Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has shared his views on trader frustration over the absence of a major altcoin season in 2025. He believes that the market has entered a new phase where traditional finance institutions dominate movements in large-cap assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

“There’s been no real alt season. It’s been sort of a disappointing cycle,” Hougan explained. He added that many crypto-native traders expected a familiar four-year pattern to spark an altcoin rally by now. “TradFi is driving the bus here. They are the marginal buyers of large-cap crypto assets,” he said.

This growing influence reflects the shift from speculative trading toward institutional management. Traditional financial players are now allocating capital strategically, reducing the impact of retail-led volatility that characterized previous cycles.

Bitcoin Price Could Briefly Slip Before Rising Higher

Hougan noted that Bitcoin could momentarily drop below $100,000 before setting a new record. His comments align with Standard Chartered’s temporary dip projection is likely. He emphasized that any decline should be short-lived as long as long-term market confidence stays firm.

He expects institutional funds to adjust allocations before year-end, showing exposure to alternative assets such as Bitcoin and gold. This rebalancing could generate renewed demand, particularly as investors seek to secure gains before the annual reports close.

The continued participation of institutional investors supports a stable structure in the crypto market. Their involvement signals that digital assets are now part of mainstream portfolio diversification strategies.

Bitcoin Whales Move $40B, Market Holds Steady

Data shared by on-chain analyst Dark Frost shows that long-term Bitcoin holders moved over 383,000 BTC in October, approximately worth $40 billion. The daily total hit a maximum of 405,000 BTC on October 29, after which it gradually declined to 314,000 BTC.

The volumes are still lower compared to those seen in the past during the major corrections in the cycle. The movements indicate taking profits rather than mass liquidation. Long-term holders are still very active in carefully managing their positions and gradually increasing their overall exposure.

The selling activity of this magnitude has not greatly affected Bitcoin’s price, which remains within its range. The market has very effectively absorbed the selling pressure, indicating strong liquidity and steady demand. According to the analysts, the drop in holder movement is a sign of a cooling phase rather than a reversal.

The market is currently balanced. The traders are keeping a close eye on the behavior of long-term holders, as well as developments in policy, such as the Clarity Act and the looming US government shutdown, which could impact regulatory timeframes.

Also Read:  Can Bitcoin Mirror Gold's Record Run by Year-End?

What Lies Ahead 

The current crypto market indicates an increasing presence of institutions as TradFi directs funds to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The long-term holders moved BTC worth $40 billion. However, market liquidity can absorb the pressure, which is a sign of strong investor confidence and stability amid the ups and downs in key digital assets.