After one of October’s sharpest shakeouts wiped out roughly $19B in crypto positions, markets flipped from panic to positioning. Bitcoin has reclaimed key levels as ETF inflows turn positive again, while XRP, ADA, and LINK are building recovery structures that traders can actually plan around. The question now isn’t “if” there’s a bounce—it’s how to trade the next move without getting trapped.

What just happened

Standard Chartered’s Geoff Kendrick argues the washout may have cleared the path for a bigger advance, contingent on continued ETF inflows and a friendlier rate backdrop. This week’s $477M net ETF positives hint at renewed institutional demand. In altcoins, XRP rebounded from a long-term trendline after a flash crash, ADA maintained its breakout structure despite the dip, and LINK’s on-chain data shows accumulation near the $16–$18 zone alongside falling exchange reserves.

Why this matters to traders

- Flows are back in focus: sustained ETF inflows can underpin dips and extend trends. - The market looks like a second accumulation phase, favoring buy-the-dip strategies—but only at defined levels. - Alt rotation is selective: assets with real catalysts—on-chain accumulation, ETF filings, or improving token economics—are leading.

Key setups to watch

• BTC: Momentum holds while ETF net flows stay green. Invalidate if flows flip negative for multiple sessions and price loses prior breakout support.
• XRP: Watch for a clean breakout and acceptance above recent supply; invalidate on a daily close back below the crash-recovery trendline.
• ADA: Structure of higher highs/lows remains intact. Bids near prior higher lows; cut if the structure breaks on high volume.
• LINK: Institutional narrative + exchange reserve drawdown supports dips. Favor buys into $16–$18 with tight risk; invalidate on a decisive close below the accumulation base.

On-chain and flow signals

- LINK: Meaningful whale absorption and a multi-month drop in exchange reserves suggest supply overhang is easing. - BTC ETFs: Track daily net flows; persistent positives often precede trend extension. - Market structure: Rising open interest with flat price = risk of squeeze; rising price with flat OI = healthier spot-led advance.

Risk radar

- Macro: Any hawkish surprise or liquidity drain can stall risk assets quickly. - Flows: A swift turn to negative ETF net flows often lines up with pullbacks. - Leverage: Overcrowded alt longs into resistance are vulnerable to wicks. - Memecoin caution: Mentions of early-stage tokens like “MAGACOIN FINANCE” are highly speculative. Thin liquidity, listing headlines, and “1000x” narratives can mask smart-contract, liquidity, and execution risks. If you engage, keep sizes small, use hard stops, and assume slippage.

How to position now

• Define levels first: set bids near support, not in the middle of ranges.
• Use staggered entries and partial profit-taking to reduce regret and volatility risk.
• Anchor bias to ETF flows and on-chain supply data; fade moves when signals turn.
• Size by volatility: smaller on alts, tighter stops; larger only where flows are supportive.
• Pre-plan invalidations: one close beyond your level is a decision point, not a debate.

Bottom line

The post-crash backdrop favors disciplined dip buys in BTC and selective exposure to catalysts like LINK’s institutional narrative, with opportunistic eyes on XRP and ADA if their structures confirm. Keep your process flow-driven, risk-aware, and level-based—so the next spike is an opportunity, not a chase.

If you don't want to miss any crypto news, follow my account on X.