Understanding the 2025 Token Listing Performance
In the ever-evolving cryptocurrency market, 2025 proved to be a challenging year for newly listed tokens across major exchanges. According to recent data from CryptoRank, most newly listed tokens struggled to deliver positive returns, sparking debates over whether the traditional buy-and-hold investment strategy is still relevant in today’s crypto environment.
Key Insights from Major Exchanges
Breaking down the numbers, Binance emerged as a major player, listing 100 tokens in 2025. However, a staggering 93 of these tokens closed the year trading in the red, with a median return on investment (ROI) of just 0.22x. Similarly, Bybit listed 150 tokens, of which 127 recorded losses, leaving a median ROI of 0.23x. At MEXC, with an activity-leading 878 newly listed tokens, 747 saw declines, reporting a median ROI of 0.21x.
While other major centralized exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken reported slightly better outcomes, the overall trend remained bearish. Coinbase had a median ROI of 0.43x on 111 listings, and Kraken delivered a median ROI of 0.30x. The results indicated that the performance of these tokens was not tied solely to the listing venue but also to larger market factors.
The Role of Market Trends and Token Quality
The underwhelming performance of newly listed tokens can be attributed to market saturation. Data shows that more than 11 million new tokens entered the market in one year. Many of these were described as low-quality projects, diluting the overall market and weighing down token returns.
Interestingly, these trends were not confined to centralized exchanges alone. Decentralized platforms like Hyperliquid saw similar outcomes, reinforcing the idea that token quality and oversaturation are driving forces in reduced ROI.
Is Buy-and-Hold Still a Viable Strategy?
The disappointing returns in 2025 have cast doubt on the efficacy of traditional buy-and-hold strategies in the crypto space. Historically, passive investment approaches like dollar-cost averaging (DCA) were effective during the early phases of cryptocurrency adoption. However, analysts suggest that changes in market dynamics may have diminished their reliability.
Prominent crypto analyst Aporia noted, “Passive strategies require passive markets. Crypto isn’t that. Holding isn’t a strategy; it’s the absence of one.” On the other hand, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao offered a different perspective, emphasizing the importance of selecting high-quality projects for a successful long-term strategy. As he pointed out, not all cryptocurrencies are built to last, and indiscriminately buying all tokens is unlikely to yield favorable results.
Invest Smarter: The Shift to Active Strategies
With the increasing prevalence of funds, automated trading algorithms, and market volatility, many investors are now exploring active trading strategies. For those determined to remain invested in the crypto space, focusing on high-quality cryptocurrencies with significant growth potential might be the key.
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Conclusion
As the crypto market evolves, 2025 served as a learning curve for investors. The oversaturation of tokens and changing market structure challenged long-standing investment strategies, emphasizing the need for smarter, more selective approaches. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a crypto enthusiast exploring new opportunities, understanding market trends and focusing on quality over quantity will remain critical in navigating this dynamic landscape.
