2026-01-01 21:21:03

As seasoned players in the crypto market, I have to share a harsh reality: the market segmentation in 2025 far exceeds expectations, and the strategies that once worked repeatedly have completely failed.

The data is in front of us, there's nothing to hide. Bitcoin, driven by continuous institutional funding, once surged to a new high of $125,000. Ethereum has been oscillating around the $2800 mark, not to mention those altcoins—compared to their peak in 2021, they have generally fallen by 80%-95%.

The most painful part is that the old routine of "BTC moves first → ETH follows → Altcoins explode in turn" has completely broken down. That four-year cycle script? It’s time to change it. Many veteran players are still using outdated strategies, and the result is a harsh lesson from the market.

Let's first look at the changes in market cap share. Bitcoin's market share has soared from 50% at the beginning of 2024 to now 59%-60%, setting a recent record. Meanwhile, the total market cap of altcoins plummeted from a high of $1.77 trillion in October to $1.19 trillion, a direct drop of 32%.

The underlying reason is quite simple—structural fund lock-in. Over 95% of the hundreds of billions flowing into the market in 2025 are firmly locked in the Bitcoin ecosystem, with less than 5% flowing into Ethereum and other tokens through trading or DeFi channels. This is completely different from the previous scenario of capital overflow. In the past, institutional investors would allocate gradually, but now people's choices have long since changed.

BTC0.93%

ETH0.65%

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GateUser-ccc36bc5

· 3h ago

Oops, I thought altcoins could turn things around, but it turns out institutions are all in on BTC, and retail investors have been completely cut. --- 95% of the funds are locked in BTC? Then what are we still playing with altcoins for? The game rules have changed. --- The old tricks no longer work? I think it's the institutions changing their tactics; we need to learn from them. --- Funds are solidifying in BTC, other cryptocurrencies really have no chance. No wonder so many people are taking losses. --- Jumped from 50% to 60%, is BTC about to dominate? It feels like the ecosystem is about to be reshaped. --- The four-year cycle script has been completely shattered. My old strategy really should be thrown in the trash. --- Altcoins have fallen 80-95%, is this still investing? It's just pure gambling. --- Institutions are locking down BTC, where can retail investors buy the dip? There's simply no opportunity.

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CrossChainBreather

· 3h ago

Wake up everyone, the era of altcoins has truly ended. Now is the era of Bitcoin eating well. BTC eats the meat, Ethereum drinks the soup, and other coins don't even get to sip... This is 2025. The solidification of capital structure, to put it plainly, means institutions only recognize BTC, and we retail investors are still dreaming. That four-year cycle script has long been torn apart, and those still copying it are really brave. The days when "following the trend of altcoins" could make money are gone, my friends.

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RugResistant

· 3h ago

ngl, the liquidity lockup pattern here screams structural red flag... 95% trapped in btc? that's not allocation, that's capital imprisonment. analyzed thoroughly and the altcoin collapse metrics check out but ppl still chasing that old cascade narrative lmao

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RugDocDetective

· 3h ago

Oh no, it's the same old story. The old ways really are dead. Old money only plays BTC; alt season has truly become a fairy tale. Damn, 95% of the funds are stuck in Bitcoin? No wonder altcoins have fallen so hard. This wave of differentiation is really fierce; it feels like the market has become more cold-blooded. For those still dreaming of altcoins taking off one after another, it's time to wake up. The solidification of capital structure is actually just institutions changing their strategies; retail investors are the ones who suffer. The four-year cycle theory used to be a joke; it's time to face reality. Still naive and wanting to follow the trend and speculate on altcoins? By 2025, this tactic will no longer be popular. The dominance of BTC probably won't change in the short term.

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AirdropBuffet

· 3h ago

Damn, BTC is dominating so aggressively that altcoins have become mere accessories. 95% of the money is locked in Bitcoin, and we're those gambling on other coins are really dumbfounded.

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SandwichVictim

· 4h ago

Had I known earlier, I wouldn't have touched the fake coins. 95% of the money is being sucked away by BTC. The 5% of us players here really need to wake up.

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