Altcoins are experiencing a challenging period, partly attributed to the rise of memecoins capturing a significant portion of crypto investments. According to James Check, lead analyst at Glassnode, these memecoins pose as a "silent killer" by diverting vital funds, hindering the altcoin season.
Memecoins: The Silent Obstruction of Altcoin Growth
"Rough Consensus" podcast, James Check emphasized the adverse impact of memecoins on altcoin performance. He notes that crypto enthusiasts are flocking to popular memecoins such as Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and PePe, diverting substantial capital away from altcoins.
"For each dollar invested in memecoins, around 50 to 60 cents could have been allocated to prominent altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, and XRP," Check stated. This redirection of funds creates a deficit for altcoins, slowing their advancement in the crypto market.
The Meteoric Ascent of Memecoins and Its Impact
Traditionally, memecoins gained popularity during the concluding stages of bullish cycles in the crypto market. However, in 2024, the rise of these crypto assets commenced much earlier, disrupting the growth trajectory of altcoins.
The exceptional success of PEPE, for instance, has led to remarkable gains for its traders. Notably, a crypto investor transformed $3,000 into $46 million. This scenario exemplifies the diversion of capital that could have propelled altcoins but is now directed toward these popular cryptocurrencies.
Expert Outlook and Future Prospects
Despite the current situation, some crypto experts anticipate an upswing for altcoins once the memecoin craze subsides. The prevailing low trading volumes and prices may indicate an opportunity for these cryptocurrencies to recover lost ground. According to these experts, altcoins could even surpass memecoins if capital begins to shift back in their favor.