21:15, remember this time.

The ADP employment data is about to be released, and this time it might be more important than ever before.

Why? Because the nonfarm payroll and inflation data that were supposed to come out before the Fed meeting are all missing, and now the market is left with only this one card to play. With no other data for reference, everyone’s attention is focused on this number. Emotions will run high, and volatility will follow.

For the crypto market, get ready for turbulence.

Strong data? The market will reinforce the belief that “rate cuts are off the table,” putting pressure on risk assets. Weak data? It will spark concerns about economic recession, which could also weigh on coin prices. The direction is hard to predict, but the swings are unlikely to be gentle.

Here are a few practical tips:

First, don’t impulsively open positions within an hour before or after the data release. This period is prone to false breakouts, stop-loss hunts, and whipsaw moves. You’re not a professional high-frequency trader, so why risk it for a few seconds’ reaction time? Just watch.

Second, keep a close eye on three key indicators: US stocks, the US Dollar Index (DXY), and US Treasury yields. Once the data is out, their reactions will be transmitted to the crypto market within minutes—they serve as the basic weathervane.

Third, know your own rhythm. Short-term traders must set stop-losses in advance; don’t try to tough it out by watching the screen. For long-term holders, this short-term noise isn’t worth your distraction—just focus on the bigger cycle.

In an information vacuum, the market is like a drowning person grabbing onto any straw.

We don’t need to panic, nor do we need to be that straw. Maintain your pace, stay clear-headed. The biggest advantage retail investors have has never been speed, but patience, discipline, and timing.