As cryptocurrency markets gear up for potential bull runs, seasoned trader Michaël van de Poppe shares invaluable advice on navigating altcoins effectively. In a recent tweet dated July 15, 2025, he emphasizes key strategies to maintain sanity and profitability amid soaring volatility. His core tip? Steer clear of leverage, avoid obsessively monitoring trades, and stick to spot trading. This approach, he argues, is sufficient to capture substantial gains without the emotional rollercoaster that often derails investors during intense market upswings.

Understanding the Risks of Leverage in Altcoin Bull Markets

Leverage trading can amplify profits, but in bull markets for altcoins like ETH, SOL, or emerging tokens, it often leads to devastating losses. According to Michaël van de Poppe, volatility skyrockets during these periods, with price swings that can exceed 20-30% in a single day based on historical patterns from past cycles, such as the 2021 bull run where altcoins experienced rapid pumps followed by sharp corrections. Using leverage, even at conservative levels like 5x, exposes traders to liquidation risks when inevitable pullbacks occur. For instance, if an altcoin surges 50% in a week but corrects 15% overnight, leveraged positions could wipe out capital entirely. Instead, spot trading allows investors to ride the wave without borrowing, preserving capital for long-term holds. This strategy aligns with broader market indicators, where on-chain metrics like increased transaction volumes and wallet activity signal genuine adoption rather than speculative frenzy. By avoiding leverage, traders can focus on fundamental analysis, such as project roadmaps and ecosystem growth, rather than short-term price noise.

Emotional Discipline and Monitoring Trades

One of the most overlooked aspects of successful trading is emotional control, especially when altcoin prices are climbing rapidly. Van de Poppe warns that emotions go through the roof alongside volatility, leading to impulsive decisions like panic selling during harsh corrections. In bull markets, corrections of 30-50% are not uncommon, as seen in previous cycles where altcoins like ADA or LINK dropped significantly after all-time highs before recovering. Constantly monitoring trades exacerbates this stress, turning investing into a high-stakes game of second-guessing. His advice to step back promotes a healthier mindset, encouraging traders to set entry and exit points based on technical indicators like moving averages or RSI levels. For example, entering a spot position in an altcoin when it breaks key resistance, such as $0.50 for a mid-cap token, and holding through volatility can yield returns of 100-500% over months without daily oversight. This disciplined approach also ties into stock market correlations, where rallies in tech stocks often boost AI-related altcoins, creating cross-market opportunities for diversified portfolios.

Ultimately, staying sane in altcoin bull markets means embracing simplicity and patience. Spot trading capitalizes on the inherent upside of cryptocurrencies without the pitfalls of overleveraging or emotional burnout. As markets evolve with institutional inflows and AI integrations boosting tokens like FET or RNDR, traders who heed this advice position themselves for sustainable gains. By focusing on spot positions and limiting screen time, you avoid the harsh corrections that have historically trapped many. Remember, in trading, less can indeed be more—prioritizing mental clarity over constant action often leads to the best outcomes. For those exploring trading opportunities, consider altcoin pairs against BTC or USDT, monitoring 24-hour volumes that surge during bull phases to gauge momentum. This strategy not only mitigates risks but also aligns with long-term market sentiment driven by adoption and innovation.