2026-01-02 05:23:58

New Year’s Start: As soon as I open trading software, I am bombarded with all kinds of messages—sudden attack alerts, airdrop warnings flying everywhere. Honestly, most of the people rushing in today are probably going to become the "first batch of bagholders in the New Year."

I’ve been involved in the crypto space for nearly ten years, and I want to be straightforward with everyone—if you want to make money in this market by 2026, instead of constantly chasing airdrop opportunities, it’s better to first understand when the market will truly start to move.

Many people think the market is dull right now, with few opportunities. But in fact, this kind of phase is often the most interesting. Just look at some data: by the end of 2025, the total market capitalization of the entire crypto market has rebounded by 60% from the 2022 lows, but there’s still 55% room to reach the all-time high of 2021. What does this mean? It means the market is far from reaching its ceiling.

From a capital perspective, it’s also very interesting—recently, some large overseas asset management institutions have quietly increased their inflows. This signal couldn’t be more obvious. Institutions are positioning, while retail investors are still hesitating. Jumping in now is basically a recipe for being harvested.

So the key question is: when will be the real start signal? I’ve summarized a few points worth paying attention to.

First, keep an eye on the Federal Reserve. If there are consecutive rate cuts or if quantitative easing restarts, such changes in liquidity environments usually directly drive market movements. Historical experience shows that there is a very strong correlation between easing policies and crypto market rallies.

Second, watch the progress of specific projects. AI + blockchain, decentralized storage, and cross-border payments are three sectors worth focusing on. As long as leading projects in these areas achieve large-scale commercial application, they will trigger the next wave of market rallies.

Finally, don’t forget about institutional holdings changes. When large funds start increasing their positions in certain assets, retail investors are usually still on the sidelines. That’s the best window to get in. Missing this phase and waiting until the market rises again will cost much more.

So instead of obsessing over various airdrop messages every day, it’s better to focus on understanding these big directions. Market opportunities always favor those who are prepared.

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NotAFinancialAdvice

· 46m ago

Really, now it's all bagholders rushing in, I feel sorry for them. Wait, the Fed's rate cut really needs to be watched closely; it seems to be the key point. Institutions are quietly positioning while retail investors are still struggling with airdrops, the gap... As a veteran trader of ten years, I still listen to what they say; the logic really makes sense. That's right, now is not the time to chase the rally; we need to wait for signals. So the key is who acts first? Following the institutions' rhythm? But I'm still a bit worried about the AI track; could it just be another hype? Wake up, everyone, the airdrop dream should be over, it's time to look at the funding situation. This guy's ten years of experience really makes a difference; he's not like those who blow hot air every day. Can we just wait for a clear signal? I still feel like it's a bit early to enter now.

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WhaleShadow

· 2h ago

Listening to the words of a ten-year veteran is never a loss; indeed, those rushing in now are just cannon fodder. Institutions are eating the meat, and we need to learn how to read the market charts. Don't keep dreaming of getting rich from airdrops every day. Waiting until the Federal Reserve really loosens monetary policy will be the right time to get in. Now is not the right pace to enter.

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StakeOrRegret

· 12h ago

Ten years of experience as a seasoned investor, just listen and learn, but ultimately you need to explore on your own. Institutions are taking the profits, retail investors are enjoying the leftovers. I've heard this theory too many times. Let's wait until the Federal Reserve actually cuts interest rates. Talking about it now is just armchair strategizing. AI + blockchain? We were hearing the same hype this time last year. And look at the results... Instead of waiting for a signal to start, it's better to stock up on bullets. When the market comes, having no funds is the real pain.

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MagicBean

· 12h ago

Ten years of old leek's ramblings, it sounds somewhat reasonable but I still have to fall into the pit myself to believe --- Here comes another mental test for us newbies, stay calm, wait a bit before getting on the train --- When will the Federal Reserve cut interest rates? Feels like waiting for this signal until the flowers wither --- Heard too many times that institutions are quietly布局, who knows if they are truly genuine or just fooling retail investors --- I just want to ask, has anyone really made money by waiting for these big directional signals --- AI+Blockchain this track has been炒烂 for a long time, what can I catch up with now if I get in --- Sounds just like the truth, but my friend still lost everything by following it --- I respect this logic, but which specific projects are worth holding onto? Can you clarify and explain?

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ProbablyNothing

· 12h ago

Institutions are secretly accumulating positions while retail investors are still chasing airdrops, the gap is really damn big --- Ten years of experience, and that's right, 90% of those entering now are cannon fodder --- Wait, this logic seems a bit far-fetched. Does a Federal Reserve rate cut necessarily mean a rise? Will history repeat itself? --- I agree on AI + blockchain, but can decentralized storage really take off? I’ve been feeling there's no movement --- 55% upside sounds good, but the risks are not small either. It’s not a guaranteed profit --- Now is the time to bottom fish. Waiting two more months might be too late --- It sounds convincing, but honestly, no one can predict exactly when it will start --- Institutions are building, while retail investors are blindly buying, always a step behind. Laughable --- I’m optimistic about the cross-border payments track, but which project is the key? --- But I do feel that this year is definitely more hopeful than last year, at least not as anxious --- I've been burned a few times by airdrops, now whenever I see a warning, I just want to run

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TokenCreatorOP

· 13h ago

Right now, it's really a training ground for bagholders, with institutions quietly accumulating positions while retail investors are still chasing airdrops... Before the market truly kicks off, entering early just gets you cut, the difference is huge. Listening to ten years of retail experience can't hurt, but the key still depends on what the Federal Reserve does. Those AI tracks are indeed worth watching, but big projects coming to fruition are much more reliable than airdrops. The real signal will come when institutions start increasing their positions. What are we rushing for now?

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StopLossMaster

· 13h ago

Institutions are quietly laying out their plans, while retail investors are still rushing for airdrops. The gap is truly extraordinary. --- Well said, most people simply can't wait and have to watch the ups and downs every day. --- Listening to what the ten-year veteran says is still worthwhile; at least you won't be pressed to the ground and rubbed. --- The question is, how to determine which project will truly land? It's still hard to see through. --- You definitely need to keep an eye on the Fed's direction; this time, it might really be different. --- Both institutions and the track are involved, but in the end, it's still a gamble. I choose to lie flat. --- Missing out on a market cycle can really lead to losses for a long time. I only understand this after experiencing losses myself. --- I agree with keeping an eye on the Fed; the crypto market and loose policies are basically like a grasshopper on a string.

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just_here_for_vibes

· 13h ago

Haha, institutions are positioning while retail investors are still bottom-fishing—classic cycle. Looking at the data, it's quite painful, and there's still 55% room left. If the Federal Reserve really cuts interest rates, things will get serious. We must keep a close eye on the AI chain; real implementation is what matters. Instead of constantly chasing airdrops, it's better to think clearly about what you're doing. Where are retail investors when institutions are increasing their positions? Most are still hesitating. We need to wait for signals this time; no rushing in blindly.

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AirdropLicker

· 13h ago

Uh... Indeed, now it's a breeding ground for bagholders everywhere. While institutions are quietly deploying, retail investors are still scrambling for airdrops. This pace is really a bit desperate. But honestly, the real move is from the Federal Reserve. Once their policies loosen, it will take off immediately.

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