The cryptocurrency market has once again defied expectations. Despite regulatory news and economic uncertainties, several major digital assets, including XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, have recorded impressive gains over the last 24 hours. However, not everyone is celebrating — a growing number of traders are calling foul, hinting that the market remains heavily manipulated.
At the center of the storm is XRP. The digital asset soared by over 8%, touching $2.35. While many expected the SEC settlement to bring stability, some market watchers believe this price move was manufactured. Several traders pointed to abnormal volume patterns, identifying what they claim to be a classic bot-driven pump.
“Despite the latest major news of SEC v Ripple settlement, this sham of a market is still being manipulated,” wrote Vincent Van Code.
GENIUS Act Rejection Ignored
Adding to the suspicion, the crypto market moved higher after the rejection of the GENIUS Act, a decision that logically should have weighed on prices. Bitcoin rose 5.87% to $102,880.26, Ethereum jumped 20.39% to $2,170.88, and Hedera (HBAR) gained 10.39%.
This unexpected upward move, according to traders, happened as bots pulled liquidity out of XRP pairs and exploited price gaps across different markets, leaving many retail investors chasing shadows.
“The Market Is Rigged”
The conversation online paints a bleak picture of crypto markets being heavily manipulated, especially on Binance-led pairs. Traders believe this behavior will continue, as large players and automated systems control short-term movements.
“There’s so much money behind these games. They’ll run it up when they’re ready,” one post read. “Your only defense is to buy something you understand and hold on for years.”
Holding Long-Term: The Only Play
Many in the community are pushing for a long-term approach, ignoring short-term volatility and manipulation. The advice circulating: accumulate on dips and avoid chasing artificial pumps.
Fundamentals and traditional supply-demand forces seem absent in this environment, making patience and personal conviction the only reliable strategies left for small investors.
