When charts turn crimson, most beginners panic-close positions and switch to observer mode. But over the last 7 years of trading, I’ve learned one thing: a bear trend isn’t a death sentence, it’s just a different mode of operation. Yes, the start of 2026 isn’t treating us to powerful rallies, but even now you can decently top up your deposit if you know where to look.
Today, I want to share a story about how I’m using the current situation, and also tell you about an interesting opportunity that came my way personally. I’m talking about the Perfect Match contest on the http://exmo.me exchange. I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of competitions, but here the conditions are appealing in their simplicity.
Why the Red Market is an Experienced Trader’s Friend
Remember your first shock when you bought an asset and it went down? I’ve been through that. But it was precisely the declines that taught me the main rule: you can make money on any movement.
When the price drops, tools that seem unnecessary during a “bull” rush come into play. Margin trading and short positions become your main allies.
Personally, I’m actively testing EXMO Margin right now. Why? Because it allows you to hedge risks and open trades not just for price increases. While some are panicking, looking at red candles, others are locking in profits on the decline.
How I Choose Assets for Shorts
My approach is simple:
- I look for coins that are overbought before a reversal;
- I check fundamental news (often the negative news is already priced in);
- I analyze trading volumes.
Speaking of volumes. They are currently the key to extra earnings.
Perfect Match: When Trading Meets Luck
February 14th is Valentine’s Day. But let’s be honest: you can find the perfect match not only in dating apps, but also in the exchange order book. The EXMO team is clearly thinking along these lines by launching the Perfect Match contest.
The idea is simple and brilliant: you choose a trading pair you like, build up volume, and get a chance at the jackpot. What appealed to me was that the entry ticket is ridiculously low — just $1. You’ll agree, that’s not money worth worrying about, even if you’re a beginner.
A Personal Take on the Contest Pairs
I carefully studied the list of offered instruments. Let me tell you as a practitioner: there’s plenty to choose from here.
The contest features:
- HYPE/USDT — my favorite. Just look: over the last 24 hours, the coin is showing +7%, despite the overall red picture. Such assets on a bear market are like rays of light.
- TON/USDT — a project with a strong community, always good volatility.
- LTC/USDT — a classic, you can generate stable volumes with it.
- DOGE/USDT — an unpredictable meme coin, but during hype it gives excellent numbers.
- TRX/USDT — another workable instrument for scalping.
Contest Mechanics: How I Plan to Participate
Let’s break down the conditions that personally caught my attention. The contest started on February 9th and runs until February 18th inclusive. The results will be announced on February 19th-20th.
An important point I verified in the rules: API trades are not counted. Only manual trading. This is great news for those who, like me, prefer to feel the market with their hands rather than leave everything to bots.
Two Ways to Win a Prize
The prize pool of $2000 is split into two equal parts of $1000, and this creates excellent success math.
For the hardcore traders (top by volume):
It’s fair here: the more you trade, the higher you rank.
- 1st place — $250;
- 2nd place — $200;
- 3rd-5th places — $100 each;
- 6th-10th places — $50 each.
For the lucky ones (raffle):
And here’s the most interesting part. The second $1000 will be raffled randomly among 100 participants (each getting $10). You just need to meet the minimum conditions.
My Participation Lifehack
I plan to combine both approaches. On one hand, I’ll be increasing volume on HYPE, where I see decent movement right now. On the other hand, even if I don’t make the top 10, I’m still in the lottery. It’s like insurance: either a breakthrough in volume, or luck.
Why I Chose EXMO Right Now
You know, over the years of working with different platforms, I’ve realized one thing: an exchange must be reliable and clear. Exmo.me has been operating since 2013, and this is a case where the platform’s age is a plus. No withdrawal issues, good liquidity on pairs.
And a special shout-out for margin trading. In a red market, the ability to open shorts is like having an umbrella in the rain. You don’t get soaked with everyone else; you just observe the elements while staying in profit.
Bear Market Safety Tips
Finally, let me share a couple of personal rules that are saving my deposit right now:
- Don’t average down a falling asset. Buying on a dip is good, but only if the trend has reversed. Catching falling knives is a fool’s errand.
- Use stop-losses. Strictly, no exceptions. Especially in shorts, where losses can theoretically be infinite.
- Take profit in parts. Captured 20-30% of the move — close half the position. Greed is punished by wipeouts.
My Predictions and Invitation
February 14th is a great date to find your Perfect Match. It doesn’t matter if it’s HYPE, which is showing character right now, or the stable LTC. The main thing is to participate and do it with a cool head.
The market is never perfect. It just moves. Our job is to interpret that movement correctly and use every tool the exchange provides.
I’ve already registered and chosen my pair. The only question is, will you join, and which asset will you go to victory with? See you in the order book/
