Actually, I think it's the other markets that are more manipulated. However, I heard that there are groups that do pump-and-dump for cryptocurrencies. That's also manipulation! What's the difference? The difference is, for the other markets there are laws prohibiting that. However the laws apply only to the small guys, but not the big guys! For cryptocurrencies, there are no laws (yet). It's the Wild Wild West. Pick your poison!