Edited By
Alice Tran

A growing debate on various forums reveals that many in the cryptocurrency community deem this cycle as possibly the worst in history. An increasing number of voices express frustration over stagnant growth despite signs of institutional adoption and market challenges.
Comments from seasoned traders and newcomers alike point to pervasive disappointment. One participant slammed the current bull run, remarking, "Thereโs no denying it this has been, by far, the worst bullrun yet." With many citing a lack of retail interest and a plummet in secure price inflows, traders feel cornered in a detrimental environment.
Interestingly, another seasoned investor highlighted the shifting dynamics: "This cycle has been over-leveraged and in my opinion manipulation from top faces. Just go with it." Such remarks suggest a growing skepticism towards the motives of larger players in the market.
Not everyone shares a dismal outlook. Some argue that current market conditions represent a consolidation phase. A long-time investor remarked, "I think weโre still in for some big positive moves in the next year." This indicates a sliver of optimism, urging other investors to keep their eyes on the long-term potential rather than focusing solely on immediate returns.
Prominent Themes From the Discussion:
Manipulation and Over-Leverage: Many users expressed concern over market manipulation by significant players, suggesting it hampers growth.
Retail Interest Lacking: A noticeable disappearance of retail investors has sparked worries, with one comment pointing out that "Retail ran out of stimmy checks to buy crypto."
Institutional Adoption Disappointments: Despite institutional adoption being touted as a positive, many insist it's not translating into significant market growth, stating, "Nobody cares about institutional adopt; we care about getting rich quick."
"Smart money has been faking us out every possible way."
The mood reflected on the boards is certainly mixed but leans heavily towards skepticism and frustration. Many are looking towards potential shifts in 2026, yet confidence in current assets appears fragile at best.
๐ฉ Majority Deem This the Worst Bullrun: A considerable number of comments uphold the narrative that the current cycle is the worst seen historically.
๐ Retail Interest Declining: Comments showcase a significant drop in retail investor engagement, raising alarms about future cycles.
๐ Market Manipulation Concerns: High levels of perceived market manipulation by large holders are creating distrust among the trading community.
As the end of 2025 approaches, the distinct divide in sentiments raises a crucial question: Will the crypto market see significant improvement, or are we bracing for more disappointing cycles ahead? This ongoing discourse will certainly shape the conversations surrounding cryptocurrency as investors weigh their options.
There's a strong chance that as we move into 2026, the crypto market could see renewed interest driven by technological advancements, particularly in blockchain scalability and integration with traditional finance. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that retail investors will return, sparked by potential regulatory clarity and the introduction of user-friendly platforms. If mainstream financial institutions embrace cryptocurrencies more visibly, we could witness a shift toward stabilization and perhaps growth in prices. However, continued skepticism about manipulation by large players remains a key concern, potentially capping more dramatic advances in the immediate future.
Consider the dot-com bubble of the late '90s. Many investors poured money into tech companies, only to face significant losses when the market corrected itself around 2000. Yet, what followed was a period of consolidation that led to the rise of giants like Amazon and Google, which fundamentally changed and enriched the economy. The lessons of that era serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of innovation and investment; while the current crypto sentiment feels grim, the future often holds opportunities for those willing to endure the storms. Just like those early days of the internet, today's crypto climate may become the breeding ground for the next wave of breakthroughs that could lead to sustained growth in the years to come.