Key Takeaways
- CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju has warned that altcoins need fresh capital to reach new all-time highs.
- The famed crypto analyst said altcoins need to focus on developing independent strategies and stop relying on Bitcoin’s momentum.
- Ju said he remains bullish on altcoins.
CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju has claimed that altcoins will have a tough time reaching new all-time highs without an influx of new capital that is different from what is flowing into Bitcoin.
Ju believes altcoins need to move away from relying on Bitcoin’s momentum and develop new “independent strategies” if they want to thrive.
Altcoin Season Delayed
On Nov. 27, Ju wrote on X that the nature of capital flowing into Bitcoin has shifted this cycle, with it currently driven by demand from institutional investors and spot ETFs.
This, Ju explains, is why Altcoin season has been delayed.
“Unlike crypto exchange users, institutional investors and ETF buyers have no intention of rotating their assets from Bitcoin to altcoins.”
“Moreover, as they operate outside of crypto exchanges, asset rotation becomes inherently less feasible.”
Although some institutional investors might buy major altcoins via ETFs, Ju said that minor altcoins still rely on crypto exchange users to buy them.
This difference in capital is what is preventing the usual breakout of altcoins, according to Ju.
Altcoins Need Fresh Capital
For altcoins to reach a new all-time high market capitalization, Ju believes “a significant influx of fresh capital to crypto exchanges” is needed.
But as of right now, the altcoin market cap is sitting below its previous best, highlighting the lack of new users.
Ju notes that if Bitcoin continues to grow strong, there could be an influx of exchange users as retail investors worry they’re missing out.
“However, Bitcoin’s future growth is expected to come from ETFs, institutions, and maybe govts, rather than retail traders on crypto exchanges.”
“Altcoins should focus on developing independent strategies to attract new capital rather than relying on Bitcoin’s momentum,” he added.
The total cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at $3.25 trillion with Bitcoin accounting for $1.86 trillion.
Kurt Robson is a London-based reporter at CCN, specialising in the fast-moving worlds of crypto and emerging technology. He began his career covering local news in Cornwall after graduating from Falmouth University with First Class Honours in Journalism. There, he cut his teeth on everything from council meetings to missing swans.
He quickly rose through the ranks to become a frontline journalist at several of the UK’s leading national newspapers. Over the years, he has interviewed musicians and celebrities, reported from courtrooms and crime scenes, and secured multiple front-page exclusives.
Following the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kurt shifted his focus to technology journalism—just ahead of the AI boom. With a natural curiosity and a trained eye for emerging trends, he has found a new rhythm in reporting on innovation.
At CCN, Kurt's work focuses on the cutting edge of crypto, blockchain, AI, and the evolving digital world. Drawing on his background in people-first reporting and his deep interest in disruptive tech, Kurt delivers stories that are insightful, entertaining, and human-centric.
