Survey: 41% of Crypto Investors Bought the Dips on the October 10 Crash

When the crypto market crashed on October 10th, 2025, fear spread quickly – but panic didn’t.

Although prices plunged and portfolios suffered, most investors remained calm, with many viewing the drop as a buying opportunity. The crash hurt, but it didn’t shake confidence in crypto.

To understand how investors were affected and how they responded, CoinTab surveyed 3,010 American crypto investors.

Key Findings 

1. The October 10 crash turned nearly one-third of previously profitable crypto investors into those facing losses.
2. 41% of crypto investors bought the dip during the October 10 crash.
3. 21% of crypto investors lost between 80% and 100% of their portfolio value.

Methodology

We surveyed 3,010 American crypto investors on Prolific.
Two attention-check questions were included to ensure participants were fully engaged.
The survey is based on self-reported data and does not reflect our own opinions.
Data collection took place from October 11 – 12, 2025.

How the Market Crash Affected Crypto Investors

From profits to losses in just one night

The October 10 crash flipped the market overnight. Nearly 28% of previously profitable investors saw their gains wiped out, turning from profit to loss in just hours. It was a harsh reminder of how fast fortunes can change in the crypto world.

Widespread Losses

Almost everyone felt the blow, but not equally.

• 21% of investors lost between 80% and 100% of their portfolio value, resulting in full-scale wipeouts that hit over-leveraged traders the hardest.
• Meanwhile, 36% managed to limit their losses to under 20%, suggesting they were better positioned or held stronger assets.

Liquidations Took a Toll

Roughly 19% of investors got liquidated during the crash. Leverage – often seen as a shortcut to fast gains – turned into a trap for many. Margin calls and forced sales magnified the pain across exchanges, especially among short-term traders.

How Investors Reacted to the Market Crash

Despite the chaos, most investors didn’t panic.

Only 8% panic-sold, showing a more mature and disciplined investor base than in past crashes. This calm reaction marks a shift – crypto investors today are seasoned, data-driven, and emotionally stronger.

Staying or Leaving the Market

Just 7% said they plan to leave the market altogether, proving that the majority still believe in crypto’s long-term future. Even after heavy losses, the conviction remains strong – a sign that the “diamond hands” mindset still dominates the space.

The Dip Buyers Emerge

One of the most striking findings: 41% of investors bought the dips.
They saw opportunity where others saw fear.

• Experienced investors (3+ years in the market) led this charge, making up 64% of dip buyers. These are the veterans who’ve lived through multiple bear markets and know that rebounds often follow crashes.
• In contrast, new investors (under 6 months) were reluctant – only 2% of them bought the dips, showing that experience plays a key role in risk appetite.

Leverage Lessons Learned

Among those liquidated, 57% said they would stop using leverage moving forward. The message is clear: the crash served as a painful lesson on the dangers of over-trading borrowed money.

Regret Still Lingers

About 29% of investors admitted they regret not selling before the crash. It’s a natural human reaction – hindsight makes every top look obvious. Yet, these same investors may also realize that timing the market is nearly impossible, and surviving long-term requires patience, not perfection.

A Crash That Tested Belief – and Strengthened It

The October 10 crash was brutal, but it also revealed something deeper: crypto investors are evolving. Today’s holders are more resilient. They understand volatility is part of the game – not a reason to quit.

Even as prices plunged, nearly half chose to buy more, not flee. That confidence under pressure shows how much the crypto community has matured. This wasn’t just another correction – it was a stress test of conviction. And for many, it proved they’re here to stay.