The Banana Zone is a crypto market phase characterized by accelerated upward price movements, creating a banana-shaped trajectory on price charts. Learn more.

The crypto market has a new buzzword that's taking over trading floors and social media: the Banana Zone. Coined by macro investor and Real Vision CEO Raoul Pal, this concept has become increasingly relevant as crypto markets experience unprecedented growth.

But what is the Banana Zone, and why does it matter? As the crypto market appears to be entering its most explosive phase yet, this article breaks down the three key stages of this phenomenon, explores why it occurs and provides essential tips for navigating current market conditions.

The Banana Zone is a cryptocurrency market phase characterized by accelerated upward price movements, creating a banana-shaped trajectory on price charts. The term was popularized by global macro investor Raoul Pal in 2024, drawing from his observations of recurring patterns in crypto market cycles since 2008. 

Raoul Pal notes that as global liquidity rises and institutional adoption increases, cryptocurrencies enter this distinctive phase in which price appreciation accelerates beyond typical market behavior.

While initially observed in Bitcoin's price action, the Banana Zone phenomenon extends across the broader cryptocurrency market, affecting everything from major 

 to emerging digital assets. This pattern has become particularly relevant as traditional financial markets and crypto markets show increasing correlation with global liquidity cycles.

The Banana Zone works as a three-phase market cycle, each with distinct characteristics that signal different stages of market maturity and price action. These phases typically unfold sequentially, though their duration and intensity vary based on global macro factors.

The first phase is characterized by a decisive breakout from previous consolidation patterns, typically triggered by increased institutional adoption and improved market fundamentals. Bitcoin usually leads the charge during this early bull marketphase, experiencing substantial price appreciation while maintaining high market dominance.

This initial phase closely correlates with expanding global liquidity, as central banks' monetary policies create favorable conditions for risk assets. The market sees steady accumulation by long-term holders and institutional investors, establishing a solid foundation for further growth.

The Banana Singularity is the most explosive phase of the cycle, marked by broader market participation and a dramatic surge in altcoin valuations. During this phase, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization grows exponentially as retail investors flood the market, seeking high-return opportunities beyond Bitcoin.

This phase typically coincides with a decrease in 

 as capital flows from Bitcoin into altcoins, creating what's commonly known as "altseason." The market experiences widespread 

 (fear of missing out), leading to rapid price appreciation across virtually all crypto assets.

The final phase, known as the concentration phase, sees market momentum focusing on "core winners" — cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals and real-world utility. During this period, investors become more selective, leading to a flight to quality within the crypto ecosystem.

This phase often experiences the highest price appreciation for selected assets, though the broader market may begin showing signs of exhaustion. Institutional investors typically concentrate their positions in established cryptocurrencies with proven track records and strong network effects.

The Banana Zone phenomenon is primarily driven by the intersection of global liquidity cycles and cryptocurrency market dynamics. Since 2008, when central banks reset interest payments to nearly zero and standardized debt maturity to between three and four years, a predictable macro cycle emerged that directly influences crypto market behavior.

As central banks manage their debt rollovers through currency debasement, the value of fiat currencies relative to assets decreases. This process naturally drives up the price of growth assets, with cryptocurrencies experiencing pronounced effects due to either their fixed or 

The acceleration of institutional adoption further amplifies these effects. 

 comparing active wallets and early IP addresses, crypto is being adopted at twice the speed of internet adoption in the 1990s. 

Market psychology also plays a significant role. Media attention increases as prices rise during the Banana Zone’s initial phase, drawing in new participants. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle whereby price appreciation leads to greater adoption, which drives further price appreciation — a pattern that intensifies during the Banana Singularity phase.

Importantly, the Banana Zone's occurrence aligns with broader market cycles, including what Raoul Pal calls 

, a framework that explains how business cycles repeat as liquidity rises to service debt rollovers. This synchronization with traditional market cycles helps explain why crypto markets often move in tandem with other growth assets, particularly technology stocks.

As of early 2025, the cryptocurrency market is showing strong indications of being in the transitional period between Banana Zone Phase 1 and the anticipated Banana Singularity. With Bitcoin’s price hovering around $100,000, and total market cap reaching $3.7 trillion in December 2024, the crypto market has already demonstrated significant strength following an earlier breakout.

Bitcoin's recent consolidation at all-time high levels mirrors similar patterns in the 2016–2017 cycle, suggesting the crypto market is preparing for its next major move. In addition, the drop in Bitcoin dominance from 61.52% in November 2024 to 57.18% today (mid-January 2025) indicates that capital is flowing into the broader crypto market, potentially hinting at an upcoming altcoin season. 

Global macro conditions appear particularly favorable for entering into the Banana Singularity phase. With many central banks implementing 

 in September 2024, a global shift toward monetary easing could create ideal conditions for crypto asset appreciation.

Market structure analysis reveals increasing strength across the crypto sector, with key indicators showing higher lows and higher highs in the total market cap. Declining channels and the breaking of long-term resistance levels suggest building momentum for the anticipated surge into the Banana Singularity phase.

However, investors should note potential headwinds, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential transition. These factors could introduce short-term volatility, though the underlying trend remains strongly bullish, according to current market indicators.

Successfully navigating the Banana Zone requires a structured approach and disciplined execution. Following are the five key areas investors should focus on in order to maximize opportunities while managing risks during this explosive market phase.

 are crucial during the Banana Zone's volatile phases. Investors should consider implementing a scaled approach to their investments, gradually increasing exposure as market confirmations appear, rather than making large, single-entry investments.

Diversification takes on new importance during the Banana Singularity phase. While Bitcoin typically leads the initial phase, maintaining a balanced portfolio of established cryptocurrencies and carefully selected altcoins can help capitalize on broader market momentum. However, investors should resist the temptation to chase every trending token.

 and maintaining emotional discipline is critical. While markets making new all-time highs can create strong FOMO, successfully navigating the explosive Banana Zone requires avoiding impulsive decisions based on short-term price movements.

Technical analysis should be combined with macro awareness. Monitoring global liquidity indicators, institutional fund flows and broader market sentiment provides crucial context for timing entries and exits. Pay particular attention to Bitcoin's dominance ratio to indicate which phase the market is entering.

Regular portfolio rebalancing becomes essential during periods of high volatility. As certain assets outperform others, maintaining target allocations helps manage risk, even as you stay exposed to potential upside. Take partial profits during extreme price surges, while maintaining core positions for longer-term appreciation.

The trajectory of cryptocurrency markets appears poised for significant expansion, with 

 the total market cap could grow from its current $3.7 trillion to potentially $100 trillion over the coming years. 

Institutional integration continues to deepen, with traditional financial systems increasingly embracing cryptocurrency infrastructure. The resolution of regulatory uncertainties is expected to remove significant barriers to adoption, potentially accelerating the crypto market's evolution beyond current Banana Zone dynamics.

Moreover, technological advances in scalability and interoperability are paving the way for widespread cryptocurrency adoption. The integration with traditional finance and the emergence of new use cases — from artificial intelligence (AI) to 

 tokenization — suggests future Banana Zones may be characterized by more stable, utility-driven growth, rather than pure speculation.

The Banana Zone represents a unique framework for understanding cryptocurrency market cycles. With it currently suggesting a move from the initial breakout to the anticipated Banana Singularity, crypto markets are entering their most significant growth phase.

With global liquidity expanding and institutional adoption accelerating, conditions appear ripe for continued market appreciation. However, investors should remember that explosive gains come with heightened risks. Success in these markets requires disciplined risk management and strategic positioning — not just blind optimism.

Intermediate

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Banana Zone to Singularity: Analyzing Crypto's Upward Surge

Learn more about Melania Meme (MELANIA), the meme coin launched by the wife of Donald Trump and First Lady of the United States.

 meme project has captured the crypto community's attention, sparking curiosity and debate. Launched amidst the growing trend of meme coins, it represents a blend of digital collectibles and a symbolic representation of values associated with the current 

 token is positioned as a creative endeavor rather than an investment opportunity, distancing itself from political affiliations or campaign agendas.

In this article, we’ll explore U.S. President Trump’s pro-crypto promises and their broader implications for the industry, along with the launch of the TRUMP meme coin, its impact on the crypto market and how it’s performed, and lastly, the debut of Melania Trump’s meme coin, its tokenomics and its ripple effects on the broader meme coin market.

 during his 2024 campaign marked a shift for the crypto market. As the 47th U.S. president, his policies are expected to further influence regulatory frameworks and market sentiment in 2025 and beyond.

Trump's economic agenda, which emphasizes fiscal spending and tax cuts, may lead to inflationary pressures. Historically, this has increased Bitcoin's appeal as a hedge against inflation. Furthermore, his policies could strengthen the correlation between cryptocurrencies and traditional markets, potentially drawing institutional investors seeking diversification.

 meme coin on January 18 has sent shockwaves through the crypto market. Within two days, TRUMP reached an all-time high market capitalization of over $14.9 billion, capturing significant attention from various investors. This launch also fueled a surge in Solana’s ecosystem, with 

With the Trump brand backing it, TRUMP has become a symbol of both speculative excitement and broader crypto adoption.

 unveiled her very own token, MELANIA, with a post on X on January 20, stating: 

"The official Melania meme is live. You can buy $melania now," 

Following the launch, MELANIA’s price skyrocketed, reaching a high of over $13.70 and achieving a fully diluted market capitalization of $2 billion. The meme coin, launched on the Solana blockchain, mirrors her husband’s approach, relying on community engagement and interest to derive value. This launch has cemented Melania Trump’s entry into the crypto meme market, drawing attention from traders and meme enthusiasts alike and further expanding the Solana ecosystem’s reach.

The MELANIA token follows a structured distribution model, with 35% allocated to the team, 20% each to the treasury and community, 15% to the public and 10% to liquidity. The team’s tokens are subject to a 13-month vesting schedule, ensuring sustained commitment. An initial lock period spans the first 30 days, followed by a 10% unlock (3% of total supply). The remaining 90% vests linearly over the next 12 months, releasing approximately 2.25% of the total supply monthly.

This gradual release balances market stability while incentivizing the team to align with the project’s long-term success.

The launch of Melania Trump’s MELANIA meme coin has disrupted the market for her husband’s TRUMP token. After reaching a peak valuation of $15 billion, the TRUMP meme coin experienced a sharp decline, 

. Its price dropped from $74.60 to $45.90 within 40 minutes, wiping out $5 billion in market capitalization.

The timing of Melania’s token launch, just a day before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, further fueled market volatility. While Melania’s token quickly reached a $6 billion market cap, with over 45,000 wallets holding the coin, the shift caused significant turbulence for TRUMP holders.

Blockchain analysts suggest that MELANIA’s less professional handling compared to TRUMP’s token has added to the controversy, raising questions about its distribution and security. Despite the disruption, the launch has ignited widespread interest in politically themed meme coins, cementing their role in this phase we’re in.

Will MELANIA Signal a Paradigm Shift in the U.S.? 

The launch of Melania Trump’s MELANIA meme coin has sparked significant interest and controversy within the crypto community. From its rapid rise to a $2 billion market cap to the ripple effects on Donald Trump’s TRUMP token, the emergence of these politically themed meme coins has highlighted the volatile yet captivating nature of the market.

While the MELANIA token’s structured tokenomics suggest a long-term vision, concerns about its execution and distribution have raised questions. As with any investment, it’s crucial to 

 and understand the associated risks before engaging with any of these tokens.

This new chapter of meme coins underscores the dynamic intersection of politics and cryptocurrencies, marking a transformative moment for the industry. Whether MELANIA will sustain its momentum or fade into obscurity remains a question for the community and market to decide.

Beginner

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Melania Meme (MELANIA): Melania Trump Launches New Meme Coin Following TRUMP

Official Trump (TRUMP) is a Solana-based meme coin launched by U.S. president Donald Trump that celebrates "winning" and community support. Learn more here.

 as the 47th U.S. president, Donald J. Trump demonstrated his pro-crypto stance by launching the Official Trump (TRUMP) cryptocurrency. The 

 has attracted unprecedented mainstream attention, with trading volume exceeding $36 billion in 24 hours.

This article explores how TRUMP works, its unique tokenomics and its market performance. We'll examine its trading mechanics, analyze its potential risks and opportunities and provide key insights for traders interested in this new digital asset.

-based meme cryptocurrency officially launched by U.S. president Donald J. Trump in January 2025. The project is designed to celebrate “winning” and unite Trump’s supporters in the digital asset space.

Official Trump operates on the Solana blockchain, chosen for its high speed and low transaction costs. The project's structure involves two key entities: CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, which together control 80% of the total token supply through a three-year vesting schedule.

The token was launched through an official announcement on Truth Social and X, positioning it as a celebration of "winning" and community engagement. The project prominently features the slogan "Fight, Fight, Fight" to emphasize unity among supporters.

The functionality of Official Trump is primarily based on trading and community engagement, with its website explicitly stating that it's "not intended to be, or to be the subject of, an investment opportunity, investment contract, or security of any type."

TRUMP launched with an initial supply of 200 million tokens, adopting a structured distribution model that will expand to 1 billion tokens over three years. The token allocation follows a carefully designed framework. The initial distribution allocates 10% to liquidity pools to ensure smooth trading operations, while another 10% is available for public trading. The remaining 80% is strategically held by CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, released through a linear unlock schedule with daily emissions.

This controlled release mechanism includes specific lockup periods ranging from three to 12 months for different token groups, coupled with a 24-month unlock duration to maintain market stability.

Official Trump's market debut is the fastest-growing token launch in cryptocurrency history. Starting from less than $10, TRUMP skyrocketed to over $73, pushing its market capitalization past $75 billion and capturing traders' attention worldwide.

The token generated extraordinary market activity with over $36 billion in 24-hour trading volume. While TRUMP experienced some volatility following the launch of First Lady Melania Trump's MELANIA token, it maintained strong trading interest and significant market presence.

It reached an all-time high of $73.43 on Jan 19, 2025, and has since declined to about $34.31 (as of Jan 21, 2025).

Looking to trade TRUMP tokens? Bybit offers the TRUMP/USDT Spot trading pair for trading. To get started, you’ll need to first create a Bybit account, fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

 for traders interested in leveraged positions and long/short opportunities in the TRUMP market. This gives traders flexibility in their approach to trading the TRUMP token.

The launch of TRUMP marks a historic moment as the first cryptocurrency officially launched by a sitting U.S. president. With pro-crypto policies expected throughout his presidency and strong support from industry leaders, those bullish on TRUMP believe it will become a flagship token in cryptocurrency markets.

It’s clear that as millions of supporters enter the crypto market and trading volumes surge, TRUMP's potential impact extends beyond typical meme tokens. However, investors must carefully consider its unique characteristics and risk factors before making investment decisions.

TRUMP positions itself uniquely at the intersection of cryptocurrency and political influence, with continued relevance throughout the presidential term. However, investors should 

, particularly given the volatile nature of meme tokens and the evolving regulatory environment.

Official Trump introduces a new dynamic to cryptocurrency markets as the first crypto project launched by a sitting U.S. president. While initial trading activity shows strong market interest, investors may want to consider token emission schedules, market volatility and the ownership structure.

Unlike typical meme coins, TRUMP is a unique asset that traders should monitor through multiple lenses. While we don't know what Donald Trump has planned for his token, the price will likely be influenced by broader cryptocurrency market trends and ongoing political developments, with periods of high volatility throughout his presidency.

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Official Trump (TRUMP): The Meme Coin Sparking Political Buzz

Bybit has introduced a new Copy Trading feature for Gold and Forex markets, enabling users to replicate professional trading strategies within their MT5 accounts using USDT as collateral. 

The S&P 500 was closed on Monday due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Gold rose 0.3% to $2,709.09 as a weaker dollar and Trump’s potential policies drove demand for the safe-haven asset. Analysts expect market volatility and inflation to support gold, though higher Fed rates may limit gains. Prices hit a one-month high last week on softer inflation and dovish Fed signals. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 0.60%, with Bitcoin dropping by 2.48% and Ether rising by 1.58%, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is LDO, which surged nearly 5.2% following the expansion of Aave v3.2 Liquid eModes to Base and Arbitrum, enhancing DeFi with Lido integration.

Lido DAO (LDO) provides liquid staking for Ethereum 2.0 and other Proof-of-Stake platforms, using stETH tokens to maintain liquidity. The LDO token allows holders to govern the DAO. 

, building on Lido's success. Users can use LRTs as collateral to borrow wstETH, gaining third-party rewards and reduced gas costs. The expansion offers optimized markets, automated positions, and new DeFi use cases with Base's low gas fees and Arbitrum's liquidity.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

, enabling users to replicate professional trading strategies within their MT5 accounts using USDT as collateral. This innovation simplifies access to traditional assets for crypto communities, without requiring advanced market knowledge. Key features include professional expertise, risk management tools, and seamless integration with MT5. Bybit ensures a secure and transparent environment, with thorough oversight of master traders and risk management measures. The program offers two profit-sharing plans: Classic and Gold&FX, designed to create a balanced, efficient trading experience.

Yesterday, BTC Spot ETF data showed no inflows or outflows as the markets were closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

 with up to a 60% boost in rewards. To participate, link your social media accounts to your Humanity Protocol testnet account via the 

. The $RWT you claim daily will be converted into the mainnet airdrop.

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Bybit Launches Copy Trading for Gold & Forex, Offering Crypto Users Access to Professional Strategies

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Crypto Insights

blockscholes

Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events, the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume, and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Jan. 8, 2025)

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The new year saw BTC's spot price briefly surpass $100K, but this surge faded after the U.S. JOLTS report dampened expectations for interest rate cuts by the Fed in 2025. As a result, risk-on assets, including crypto, lost their early gains. Unlike in previous surges, derivatives market sentiment hasn’t strongly supported this move. Notably, realized volatility in crypto trading was around 20 points lower than the implied volatility from a one-month BTC option, marking the largest volatility premium since the 2024 U.S. elections without a clear event risk.

Lower trade volumes contributed to the drop in realized volatility in perpetuals, although open interest has remained stable. In options, despite a steep volatility term structure, short-tenor implied volatility is significantly higher than the realized volatility observed over the past week.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Sluggish Trading Activity and Low Volatility

Perpetual swap markets have experienced a significant drop in liquidity over the winter break, with trading volumes declining not just on weekends and holidays but throughout December. As noted previously, lower trade volumes often lead to reduced volatility in spot prices, in evidence during this period. Realized volatility has mirrored the decreased trading activity. Meanwhile, open interest has remained stable compared to pre-December expiration levels, indicating minimal significant hedging activity in the perpetual swap markets.

Large Gap Between 30-D Implied Volatility and 7-D Realized Volatility

ETH's options markets are showing a clear preference for call options, while BTC's open interest is more balanced after the expiration of December’s contracts. Similar to ETH, BTC’s term structure has steepened in the new year, driven by a decline in short-tenor volatility and a moderate rise in longer expirations. The gap between implied and realized volatility is at its widest since the November 2024 U.S. elections, suggesting that hedging using options is very expensive.

Open Interest of ETH Calls Larger Than Puts

Put contracts continue to dominate ETH’s options trading volumes, although there has been an increase in call contracts since December’s large expiration. However, the new year has seen a notable decline in realized volatility. In response, options traders have steepened the volatility term structure, yet short-tenor volatility remains over 15 points (at a 30-day tenor) above realized volatility. This divergence is the largest since the pre-election period, when the volatility premium was linked to political uncertainty. Now, without a specific event, traders seem to be anticipating a potential spike in volatility at any moment.

Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Jan 8, 2025): Market Braces for Volatility Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

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