Story Highlights Wall Street celebrates record highs while Bitcoin plunges sharply, exposing manipulation in global markets. Crypto trader Ash Crypto warns whales use fear tactics to shake retail investors before rallies. Expected rate cuts could inject liquidity, boosting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoin markets in Q4. As Wall Street cheers historic highs and the S&P 500 touches new records, it closed above 6,500 points for the first time. While stocks have soared, Bitcoin (BTC) plunged to $109,850 today after hitting $124,000 last month. Meanwhile, ETH, XRP, and other cryptocurrencies are struggling to recover. For many traders and market observers, this isn’t just another correction; it’s a familiar cycle some are calling “the cartel’s liquidation playbook.” Market Manipulation in Focus Crypto trader Ash Crypto warns that big exchanges and powerful trading groups may be triggering sharp price drops to “shake out” leveraged positions. This strategy forces both high and low-leverage traders to sell. This is to create fear and push retail investors out of the market, while whales quietly accumulate before the next big rally. He points to Ethereum’s past crash as an example. When ETH fell to $1,385, many thought the rally was over. Yet, just four months later, it surged about 3.5x to a new all-time high near $4,950. Now, the same pattern unfolds across the altcoin sector. Deep corrections spark headlines and social media panic, but savvy investors recognize this as part of the “accumulation phase.” Why Q4 Could Be Epic The macroeconomic backdrop adds fuel to the fire. With two to three rate cuts expected in the coming months, global liquidity is set to flood back into risk assets, including crypto. If that happens, he believes capital could flow back into crypto quickly, lifting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins. He repeats the same advice: “Don’t get shaken out.” Historically, the cryptocurrency market tends to turn bullish in Q4. According to Coinglass data, in 6 out of 10 years, Q4 has delivered positive returns, with an average gain of around 23%. One key reason for this trend is that when Q3 ends on a green note, Q4 often sees massive rallies. For example, during 2017, 2020, and 2021, Q4 delivered gains of nearly 3x following strong Q3 performances.