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Managing a 97k cost basis: lessons on leverage risk

Crypto Traders React | High Leverage Investments Spark Anxiety

By

Peter McCormack

Nov 21, 2025, 10:03 PM

Edited By

Diego Silva

2 minutes reading time

A person analyzing cryptocurrency charts on a laptop, looking concerned about potential losses while managing investments.
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A growing number of people are expressing frustration over leveraged positions in Bitcoin as prices struggle to recover. With Bitcoin's peak at $118,000 now feeling far away, anxiety is palpable in crypto circles. Notably, one trader shared their experience of holding a significant loss and the stress that comes with it.

The Cost of High Leverage

Traders are feeling the pinch after Bitcoin's steep decline. One individual noted their average entry price is around $97,000, having originally leveraged positions when Bitcoin was at its peak.

"I was foolish and bought around $100k in leverage it really hurts," they shared.

Despite the losses, the trader has managed to avoid liquidation by adjusting their leverage, maintaining around 30% of their Bitcoin portfolio as leveraged funds.

Market Sentiment: Mixed Reactions in the Community

Comments from forums reflect a split sentiment.

Key Themes from the Community:

  • Caution Against Leverage: Many commenters highlighted the risks associated with leveraging crypto investments.

  • Optimism for Buying Opportunities: Several users see the current dip as a moment to buy more Bitcoin at discounted prices.

  • Disbelief in Market Recovery: A group remains pessimistic, suggesting further declines could occur before any recovery.

User comments included:

  • "Why would I sell? Tomorrow is DCA day. Iโ€™m buying at a discount!"

  • "Dude, eliminate leverage. Itโ€™s not the way to go."

The Pain of Holding

For many, the emotional toll of holding onto depreciating assets is significant. One user reflected,

"Whatever. Hang on for 3 years, and youโ€™ll be up pretty big."

Yet another warned, "I donโ€™t understand how one could leverage against an asset with 45% annualized volatility since inception." This highlights concerns about the viability of leveraged trading in such a volatile market.

Key Takeaways

  • โš ๏ธ Emotional Stress: Traders feel strain due to losses from leveraged positions.

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Buying the Dip: Many are adopting strategies to DCA (dollar-cost average) into their holdings.

  • ๐Ÿ” Caution Advised: Numerous contributors warn against leveraging, citing past bad experiences.

The crypto community remains divided as it grapples with current market conditions. Traders are urged to carefully consider their positions and the potential risks associated with leverage.

Future Market Trajectories

Experts predict that the Bitcoin market may face further declines, with estimates suggesting a 60% chance of prices dropping below $80,000 in the coming months. The collective sentiment in forums points to a likely continuation of volatility as traders adjust to market dynamics, with many opting to hold rather than sell. On the upside, thereโ€™s a significant 40% probability of a market recovery if broader economic factors align favorably, reinforcing belief in Bitcoin as a long-term investment. While some traders see current prices as buying opportunities, others remain cautious, reflecting a dichotomy in market sentiment that could lead to ongoing fluctuations in the near future.

Invisible Threads of Connection

There's an intriguing parallel in the history of the 2000 dot-com bubble. Just as many tech enthusiasts poured money into high-value stocks, often mounting heavy leverage for financial gain, today's Bitcoin traders find themselves grappling with the emotional weight of their investments. Both scenarios highlight a blend of euphoria and caution, where the potential for massive gains coexists with the threat of significant losses. The dot-com crash taught many the importance of sustainable practices and risk assessment, lessons that today's investors might need to heed as they navigate the current crypto landscape.