That’s a really sharp question—and one that gets asked a lot when a coin set for #delisting suddenly pumps hard.
Why $AST Pump so hard even it's going to Delisted on 28 March 2025
Here’s what might be going on:
1. Liquidity Hunt or Exit Pump
Yes, in many cases this could be a classic liquidity grab. When news of delisting hits, whales or insiders might pump the price to attract unsuspecting traders looking for quick gains. This surge creates volume and liquidity—just enough for larger holders or project insiders to exit their positions at better prices before the token gets removed.
2. FOMO Before Final Curtain
Retail traders often jump into such coins after seeing a sudden spike, thinking they’ll catch one last big run. But since the coin has a deadline (delisting date), this excitement is short-lived. Smart money uses this hype to offload bags, while late entries often get stuck.
3. Low Liquidity Manipulation
Delisted or soon-to-be-delisted coins tend to have low liquidity. That means it takes relatively little capital to move the price significantly. It’s easy for whales—or even the project team themselves—to create the illusion of strength or revival, but it’s usually not organic.
4. Market Maker Games
Sometimes exchanges or market makers will still provide enough depth to keep the pair tradeable until delisting. During this window, price swings can be volatile and intentional—to create trading fees or trap traders looking for momentum plays.
5. Desperation from the Project Side
In rare cases, the pump could come from the project team or backers themselves, either to defend the price, stir up hope, or drive last-minute interest. This could be a PR move or a way to cash out before the lights go off.
Bottom line:
While not every pump on a delisting coin is shady, extreme caution is necessary. More often than not, it’s a trap—either to exit bags or manipulate traders with false hope. Always zoom out and remember: if the fundamentals or trust were strong, it wouldn’t be getting delisted in the first place.