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Memecoin Madness: What Dave Portnoy, Hawk, Argentina Are Teaching Us

By Andrew Aziz  |  
Andrew's Newsletter  |  
Feb 18, 2025

Hello Traders,

I’m writing this newsletter during my long flight from Santiago, Chile, back to Canada. I successfully summited Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano in the world, standing at an impressive 6,893 meters (22,615 feet). It’s the second-highest peak in both South America and the Western Hemisphere, just behind Argentina’s Aconcagua.

The experience was absolutely unreal. The landscape felt like something from another planet—a blend of Mars and the Andes. Endless desert plains, towering mountains, and patches of snow surrounded me. The air was thin, every step was a challenge, but the views? They were worth every breathless moment.

If you ever get the chance, put this region on your bucket list. You won’t regret it.

Made it to the summit of Ojos del Salado! An unforgettable journey to the top of the world’s highest active volcano!

The markets have been wild lately! From Dave Portnoy’s bold memecoin moves to the SEC’s shifting stance on crypto, and now a political scandal in Argentina involving President Javier Milei and the $LIBRA memecoin. Let’s break down what’s happening and how it could impact your trading.

Dave Portnoy making moves, offering to sell $LIBRA. The memecoin madness continues!

Portnoy’s Memecoin Maneuver

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, and the theorist of “stocks only go up” back in 2020, has been making headlines with his foray into memecoin trading. He openly shared his strategy of purchasing obscure cryptocurrencies, promoting them, and then selling them at a profit. In one instance, he turned a $10,000 investment into $75,000 within hours. His transparency about his “pump and dump” approach raises questions about market ethics and the influence of social media on trading behaviors.

Haliey Welch, “Hawk Tuah Girl”, launched the $HAWK memecoin, which lost 90% of its value in just 20 minutes from its listing on the markets.

$HAWK Token Crash and the Hawk Tuah Girl

Another memecoin storm hit the market when Haliey Welch, known online as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” launched the $HAWK token. The coin skyrocketed to nearly $500 million market cap shortly after launch, only to crash over 90% within minutes, wiping out millions in value. Investors cried foul, accusing the creators of a pump-and-dump scheme. Welch’s team denied the accusations, blaming external factors. However, lawsuits are already emerging.

This incident highlights an ongoing debate among academics and market analysts: If memecoins are fundamentally social tokens designed purely for speculative fun, is there really anything “wrong” with pumping and dumping as long as everyone knows the game? Some argue that as long as people understand the speculative nature, it’s no different than gambling. Others believe it exploits naive investors who don’t fully grasp the risks.

Takeaway: Whether it’s $HAWK or Portnoy’s plays, memecoins thrive on volatility and social media. If you’re trading these, treat them as speculative social tokens, not investments.

The Kobeissi Letter explaining what happened with $LIBRA memecoin in an X thread.

$LIBRA Memecoin and Argentina’s Presidential Pump

As if things weren’t wild enough, Argentina President Javier Milei found himself at the center of a memecoin scandal. He promoted the $LIBRA token, causing its value to skyrocket, before it quickly crashed, erasing $4.4 billion in market cap. Allegations of a “rug pull” followed, with legal actions being taken against Milei. The fallout has shaken investor confidence and triggered calls for his impeachment.

Takeaway: The memecoin market is highly speculative and driven by social sentiment rather than fundamentals. Traders should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging in such volatile investments.

Key Takeaways for Traders:

  • Exercise Due Diligence: The allure of quick profits in the memecoin market can be tempting, but it’s essential to research and understand the underlying assets before investing.
  • Stay Informed on Regulatory Changes: The evolving regulatory landscape can significantly impact market dynamics. Keeping abreast of these changes can help in making informed trading decisions.
  • Beware of Influencer Endorsements: High-profile endorsements do not guarantee the legitimacy or stability of an investment. Always verify information through reliable sources.

How to Navigate the Current Market:

  • Short-Term Strategies: Capitalize on market volatility by identifying trends influenced by social media and news events. However, set strict entry and exit points to manage risks effectively.
  • Long-Term Investments: Focus on assets with strong fundamentals and regulatory compliance. Diversifying your portfolio can mitigate potential losses from high-risk investments.
  • Continuous Education: Engage with reputable financial news outlets, participate in educational webinars, and consider consulting financial advisors to enhance your understanding of market mechanics.

The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market and the profound impact of social and political influences. As traders, maintaining a balance between seizing opportunities and managing risks is paramount. Stay vigilant, informed, and always prioritize due diligence in your investment endeavors.

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Happy trading!,

Andrew