated learning, REVOX for privacy-centric development, and Mind Network for secure agent collaboration. Live Ecosystem: Active platform with AI Terminal for agent interaction, Agent Platform for no-code creation, marketplace for monetization, and serving millions of users with thousands of GPU blocks supporting the network. Democratic AI Development: Tokenized, forkable AI agents enable true ownership and monetization for creators, while the social layer allows agents to interact and collaborate in ways impossible on centralized platforms. The platform democratizes AI development, making it accessible, transparent, and rewarding for anyone to participate in building, using, and improving AI agents. ChainOpera AI (COAI) Goes Live on Bitget We are thrilled to announce that ChainOpera AI (COAI) will be listed in the Innovation and AI Zone. Check out the details below: Trading Available: 25 September 2025, 9:00 (UTC) Withdrawal Available: 26 September 2025, 10:00 (UTC) Trade COAI/USDT on Bitget! Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions. Follow Bitget X to win 1 BTC

What Is Zero-Knowledge Proof and What Are Its Use Cases in Crypto?

Have you ever submitted a financial or health record that may contain embarrassingly private information, just to prove that you can afford a loan or there are no major issues with your body? What if you can show them that your income stream is steady and ample, or you’re of sound health without revealing that you just purchased $100 worth of Nutella, or bruised your knee falling off of the bike? This is a prime example - also a potential use case - of Zero-Knowledge proof. What is Zero-Knowledge proof (ZKP)? You may have guessed from our example, Zero-Knowledge proof (ZKP) is a method or process of proving the validity of a statement without revealing the statement. Say you just finished today’s Wordle (Yes, people still play that) before your friends could. Instead of telling them what the word is, all you need to do is share your Wordle result image with five straight green boxes. This way, everyone who saw the image would know you just got the word right but no one could tell what it is unless they already knew it. What’s more handy is that you only have to share this image on your Twitter once and everyone will know that you have solved it without any further interaction with you (they don’t even have to know you). This is known as non-interactive ZKP, in contrast to interactive ZKPs, where the verifiers have to engage in a series of exchanges with the provers to decide whether they are convinced. Needless to say, this intricate mechanism (interactive and non-interactive) will create many novel, interesting use cases, especially in industries where privacy is valued above most other things - cryptocurrency comes to mind. Two of the most famous advances in this field are zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs. zk-SNARKs vs. zk-STARKs zk-SNARK stands for zero-knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge, with its highlight in non-interactive, meaning that anyone can verify a statement without interacting with the prover. This allows a blockchain network to verify the ownership of accounts, as well as ensure that the sender in a given transaction has sufficient balance without revealing addresses or transaction amounts. Random elliptic curves are at the center of zk-SNARKs’ security model. A trusted setup is also required to kickstart a protocol using zk-SNARKs. This involves creating private keys that are later used to create proofs for transactions and verifications. As a result, zk-SNARKs are subject to quantum attacks and private key leaks. That said, zk-SNARKs can significantly reduce block sizes and gas consumption and have already accrued a large community since its inception in 2012. zk-STARKs, which stands for zero-knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge, was introduced in 2018. As the name suggests, zk-STARKs focus on scalability and transparency. zk-SNARKs’ prover and verifier times increase linearly with witness size but in the case of zk-STARKs, it does so quasilinearly, making them far more agile when handling large datasets. zk-STARKs also leverage on publicly verifiable randomness and hash functions, which means they do not require an initial trusted setup and are quantum resistant. That said, zk-STARKs generate far larger blocks and require much more computing power, which translates into more gas consumption and longer verification time. zk-STARKs also have far fewer developers and available resources compared to its older brother. What are ZKP’s use cases in crypto? Proof of Identity There is no place with a higher concentration of private data than our identity information. Traditionally, a proof of identity requires the prover - you - to submit your identity information - everything about you, relevant or not, in shocking details - to the verifier. With ZKPs, on the other hand, all you need to do is generate a credential that serves as proof of the ownership and soundness of your identity. Verifiers need only perform some calculations to check the validity of your credential, instead of having access to all your personal information. Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves A Merkle Tree is a binary tree with data stored in its leaves. Each leaf has its own hash value and these hash values will be sorted into different groups (nodes) for further hashing until there is only one value - the root hash. Verifiers need only take hash values from several nodes to verify the integrity of everything in the Merkle Tree without diving into a sea of 1s and 0s. This is widely used in proving an exchange has sufficient reserved funds and did not move their traders’ funds elsewhere for unspeakable purposes. Bitget has always prioritized our customers and our Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves is available for everyone to verify: Bitget’s Proof of Reserves. For more information about our Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves, refer to our introduction to Merkle Tree. Zk-rollups A rollup, as its name suggests, is a scaling solution that rolls up a collection of transactions into one. This enables much faster and cheaper transactions than, say, Ethereum’s mainnet. There are two factions in Ethereum’s rollup solutions: Optimistic and Zero-knowledge. We will focus on the latter in this article. Zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups) run computation off-chain and submit only a validity proof (a ‘summary’ of all rolled-up transactions) on-chain. Once this proof is verified on-chain, all rolled-up transactions will be finalized in one stroke. There are several major players in Ethereum’s zk-rollup solutions. Polygon announced that their zkEVM mainnet beta is set to launch in late March. In an effort to counter Polygon, zkSync -another contestant - opened up registration for developers on their ‘mainnet’ just one day after Polygon’s announcement. Other notable participants in this race include Loopring, a decentralized exchange that offers high throughput and low settlement cost leveraging on zk-rollup; Immutable X, a Layer2 solution focusing on NFTs that delivers a near-instant, zero gas fee experience with zk-rollups. Register now and start trading Polygon, Loopring, Immutable X, Mina, and many other explorers in the land of zero-knowledge. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.