Unlike traditional finance (TradFi), the crypto market never sleeps , operating non-stop every day of the week. In recent years, the emergence of weekend trading has become a noteworthy trend, offering distinct opportunities for investors globally. The importance of weekend trading in the crypto sphere is significant, as retail traders often drive market activity during these times, resulting in unique price shifts and trading scenarios that deviate from typical weekday trends. Looking at historical data from 2022 to the third quarter of 2024, we find notable patterns in weekend trading behaviors. Price fluctuations ranged modestly from -0.27% to +1.21%, but trading volumes showed substantial variations, painting a more intriguing picture. For instance, despite Saturdays showing negative volume trends in 2022 (-31.11%) and 2023 (-36.60%), there was an impressive shift in 2024 with a +10.16% increase. Even more remarkable, Sunday volumes skyrocketed by +86.69% in 2024, compared to 12.21% in 2023 and 3.86% in 2022. Building an Effective Weekend Trading Strategy To make the most of these significant volume fluctuations, investors need to craft effective weekend strategies, with 'smart asset selection' being paramount, as some cryptocurrencies show more pronounced weekend activity compared to others. Traders should concentrate on assets with consistent liquidity during weekends and those known for higher volatility during this time. Moreover, weekends present heightened volatility, which can be beneficial if traders adopt a disciplined risk management approach, especially when using leverage. For instance, combining technical analysis with insights into weekend-specific market conditions, such as thinner order books and lower liquidity, can help identify potential breakout opportunities. In this evolving landscape, the cryptocurrency exchange VALR has emerged as a leader. As the largest digital asset platform in Africa, VALR has secured significant investment from industry giants like Pantera Capital and Coinbase Ventures, amassing $55 million in equity funding . Acknowledging the rising significance of weekend trading, VALR recently introduced an innovative Weekend Trading Challenge , set to run from January to March 2025. This initiative allows participants to compete for a share of $12,000 in crypto rewards, while also enjoying substantial fee discounts on various internal transactions. Understanding VALR's Weekend Trading Challenge The challenge is designed to benefit both spot and futures traders, offering reduced trading fees of 15% and 25% respectively over the weekend. What truly distinguishes this initiative is its accessibility and equitable reward distribution, requiring no additional registration for verified users and ensuring both seasoned and new traders can benefit. Each weekend, a $500 prize pool for both spot and futures trading encourages ongoing engagement, supported by an attractive fee rebate system that provides immediate advantages to all participants. Participants can earn up to $50 in fee rebates each weekend, with rebates distributed within three business days after the weekend trading sessions conclude. Additionally, a fair distribution cap of $1,000 per weekend is in place for all rebates, equally divided between Saturday and Sunday, operating on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fair access for all investors. The challenge is notable for its inclusive design and achievable entry thresholds. Spot traders only need a minimum trading volume of $500 over the weekend to qualify for rewards, while futures traders require a $5,000 minimum volume. Furthermore, the reward distribution system is structured to encourage consistent participation, with the top trader in each category receiving $120 in USDC or USDT, with rewards decreasing through the top 10 positions. Could Weekend Trading Become the Future of Crypto Finance? The widespread adoption of crypto assets has been remarkable recently, with global ownership reaching 562 million people or 6.8% of the world's population in 2024, marking a 33% rise since 2023. In this rapidly changing environment, grasping the concept of weekend trading is becoming increasingly vital for traders aiming for optimal returns. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
