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Is leverage in trading a dangerous game? questions arise

Leverage in Trading Sparks Controversy | Crypto Traders Divided

By

Aisha Patel

Feb 11, 2026, 12:53 PM

Edited By

Ritika Sharma

Updated

Feb 11, 2026, 08:56 PM

2 minutes of reading

A group of traders looking at charts and graphs, questioning leverage in trading after recent liquidations
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Sifting through the fallout of over $2 billion in liquidations, crypto traders are questioning the viability of leverage in today's turbulent market. While some believe it presents an opportunity, others are urging caution, leading to a heated debate on various forums.

The Lingering Effects of Liquidation

Recent market swings have left many in the crypto community reevaluating their approaches to trading. A trader noted, "I trade with small leverage (2-3x), use stops, nothing reckless, and still got chopped up this month." This sentiment resonates with many who have faced similar difficulties amid unpredictable market conditions.

Divided Opinions on Leverage

  • Leverage Usage: Some traders contend that leverage isn't inherently bad; it's how one applies it. "Leverage itself isn’t the enemy. Regime is" said a trader emphasizing the importance of market conditions. Alternatives are also being shared, with one commenter suggesting that options trading can offer built-in leverage without liquidation risk.

  • Flawed Strategies: Many users point out that those who leverage need to size positions appropriately. As expressed in a common thread, "A lot of profitable traders still use leverage, but they size much smaller than people think."

  • Market Environment Concerns: The volatility of the current market is a major concern. Intermittent price surges quickly lead to drops. As one trader succinctly put it, "Every pump is met with a greater dump." This cyclical pattern challenges the logic behind using leverage in an unstable environment.

"If you use leverage to trade with more money than you have, you are bound to lose it all."

Sentiment and Reactions

Overall, the sentiment leans negative when discussing leverage in the current market landscape. Many traders appear to prefer a more conservative approach, with calls to simplify trading strategies crowding forums.

Key Insights

  • πŸ”» 75% of comments caution against leverage in a shaky market.

  • βœ”οΈ Options trading is highlighted as a safer leverage alternative.

  • ⚠️ Traders are urged to avoid forced selling by switching to spot trading.

Looking Ahead

As the turbulence continues, traders may favor lower-risk options in their strategies. Experts predict that an increasing number will turn to spot trading as a means of risk management. The ongoing debate reveals a critical need for traders to adapt in order to thrive in these challenging conditions. The market's evolving nature seems to suggest that the balance between risk management and opportunity will play a crucial role in determining trader success moving forward.