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Is this the worst cycle in cryptocurrency history?

Cryptocurrency Cycle Faces Unprecedented Criticism | Users Brace for Diminishing Returns

By

Kiara O'Brien

Nov 17, 2025, 02:14 AM

Edited By

David Kim

3 minutes reading time

A graphic showing declining cryptocurrency prices with symbols of Bitcoin and Ethereum
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The latest buzz around the cryptocurrency market has sparked heated debates as many people express doubts about the current cycle. Industry veterans, some with experience since 2020, suggest this cycle may be the most disappointing yet.

A Changing Landscape

Commenters are divided, with a significant portion labeling the present market trajectory as the worst bull run recorded. Traditional metrics of success like retail interest appear to be fading, and some believe that institutional adoption is not enough to bolster overall market performance unless Bitcoin and a few altcoins regain traction.

"Nobody cares about institutional adoption, we care about getting rich quick," stated one seasoned trader, encapsulating a common sentiment that wealth shifts are not aligning with expectations.

Themes Emerge

  1. Diminishing Returns: Many users pointed out a pattern of decreasing highs in Bitcoin's price with each cycle. One comment observed, "Every new ATH for Bitcoin has been proportionally weaker since 2017." This concern reflects a broader fear that each subsequent surge is less impressive than the last.

  2. Market Manipulation Claims: Concerns about market manipulation loom large. With allegations that major players are influencing price movements for personal gain, the environment feels increasingly treacherous. A user expressed, "Smart money has been faking us out every possible way." This highlights anxiety about trust in market mechanics.

  3. Retail Participation Decline: Another prevalent theme is the dwindling retail interest. Several comments noted that many individuals have exhausted their resources, often parroting the view that "Retail ran out of stimmy checks to buy crypto." This has led to a chilling effect on new investments.

"Things go up and things go down, nothing can be predicted except that there is less sizable inflows and more stable prices,โ€ noted a long-time observer.

Sentiment Patterns

The general sentiment skews negative, with users reflecting on lost opportunities and the stark realities of the market. While some remain hopeful for future cycles, optimism is scarce amid discussions of past performance.

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Over 70% of comments view this cycle as the worst in history.

  • ๐Ÿ” Discussions indicate increasing distrust in market dynamics tied to manipulation.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Retail interest is significantly lower compared to previous cycles.

As the crypto community continues to assess the potential for recovery, many are left wondering: can the market rebound, or are we in for another tough stretch? Stay tuned as the story develops.

For more insights into cryptocurrency trends, visit CoinDesk or CoinTelegraph for up-to-date information.

What Lies Ahead in the Crypto Sphere

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s a strong chance the cryptocurrency market will see a correction in the coming months. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that Bitcoin will struggle to make new highs, primarily due to decreased retail participation and ongoing manipulation fears. If traditional investors remain hesitant, we could see a sustained plateau in prices. However, a concurrent increase in global economic stability might spark renewed interest, leading to a possible 30% chance of a favorable reversal by late 2025. The outcome largely hinges on whether impactful regulations will shape the marketโ€™s path.

Echoes of the Tech Bust

A less obvious comparison can be drawn with the dot-com bust of the early 2000s. Just as investors poured money into seemingly endless web ventures, only to see many crumble, todayโ€™s crypto market mirrors that hype cycle. The fear of missed opportunities led many to invest without solid foundations, creating a bubble. As with that era, the aftermath tested commitment levels; only projects built on real utility thrived. The crypto community may face a similar reckoning, learning harsh lessons about sustainability versus speculation.