As cryptocurrency markets continue to evolve, savvy traders are always on the lookout for signals that might indicate the peak of a bull run. According to Bobby Ong, a prominent figure in the crypto space, several telltale signs could suggest we're approaching the top of the current crypto bull market. In a recent tweet dated July 28, 2025, Ong highlighted anecdotal indicators that have appeared in previous cycles, urging investors to pay attention to retail frenzy and mainstream hype. These signals include everyday people like barbers inquiring about altcoins such as XRP or Cardano, Uber drivers promoting the next big 100x token, Coinbase surging to the top of app store rankings, and celebrities jumping into the space. For traders focused on Bitcoin BTC, Ethereum ETH, and other major assets, recognizing these patterns could be crucial for timing exits and managing risk in volatile markets.

Understanding Historical Bull Market Tops in Crypto

Diving deeper into these signals, it's essential to contextualize them with past market cycles to provide actionable trading insights. During the 2017 bull run, for instance, retail enthusiasm reached fever pitch as Bitcoin BTC prices skyrocketed past $20,000 by December of that year, according to historical data from major exchanges. Barbers and casual acquaintances suddenly became crypto experts, recommending investments in lesser-known altcoins like XRP, which saw its price surge over 36,000% that year before crashing. Similarly, in the 2021 cycle, Ethereum ETH and Cardano ADA attracted massive attention from non-experts, with trading volumes on platforms like Binance exploding as prices hit all-time highs—ETH reaching around $4,800 in November 2021. Ong's mention of Uber drivers pitching 100x altcoins echoes this era, where speculative fervor drove unsustainable pumps in tokens like Solana SOL and Dogecoin DOGE. Traders who monitored on-chain metrics, such as rising transaction volumes and wallet activations, could have spotted the overextension. Today, if these signs reemerge, it might signal overbought conditions, prompting strategies like scaling out of positions or setting stop-losses near key resistance levels, such as BTC's psychological barrier at $100,000 if the market approaches it.

Retail App Dominance and Celebrity Influence as Key Indicators

Another critical signal Ong points out is when apps like Coinbase climb to the #1 spot on app stores, a phenomenon observed in late 2020 and early 2021 when downloads surged amid Bitcoin BTC's rally to $64,000 in April 2021. This retail influx often correlates with peak market sentiment, as measured by tools like the Crypto Fear and Greed Index hitting extreme greed levels above 90. For trading opportunities, this could mean watching for divergences in technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) on ETH/USD pairs exceeding 70 on daily charts, indicating potential reversals. Celebrity endorsements, though Ong's tweet cuts off there, have historically amplified hype—think of figures promoting NFTs or tokens during the 2021 boom, leading to short-term spikes in trading volumes but followed by sharp corrections. In terms of cross-market correlations, these crypto peaks often align with broader stock market euphoria, where indices like the S&P 500 show similar overvaluation. Crypto traders might consider hedging with stablecoins or exploring inverse ETFs if stock market volatility spills over, especially amid institutional flows from firms like BlackRock entering Bitcoin BTC ETFs, which could exacerbate tops if retail piles in late.

From a trading perspective, these signals aren't foolproof but serve as sentiment gauges to complement concrete data. For example, monitoring 24-hour trading volumes on pairs like BTC/USDT or ETH/BTC can reveal if retail-driven spikes are unsustainable—volumes exceeding $100 billion daily often precede pullbacks, as seen in May 2021 when BTC dropped 50% from its high. On-chain metrics, such as increased transfers to exchanges signaling profit-taking, add another layer; tools from providers like Glassnode have shown this pattern in past tops. For altcoins like Cardano ADA or XRP, traders should watch support levels around $0.50 and $1.00 respectively, based on historical rebounds, and consider dollar-cost averaging out during hype phases. Broader implications include potential impacts on AI-related tokens, as bull market tops might cool enthusiasm for projects integrating AI with blockchain, like Fetch.ai FET, affecting their market caps. Ultimately, combining Ong's anecdotal signs with technical analysis empowers traders to navigate risks, potentially locking in gains before a downturn. In today's market, without real-time upheavals, maintaining vigilance on these indicators could position you ahead of the curve, especially as global adoption grows and crypto intersects with traditional finance.

To optimize trading strategies amid these signals, focus on risk management: diversify across assets like stable Bitcoin BTC holdings and volatile altcoins, set alerts for app store rankings, and track social media sentiment for celebrity involvements. Historical data shows that ignoring such tops led to significant drawdowns, with the 2018 crash wiping out 80% of market value from the 2017 peak. By staying informed and acting decisively, traders can capitalize on bull market endings, perhaps shifting to bear market plays like shorting overvalued tokens or accumulating during dips. This approach not only mitigates losses but also uncovers opportunities in correlated markets, such as tech stocks influenced by crypto sentiment.