In trading, I always say that price action is only half the battle. The other half? Tokenomics and supply dynamics. If you trade without checking the token unlock schedule, it’s like playing poker with your cards face up.
According to CryptoRank data for the week of October 19–25, a significant amount of tokens is expected to hit the market. The total value of scheduled unlocks exceeds $142 million.
Let’s review the six biggest unlocks of the week and see how a savvy trader can adapt their strategy. 🧠📉
🥇 1. $AKE (Akedo Games) — The major unlock
📅 Date: October 21
💰 Value unlocked: $62.42 million (2.11 billion tokens)
📊 As a percentage of market cap: 9.25%
Trader analysis: This is the week’s main warning sign. Ake will release an amount equivalent to more than 9% of its market cap all at once. With 47% of the total supply already unlocked, $62 million worth of tokens entering a market valued at $675 million presents a significant dilution risk. Heavy selling pressure is possible.
🥈 2. $ZRO (LayerZero) — The liquidity test
📅 Date: October 20
💰 Value unlocked: $47.14 million (25.71 million tokens)
📊 As a percentage of market cap: 6.43%
Trader analysis: LayerZero is a major project, but a $47 million unlock against a market cap of $733 million should not be taken lightly. Around 66% of the tokens are already unlocked: the remaining amount to be released is shrinking, but the short-term supply shock is still real. Pay close attention to volatility around October 20.
🥉 3. $H (Humanity Protocol) — High dilution alert 🚨
📅 Date: October 25
💰 Value unlocked: $15.32 million (269.74 million tokens)
📊 As a percentage of market cap: 12.72%
Trader analysis: This is the riskiest profile on this list. The dollar amount isn’t the highest, but unlocking an amount equivalent to 12.72% of the market cap in a single day represents considerable dilution. With only 38% of the tokens unlocked so far, $H is in a phase of rapid supply inflation. Caution is therefore warranted.
4. $XPL (Plasma) — A gradual unlock
📊 Share of market cap: 5.02%
Trader analysis: This is a moderate unlock. An amount equivalent to 5% of the market cap is still manageable, especially for a token with 55% of its supply still locked. Monitor the order book on October 25, but this event doesn’t necessarily warrant panic selling.
5 and 6. $YZY and $SOSO — The secondary unlocks
🔹 $YZY: $8.17 million worth of tokens unlocked on October 21, equivalent to 2.80% of the market cap.
$SOSO: $6.83 million worth of tokens unlocked on October 24, equivalent to 6.85% of the market cap.
Trader analysis: These unlocks may have a more limited impact. For $SOSO, 6.85% is still a moderate share, but with a market cap of around $100 million, relatively low trading volume may be enough to trigger sharp price swings.
💡 HOW TO TRADE DURING UNLOCK WEEKS
1. Anticipate market fear.
Markets often price in unlocks before their actual date. If a token rises sharply as an unlock approaches, be wary: it could be a liquidity trap.
2. Watch the 48-hour window.
Volatility often emerges 24 to 48 hours before an unlock, as well as immediately after the tokens enter circulation.
3. Don’t try to catch a falling knife.
Wait for the initial selling pressure to ease and a solid support level to form before considering an entry.
4. Check the unlock schedule.
Identify the token recipients. If they are venture capital funds or early investors, profit-taking is possible. If they are community rewards, selling pressure may be weaker.
🔥 CONCLUSION
Token unlocks don’t always mean prices will fall. A strong project with solid fundamentals and genuine market interest can absorb the additional supply and even gain value.
However, as traders, we must respect the dynamics of supply and demand.
Which token are you keeping a close eye on this week?
Do you prefer to sell ahead of unlocks or take advantage of market fear to buy at lower prices? Share your charts in the comments. 👇📊