Markets don’t move by chance—they’re moved by someone taking action. Every shift in price is driven by either those providing or taking liquidity. Here’s the explanation.
There are two types of participants. “Passive” ones provide liquidity using limit orders. They place their orders and wait. They don’t chase the price—they let it come to them. These traders help build structure in the market.
Then come the “aggressive” participants. They use market orders. They want in now. They don’t wait—they take whatever price is available. This is what moves the market. Every time they hit the book, price shifts.
Example:
$ETH price = $2200
Sell limit orders at $2200 = 800 ETH
Market buy order = 1,200 ETH
800 #ETH filled at $2200
Remaining 400 ETH filled at next ask = $2202
New printed price = $2202
Price moved because liquidity at $2200 was insufficient—not because of indicators or resistance. This is how aggressive orders shift price in real time.
When aggressive buyers dominate, they wipe out sell orders and price climbs. When aggressive sellers take control, they hit the bids, and price falls.
The entire market is a constant fight between these two forces. Passive traders build the wall. Aggressive traders break through it.
Knowing which side you’re on—and who’s winning—is what makes the difference between reacting blindly and trading with purpose.
