Crypto Market Near-1.0 Correlation and 2025 TGE Data: 85% of Token Launches Below FDV, Median -71% — Trading Insights
According to @MikeSilagadze, crypto assets are moving with near-1.0 correlation and lack patient, fundamentals-driven capital, pressuring price discovery and diversification. Source: Mike Silagadze on X, Dec 22, 2025. Backing data from Ash shows that across 118 2025 token generation events, 84.7% now trade below their TGE FDV, the median FDV is down 71% and the median market cap is down 67%, with only 15% above TGE. Source: Ash (@ahboyash) Google Sheets dataset and X post, Dec 2025, link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PF7rDVcIzUdlJF5eMdP4RQLl5dGxwHAnY4WdeV2reNE and https://x.com/ahboyash/status/2002363360327704834. The dataset further indicates roughly four out of five launches are below opening valuation, evidencing systematic post-TGE drawdowns in 2025. Source: Ash (@ahboyash) dataset and X post, Dec 2025. For trading, a near-1.0 correlation regime implies limited diversification benefits and elevated beta risk across altcoins, aligning with Mike Silagadze’s assessment. Source: Mike Silagadze on X, Dec 22, 2025. Empirically, TGE-day entries underperformed in 2025 versus subsequent pricing, making entry timing and discount-to-FDV key execution variables. Source: Ash (@ahboyash) dataset and X post, Dec 2025.
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In the volatile world of cryptocurrency trading, recent insights from industry experts highlight a concerning trend in token launches for 2025. According to a detailed analysis shared by Mike Silagadze on Twitter, the entire crypto market exhibits near-perfect correlation, with almost no long-term patient capital or fundamentals-based investing driving decisions. This revelation comes amid data from Ash, who tracked 118 Token Generation Events (TGE) this year, revealing that a staggering 84.7% of these launches (100 out of 118) are trading below their initial TGE valuation. For traders navigating Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and emerging altcoins, this underscores the high-risk environment where median tokens have plummeted -71% in Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) and -67% in Market Cap (MC) from their launch prices. Only 15% of these tokens are showing gains against their TGE levels, painting a picture of a market bloodbath that demands cautious trading strategies.
Understanding the 2025 Token Launch Bloodbath
Diving deeper into the data, as compiled in a shared spreadsheet by Ash and referenced by Mike Silagadze on December 22, 2025, the statistics are alarming for anyone involved in crypto trading. With 84.7% of tokens underwater compared to their opening valuations, it's clear that TGEs are no longer the 'early' entry points they once were. Traders should note that this means roughly four out of five launches result in immediate losses for early investors. The median decline of -71% in FDV suggests severe dilution and selling pressure post-launch, often exacerbated by factors like overhyping, lack of liquidity, and correlated market movements. In a market where everything moves in lockstep—correlation at 1.0—external events impacting BTC or ETH can cascade into these new tokens, amplifying volatility. For instance, if BTC faces resistance at key levels like $100,000, it could drag down these underperforming tokens further, creating short-selling opportunities for savvy traders. This data emphasizes the need for rigorous due diligence, focusing on on-chain metrics such as trading volume, holder distribution, and token unlocks to avoid pitfalls in this correlated ecosystem.
Trading Implications and Market Sentiment
From a trading perspective, this bloodbath in 2025 token launches signals broader market sentiment issues, including a scarcity of patient capital. Fundamentals-based investing is rare, as short-term speculation dominates, leading to rapid pumps and dumps. Traders should monitor multiple pairs like ETH/USDT or BTC/USDT for correlations, where a dip in major cryptocurrencies often precedes altcoin sell-offs. Without real-time data at this moment, historical patterns show that when median tokens drop -67% in MC, it correlates with increased trading volumes in established coins as capital flees to safety. Institutional flows, which have been pivotal in stabilizing markets, appear hesitant in this environment, potentially leading to prolonged bearish phases. To capitalize, consider resistance levels; for example, if a new token fails to hold above its TGE price, it might signal a breakdown below support, offering entry points for bearish trades. Conversely, the 15% of green tokens could represent outliers with strong fundamentals, warranting long positions if backed by rising on-chain activity. Overall, this scenario highlights the importance of diversified portfolios and risk management in a highly correlated crypto landscape.
Looking ahead, the lack of long-term investing in crypto could perpetuate this cycle, affecting not just new launches but the entire market cap spectrum. Traders are advised to integrate tools like moving averages and RSI indicators to gauge overbought or oversold conditions in these tokens. For those eyeing cross-market opportunities, correlations with stock indices like the Nasdaq—often influenced by tech and AI sectors—could provide insights. If AI-driven tokens buck the trend, they might offer hedging strategies against the broader bloodbath. In summary, while the data from December 2025 paints a grim picture, it also opens doors for informed trading decisions, emphasizing patience and data-driven approaches over hype. By focusing on verifiable metrics and avoiding the pitfalls of correlated markets, traders can navigate this challenging terrain more effectively.
Furthermore, expanding on the implications, the high correlation means that macroeconomic factors, such as interest rate changes or regulatory news, impact all assets uniformly, reducing diversification benefits. For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, this calls for strategies like pairs trading, where one might short underperforming TGE tokens against longing BTC. The spreadsheet data, accessible via the shared link, provides a treasure trove for backtesting, showing timestamps of launches and subsequent price actions. In a market with zero patient capital, flash crashes become more common, urging traders to set tight stop-losses. Ultimately, this analysis serves as a wake-up call for the crypto community to shift towards sustainable investing models, potentially stabilizing future launches and fostering genuine growth.
Mike Silagadze
@MikeSilagadzeCEO @ether_fi, founder @TopHat