The crypto market is bracing for a wave of volatility this week as over USD 312 million worth of tokens are scheduled to be unlocked from major blockchain projects including ENA, MEME, and MOVE. Such large-scale token unlocks often trigger concerns among investors and traders, as they inject new supply into circulation — a factor that can intensify short-term price pressure.
In simple terms, token unlocks occur when previously locked or vested tokens—often reserved for teams, early investors, or community incentives—become available for trading. While this process is a natural part of tokenomics and project development, it can also lead to temporary sell-offs as holders look to realize profits or rebalance portfolios.
Among the biggest scheduled unlocks, ENA leads with tens of millions of dollars worth of tokens set to hit the market, followed by MEME and MOVE, both of which have seen significant community engagement and speculative trading activity in recent months. Analysts caution that these unlocks may cause short-term downward pressure on prices, especially if broader market sentiment remains fragile.
However, not all token unlocks lead to declines. In some cases, the market anticipates these events, and much of the potential selling pressure is already priced in. Additionally, projects with strong fundamentals, active ecosystems, and transparent communication around their vesting schedules often see minimal long-term impact.
Still, this week’s combined unlock volume surpassing USD 300 million is one of the largest in recent months, highlighting a recurring challenge for investors navigating the token economy: balancing long-term conviction with short-term risk.
As the market continues to mature, token unlock schedules are expected to play an even greater role in shaping liquidity, price dynamics, and investor sentiment. With this latest round of unlocks approaching, traders are watching closely to see whether the market will absorb the new supply smoothly—or if a new wave of volatility is just beginning.
