The Vibe: The moves made by big, experienced players (whales, institutions, funds) who usually know more and move markets.
The Details: “Smart money” refers to large investors like hedge funds, venture capital, institutions, or super-knowledgeable whales who have deep research, inside info, or massive capital. Their buying/selling often signals the real direction — when smart money accumulates quietly (buying dips), it can mean a bottom or upcoming pump; when they dump, it often signals a top or crash. Retail traders (regular people) are sometimes called “dumb money” because they chase hype late. Tools like on-chain analysis, whale alerts, or ETF flows help track smart money behavior.
Pro Tip: Don’t blindly copy smart money — they can fake moves or manipulate. Use it as one signal alongside your own DYOR. Watch for accumulation during bears (smart money buys low) and distribution during peaks (they sell high). Combine with risk management — never go all-in just because “whales are buying.”