In April 2026, the cryptocurrency market has clearly entered a phase known as waiting mode. Traders around the world have significantly reduced their trading activity, trading volumes have declined noticeably, and price ranges have narrowed considerably. Everyone is waiting for key macroeconomic and regulatory decisions that could set the tone for the market in the coming months.
At Richmond365, we observe this situation on a daily basis: low volatility during regular trading hours followed by sharp spikes immediately after major news releases. This environment is typical for periods of high uncertainty and demands a disciplined, cautious approach to trading and risk management.
Decline in Trading Volumes – The Primary Signal of Caution
Over the past two weeks, average daily trading volume across major cryptocurrency exchanges has fallen by 18–25% compared to March. The drop is particularly evident in the spot markets of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Many traders have chosen to step back or trade with minimal position sizes, unwilling to take significant risks ahead of important events.
This reaction is completely logical. When the market lacks a clear directional bias, most participants adopt a wait-and-see stance. As a result, liquidity decreases, spreads widen, and even relatively small orders can trigger outsized price movements.
Anticipation of Key Regulatory and Central Bank Decisions
The main source of uncertainty stems from a series of upcoming high-impact events. Traders are closely monitoring:
The anticipated Senate vote on the CLARITY Act scheduled for the end of April;Upcoming decisions by the US Federal Reserve regarding interest rates;New regulatory initiatives emerging in Europe and Asia;Critical US economic data releases on inflation and employment.
Until these decisions are finalized, the market remains in a state of suspension. Even minor comments from Fed officials or senators can provoke sharp price swings. For this reason, many professional traders at Richmond365 and beyond are currently reducing position sizes and widening their stop-loss levels to protect capital.
Sharp Price Movements Following News Releases
One of the most notable features of the current market is its asymmetric reaction. In times of low volatility, any meaningful news can cause a disproportionately strong response. In the past ten days alone, we have seen Bitcoin’s price fluctuate by 3–5% within minutes, only to quickly revert to its previous range.
These sudden spikes are particularly dangerous for leveraged traders. A single poorly timed entry after a news release can result in substantial losses. Consequently, many market participants are shifting toward more conservative strategies or moving entirely to cash until the uncertainty subsides.
Increased Popularity of Short-Term Trading Strategies
With daily ranges becoming tighter, interest in scalping and intraday trading has grown significantly. Traders are focusing on capturing small intraday movements rather than holding positions overnight.
At Richmond365, we have noticed a clear increase in clients switching to shorter timeframes such as M5 and M15. While these strategies can generate profits even in sideways markets, they require exceptional discipline, fast execution, and strict risk control. It is also worth noting that during low-liquidity periods, slippage tends to increase, which can negatively affect order execution quality.
Behavior of Large Players and “Whales”
While retail traders are reducing activity, institutional investors and large “whales” continue to act methodically. On-chain data reveals a steady increase in large transfers to wallets associated with long-term holders. This pattern reflects classic “smart money” behavior — accumulating positions quietly during periods of uncertainty when prices are relatively stable and retail competition is low.
Such accumulation phases often lay the groundwork for the next significant upward move. At Richmond365, we always emphasize to our clients the importance of monitoring whale activity and on-chain metrics during these quiet periods.
Conclusion: Waiting Mode Heightens Market Risks
The current waiting phase makes the market less predictable and dramatically amplifies reactions to any economic or regulatory developments. Low trading volumes mean that even moderate news can trigger strong price swings.
For traders, this environment calls for several important adjustments:
Reducing overall position sizes;Widening stop-loss distances;Avoiding trades during periods of extremely low liquidity;Paying extra attention to fundamental news flow;Adopting more conservative capital management rules.
At Richmond365, we strongly recommend that our clients use this waiting period productively — for deeper market analysis, strategy refinement, and preparation for the next wave of volatility, which is likely to arrive shortly after the key decisions are announced.
The waiting phase is not a “dead market.” Rather, it is a time when the foundation for the next major move is being built. Traders who maintain discipline, manage risk carefully, and prepare thoroughly will have a significant advantage once the current uncertainty finally dissipates.
In uncertain times like these, having a reliable partner becomes especially valuable. Richmond365 continues to support its clients with real-time market analysis, risk management tools, and professional guidance to help navigate through periods of low volatility and sudden news-driven moves.
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