In early 2025, crypto trading platform Tothemoon conducted a global survey of retail crypto participants. The aim was to understand how traders are behaving in the current market. The survey included traders with varying levels of experience, backgrounds, and risk tolerance. It focused on trading habits, tools, and expectations for the future.

The results show that retail crypto trading is changing. Traders are blending traditional strategies with new tools like artificial intelligence (AI). Social influence is also growing. This report outlines the key findings.

AI Use Is Increasing

More than a third, 36.6% of respondents are already using AI tools to assist with trading. An additional 28% plan to adopt such tools soon. This marks a move toward automation in the retail segment. AI bots, assistants, and signal tools are becoming part of the standard toolkit.

Trading decisions are no longer driven mainly by news or charts. Memes at 28.1 percent and AI signals at 24.2 percent are nearly as influential as news at 28.5 percent. These factors have more impact than traditional technical analysis, which stands at 19.1 percent. Traders now gather information from multiple sources before making decisions.

Risk Appetite Is Growing

Retail traders are showing a higher tolerance for risk. While 42.1% classify themselves as medium-risk participants, 18.8% actively pursue high-risk strategies. These include trading in memecoins and other speculative assets. This trend suggests a shift in how financial risk is viewed among younger traders.

Crypto trading is now a part of daily digital life for many. About 34.3% of users check markets more than five times a day. Another 27.3% check in three to five times daily. Platforms that integrate trading into everyday routines are seeing higher engagement.

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Barriers Remain Human, Not Technical

The main barriers to retail adoption are personal: 31.2% cite insufficient funds, 28.9% fear financial loss, and 19.8% feel confused. Technical complexity is a minor issue. Improved user interfaces and support could address these challenges.

Looking ahead, users expect more integration between crypto and traditional finance. Popular trends include AI-managed funds, tokenized real-world assets, and new culturally-themed coins. This points to a more blended financial system.

Stablecoin Preferences Are Changing

USDT remains the most used stablecoin. However, interest is growing in alternatives. Algorithmic stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are drawing attention from a growing number of retail users.

55.4% of retail traders prefer to manage their own portfolios. Still, many use AI to help with tasks like portfolio monitoring and rebalancing. This reflects a shift toward self-directed investing with automated support.

Emotional Responses Are Maturing

Fewer traders panic during market crashes, with only 18% saying they would sell in a downturn. Meanwhile, 29.9% would hold, and 23.9% would buy more, reflecting growing confidence in the long-term potential of crypto assets.

The typical crypto trader in 2025 does not fit a single profile. Many combine trading strategies with cultural trends, social media cues, and automation tools. They move across platforms and asset types, adapting quickly to new opportunities.

Source: Finance Magnates