Is the sideways cycle in the crypto market still profitable?

Recently, many traders have been struggling with this question. To be honest, my account data might shed some light: over 60 days, starting with a capital of 1200U, I ended up with 84,000U.

It sounds exaggerated, but the whole process involved no late nights glued to the screen, nor did I touch those high-risk small coins. It all relied on three seemingly simple but easily overlooked trading disciplines, combined with a non-greedy, non-gambling mindset framework, which helped me avoid most of the market traps this year.

**Step 1: Decompose your position structure, refuse to gamble everything**

In a choppy market, going all-in is basically a prelude to being trapped. My approach is to split the funds into three parts:

Short-term positions: operate at most twice a day, take profits of 2%-3% and then exit quickly, just enough to cover fees. Trend positions: wait until the weekly MA30 crosses above MA60, and the price breaks through recent highs before acting. When gains reach 30%, take out half first, and set a 10% trailing stop for the rest. Backup positions are used to fill gaps, but the strict rule is no adding new funds—always keep enough bullets for a comeback.

**Step 2: Only trade on clear signals, close the software otherwise**

Why do beginners lose money? Nine times out of ten, it’s because they operate blindly during sideways markets. My iron rule is simple: only trade when the daily MA30 is above MA60, and volume breaks previous highs. At other times, just turn off the trading software.

About 60% of this year has been sideways. While others stare at the screen daily, losing fees and getting trapped, I use that time to work out and spend time with family, easily avoiding the traps of false signals. Honestly, not making money during sideways periods just creates anxiety.

**Step 3: Control your hands, control your heart**

The root cause of margin calls is basically a lack of discipline. My standard is strict: cut losses immediately at a 3% floating loss, never hold through a loss. Once profits exceed 10%, move the stop-loss to the breakeven point. Shut down the app promptly at 23:00 every day. If I stay up late once, I ban trading the next day. If I feel itchy, I delete the app—what I don’t see, I don’t crave.

Looking back, these three "dull knives" may seem to lack technical complexity, but it’s precisely because of this restraint that I can survive longer and earn steadily amid the temptations and volatility of the crypto world.