Tech • IA • Crypto
I asked experts which cryptocurrencies to buy now (they all chose the same ones)
7/10TL;DR
Crypto markets appear to be in a muted bear phase, with growing institutional influence reshaping cycles, narratives, and investment strategies.
KEY POINTS
Bear market debate amid institutional shift
Market participants increasingly question whether traditional bull and bear cycles still apply. While many describe current conditions as bearish, others argue constant institutional inflows maintain baseline liquidity. Volatility has declined compared to previous cycles, reflecting a transition toward a more mature, regulated asset class influenced by large-scale capital movements.
End of predictable crypto cycles
The historical four-year cycle tied to Bitcoin halving is losing relevance. Several experts point to shorter, less explosive cycles driven by institutional behavior rather than retail speculation. Massive inflows and outflows—often in the billions—are dampening the extreme price swings that once defined the market.
Clear signs of market slowdown
Indicators of a downturn extend beyond price action. Declining social media engagement, reduced blockchain activity, and lower derivatives open interest signal waning retail participation. Project budgets are shrinking, hiring has slowed, and overall ecosystem momentum has weakened, reinforcing the perception of a bear market.
Shift toward fundamentals over speculation
A growing consensus emphasizes that blindly buying assets after steep declines is no longer viable. Tokens that have lost 90% can continue to fall. Increasingly, attention is shifting toward projects generating real revenue, such as Hyperliquid, Aave, or Tron, rather than speculative tokens with little activity or utility.
Institutional adoption reshaping the ecosystem
Institutions are entering crypto but often deploy their own products rather than using existing decentralized infrastructure. This dynamic creates a paradox: adoption is rising, yet many native tokens and protocols are not benefiting directly. The market is becoming more aligned with traditional finance models.
Key indicators to watch for recovery
Beyond price, analysts highlight several metrics: the Fear and Greed Index, Bitcoin dominance, and overall market sentiment. Increased activity in marketing, events, and ecosystem development, along with renewed retail interest, are also seen as early signs of a recovery phase.
Bitcoin remains the core asset
Despite evolving narratives, Bitcoin continues to dominate as the primary long-term holding. Suggested portfolio allocations often place Bitcoin at 40% to 60%, complemented by major assets like Ethereum, Solana, and BNB, reflecting a more conservative and diversified approach.
Diverging views on altcoins
Altcoins face significant pressure, often underperforming even when Bitcoin rises. Some investors advocate focusing only on top-tier assets, while others still identify opportunities in specific tokens such as Ondo, Quant, or XRP, particularly those tied to institutional use cases or infrastructure.
Solana gains momentum
Solana is frequently cited as a leading blockchain due to its speed and user experience. Reports indicate it accounts for a substantial share of transaction volume, yet its price performance has lagged. Many view it as undervalued relative to its adoption and technological positioning.
Emerging narratives: AI and DeFi evolution
While RWA (real-world assets) remains relevant, it is no longer the dominant narrative. Attention is shifting toward the convergence of AI agents and crypto, as well as a resurgence of decentralized finance. Projects that combine automation, usability, and real economic activity are expected to define the next phase.
Rise of decentralized trading platforms
Platforms like Hyperliquid are highlighted as leading examples of profitable DeFi applications. Their ability to generate revenue and deliver strong user experience positions them as key players, though regulatory scrutiny remains a potential risk.
Changing investment strategies
Dollar-cost averaging during downturns remains a common approach, but with increased caution. Investors are encouraged to learn from past mistakes, avoid hype-driven decisions, and prioritize credible information sources. Diversified “bundle” products—similar to crypto indices—are also gaining traction as a simplified way to gain exposure.
CONCLUSION
The crypto market is undergoing a structural transition toward maturity, where institutional influence, reduced volatility, and a focus on real utility are redefining how assets are evaluated and cycles unfold.