Key Takeaways
- WhiteBIT’s unlock is massive and could trigger sharp volatility.
- StarkNet and Arbitrum may see mild pressure from mid-sized releases.
- Traders should watch price action around unlocks for potential entries.
Next week’s crypto calendar has major token unlocks that could influence price action across several prominent projects.
Scheduled releases from platforms like WhiteBIT, Aptos, StarkNet, and others may introduce new supply to the market, triggering volatility or offering buy-the-dip opportunities.
Traders and investors should monitor these events closely, as token unlocks often act as short-term catalysts for volatile price action.
WhiteBIT Token (WBT) – May 13
WhiteBIT is set to release a staggering $1.2 billion worth of WBT tokens on May 13, accounting for approximately 27.4% of its market capitalization.
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This is one of the largest scheduled unlocks across the crypto space in May and could create substantial selling pressure.
The sheer size of the unlock is likely to impact market liquidity and could lead to heightened volatility in the token’s price.
Investors should be cautious around the unlock date, as profit-taking from early investors or insiders may put downward pressure on WBT, especially if market demand fails to absorb the influx of new tokens.
Aptos (APT) – May 12
Aptos will unlock 11.31 million APT tokens, valued at approximately $65 million, on May 12.
While the amount represents 1.83% of the total market cap, it’s part of the protocol’s monthly token release schedule.
Allocations will likely go to core contributors, investors, and community initiatives.
Historically, APT has shown moderate post-unlock price corrections, depending on prevailing market sentiment.
While not as drastic as other unlocks this week, this event may still result in short-term selling pressure.
Traders should closely monitor volume and price behavior around the unlock to identify potential dip-buying opportunities.
StarkNet (STRK) – May 15
On May 15, StarkNet will unlock 127 million STRK tokens, representing around 4.37% of the circulating supply.
This is part of StarkNet’s initial rollout strategy, aimed at gradually decentralizing token ownership.
The unlock is significant in scale and could cause short-term volatility, especially if recipients decide to sell into the market.
However, the long-term impact may be muted if these tokens are vested or intended for ecosystem development.
As a Layer 2 scaling solution on Ethereum with rising developer interest, STRK remains a token to watch.
Still, near-term price fluctuations are likely, especially in a low-liquidity environment.
Immutable X (IMX) – May 16
Immutable X is scheduled to unlock 24.52 million IMX tokens on May 16, which makes up 1.35% of the circulating supply.
While this is a relatively modest percentage, it could still influence the token’s price in the short term if recipients opt to sell.
The unlocked tokens are expected to be allocated to ecosystem incentives or team members, adding to the circulating supply.
IMX has shown resilience during similar unlock events, but broader market conditions will play a key role.
Traders should watch for volume spikes or shifts in sentiment, particularly if other altcoins face pressure.
Arbitrum (ARB) – May 16
Arbitrum will release 92.65 million ARB tokens, worth around $35.13 million, on May 16.
This constitutes 1.95% of the market cap and follows April’s much larger unlock.
Though this release is smaller, it’s still notable and could affect price direction if many tokens are sold.
The unlock is part of Arbitrum’s linear vesting schedule for team and investor allocations.
With renewed interest in Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, ARB may maintain buying support, but the unlock could still create short-term pressure.
Cautious positioning and technical analysis are advised leading up to and immediately after the release.
Conclusion
The upcoming token unlocks between May 12 and 18 represent key events that could influence short-term market dynamics.
Large releases like WhiteBIT’s $1.16 billion unlock may lead to heightened volatility, while smaller but notable unlocks from Aptos, StarkNet, and Arbitrum could still create price pressure if market demand doesn’t absorb the new supply.
| Token | Unlock Date | Amount Unlocked | % of Market Cap / Supply | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBT | May 13 | $1.16B | 27.4% | High volatility expected |
| APT | May 12 | $63.72M | 1.83% | Moderate impact |
| STRK | May 15 | 127M STRK (~$19.41M) | 4.37% of supply | Significant volatility possible |
| IMX | May 16 | 24.52M IMX | 1.35% of supply | Mild, short-term fluctuations |
| ARB | May 16 | 92.63M ARB (~$31.88M) | 1.95% | Moderate, possible price dip |
Traders and investors should remain alert to sudden shifts in sentiment, as these unlocks often serve as catalysts for both dips and breakouts, depending on broader market conditions and token-specific momentum.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial advice. We do not make any warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. All investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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