HodlX Guest Post Submit Your Post The cryptocurrency market is once again in the spotlight as we witness a new bull run unfold. However, the cycle is evolving this time with unique characteristics that distinguish it from previous market upswings. From the emergence of Bitcoin ETFs to the surge of Solana-based memecoins, this bull run reflects a shift in investor behavior, regulatory sentiment and capital flow dynamics. The bull run – A familiar pattern with new variables Historically, crypto bull runs follow a familiar cyclical pattern. The initial phase begins with Bitcoin (BTC) dominance, where liquidity accumulates in BTC , driving its price upward. Once Bitcoin reaches a peak or enters a consolidation phase, capital begins to flow into altcoins, triggering a secondary rally. Eventually, as market conditions shift, capital exits crypto assets, leading to a correction across the board. However, in my opinion, two key factors make this bull run fundamentally different. 1. Bitcoin ETFs and institutional adoption The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs has altered liquidity flows, creating an alternative investment channel that competes with traditional altcoin rotations. Instead of capital automatically cycling into altcoins, ETFs now offer institutional investors a regulated pathway to gain exposure to Bitcoin, which could impact the speed and intensity of altcoin season. 2. Macroeconomic and political influences The US presidential election has introduced an unexpected variable into the crypto equation. Donald Trump and his administration’s recent pro-crypto stance – coupled with discussions about integrating Bitcoin into the US Federal Reserve’s strategy – have created a surge in optimism. Regulatory clarity and political support could significantly impact institutional confidence and long-term adoption trends. From my point of view, at present, the market is still in the Bitcoin accumulation phase. Altcoin season has not yet begun, but key indicators suggest it is on the horizon. Historically, when BTC enters a consolidation phase, liquidity flows into altcoins, igniting rapid price increases. A three to five-percent BTC correction has historically triggered 30-50% declines in some altcoins, revealing the market’s continued sensitivity to Bitcoin’s price movements. The role of memecoins in the current bull run One of the most striking developments in this bull cycle is the meteoric rise of memecoins – particularly those on Solana. With the market capitalization of Solana-based memecoins surpassing $20 billion this January, their impact on the broader crypto ecosystem cannot be ignored. Memecoins play two crucial roles in the market. 1. Onboarding new market participants Memecoins serve as an entry point for new investors, particularly on low-fee chains like Solana ( SOL ), where transaction costs are minimal. Their accessibility and viral appeal make them an ideal starting point for retail investors looking to explore the crypto space. 2. Driving liquidity and market activity Memecoins generate significant trading volume, increasing overall liquidity in the market. Their speculative nature fuels demand across DeFi (decentralized finance) and exchange platforms, sustaining interest in the crypto ecosystem. Despite their popularity, memecoins remain one of the riskiest asset classes in the crypto space. Their value is driven entirely by hype, community engagement and speculative demand, rather than intrinsic utility. Their life cycle is short, often lasting less than a year, and price fluctuations can be extreme. In some cases, a 10 to 15-minute window can result in double-digit percentage swings, making them highly volatile investments. TRUMP and MELANIA – Political hype or viable assets The intersection of politics and crypto has given rise to politically themed memecoins such as TRUMP and MELANIA. While these tokens leverage branding and narrative momentum, they follow the same fundamental pattern as other memecoins – relying on community speculation and hype cycles rather than any inherent utility. What sets these tokens apart from other memecoins is their ability to leverage real-world figures for speculative momentum. However, this creates a double-edged sword for the crypto market . On one hand, these assets generate high engagement and trading volume, attracting new participants into the space. On the other, they contribute to an unpredictable and often misleading market environment, where many investors – especially newcomers – suffer losses due to hype-driven speculation rather than informed decision-making. A key concern is the concentration of token supply, which significantly impacts market dynamics. Let’s take TRUMP as an example. Circulating supply – 200 million TRUMP Maximum supply – 999.99 million TRUMP Private investor holdings – Only 20% of total supply Team-controlled supply – A staggering 80% This means that the majority of TRUMP’s supply is centrally controlled, giving its team significant influence over price movements and liquidity. Investors who fail to analyze token distribution often fall victim to supply manipulations, unexpected sell-offs and liquidity squeezes, further exacerbating volatility. While these politically driven tokens may serve as short-term speculative instruments, their long-term sustainability remains questionable. More importantly, their impact on the reputation of the crypto market is profound. When retail investors experience losses due to opaque tokenomics and market manipulation, it reinforces skepticism about the legitimacy of crypto as a whole. Ultimately, political memecoins are speculative assets with a high-risk, high-reward profile. Investors should approach them with extreme caution, armed with a clear understanding of token supply, team control and the broader market conditions driving their price movements. Looking ahead – The crypto market’s next phase As this bull run continues to unfold, several key developments will shape the market’s trajectory. Bitcoin ETF-driven liquidity movements – I nstitutional interest in ETFs slow down capital rotation into altcoins Regulatory and political shifts – H ow will the US elections influence sentiment and adoption? Memecoin sustainability – Will memecoins maintain market dominance or will the hype fade as investors seek assets with greater utility? While Bitcoin remains the foundation of this bull cycle, the eventual shift toward altcoins and speculative assets is inevitable. Investors should remain strategic, understanding both the risks and opportunities presented by emerging trends. Crypto remains a highly volatile and rapidly evolving ecosystem, where informed decision-making is key. Whether it’s BTC, altcoins or memecoins, the ability to adapt to market cycles will define success in this ever-changing landscape. Oleksander Miroshnychenko is the CTO at The One and an expert in high-load systems with strict response times. With over 25 years of experience in development and over six years in crypto, he has built a DEX, CEX and an EVM-based blockchain. Check Latest Headlines on HodlX Follow Us on Twitter Facebook Telegram Check out the Latest Industry Announcements Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post The Bull Run, Memecoins and the Future of Crypto appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
