October 2025 begins with a wave of token unlocks—over $900 million expected to hit the market, according to MEXC data. Among the leading ones to watch are SUI, ASTER, Ethena (ENA), io.net (IO), and Optimism (OP). These unlocks can shift sentiment, trigger volatility, and offer trading opportunities—but also risk excess selling pressure. Here’s what investors should know and how to navigate the terrain.
Top Unlocks & What They Mean
SUI (Sui Network) – Oct 1
Sui will unlock 44 million SUI tokens, about 1.23% of circulating supply, valued at ~$145–180 million. Portions of the unlock go to Series B investors, community reserves, and early contributors. This flowing supply may create short-term sell pressure, especially if market momentum is weak.
Tip: Watch whether large holders move tokens to exchanges. If not, the market may absorb the unlock more smoothly.
ASTER – Early October
ASTER is set to unlock 320 million tokens (~4% of its supply), making it one of the largest single unlocks. Given its scale, ASTER’s unlock could dominate sentiment and cause ripple effects across altcoin markets.
Tip: Avoid holding large exposure near the unlock. If volume surges and price underperforms, consider taking partial profits ahead of time.
Ethena (ENA)
Ethena will unlock 94.19 million ENA tokens, ~0.63% of its circulating supply. Though relatively modest, this unlock still contributes to the broader $900M+ unlock wave in October.
Tip: Monitor depth and liquidity. If price dips on unlock, re-entry may become a short-term opportunity.
io.net (IO)
IO will unlock 10.28 million tokens, valued at ~$5.61 million, accounting for ~1.28% of its total supply. Its smaller scale suggests less risk of major disruption—but still a trigger for volatility in thin markets.
Tip: Use tight risk controls. If price moves sharply, don’t try to catch every move. Trade with defined stop-loss levels.
Optimism (OP)
Optimism’s unlocks are part of ongoing vesting schedules. According to Tokenomist, OP uses a linear monthly unlock after initial lockups. The presence of OP on Bitget’s early-October unlock list further confirms attention around the project.
Tip: Because these unlocks are more predictable and incremental, sell pressure may be more muted than cliff unlocks. Use them to scale trade entries on dips.
General Strategies & Tips for Trading Unlocks
Front-Run with Caution
Some traders try to anticipate sell pressure and short just before unlocks. But missing the timing means catching falling knives. Only attempt this if you have clear signals (e.g., exchange inflows, whale moves).
Scale Out / Layered Exits
Instead of exiting fully at the first sign of weakness, exit in tranches. Protect gains while allowing upside exposure.
Watch On-Chain & Exchange Flows
Tools like Tokenomist, CoinGecko’s unlock calendar, and exchange inflow charts help you see where tokens are moving.
Position Size & Stop Management
Because unlock volatility is often unpredictable, use conservative sizing and stop-loss orders. Never risk more than you can stomach losing in volatile swings.
Mind the Market Context
Unlocks are catalysts—but not guarantees. If broader sentiment is weak (macro turmoil, crypto downtrend), unlocks may amplify downside rather than cause meaningful gains.
Final Thought
October’s token unlocks—anchored by SUI and ASTER—may introduce a strong wave of volatility into crypto markets. But unlocks also present actionable strategies: watching flows, scaling exits, layering entries, and aligning trades with broader sentiment. For investors who anticipate these events properly, they can become opportunities—not traps.
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