Crypto markets are showing signs of stagnation as Wintermute highlights that liquidity is being recycled internally rather than attracting fresh inflows. Market growth slows as liquidity recycles within the system, leaving trading volumes healthy but price momentum limited. Stablecoins, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and digital asset treasuries (DATs) have all plateaued, marking a shift from expansion to a self-funded phase.
Liquidity Recycling Drives Temporary Stability
Stablecoins, ETFs, and DATs have reached inflow plateaus, according to Wintermute, indicating the crypto market’s current cycle relies on internal liquidity. Since 2024, assets in ETFs and DATs grew from $40 billion to $270 billion, and stablecoin issuance doubled to about $290 billion. Despite these increases, recent months show stagnation, resulting in a “player-versus-player” environment dominated by short-lived rallies and volatility from liquidation cascades.
Global liquidity remains supportive, but flows favor traditional assets as investors choose US Treasury bills over crypto due to high short-term rates and elevated SOFR. This diversion leaves the crypto ecosystem trading actively, yet lacking new capital, keeping overall market growth constrained.
Potential for Renewed Momentum
The next wave of liquidity could revive crypto momentum if any of the main channels—ETFs, stablecoin minting, or DAT issuance—see renewed activity. Wintermute emphasizes that liquidity hasn’t vanished; it is circulating internally until fresh inflows emerge. Meanwhile, larger institutional players continue quiet accumulation, purchasing Bitcoin through over-the-counter deals to avoid slippage, which does not immediately impact prices.
The report underscores that while blockchain adoption progresses, the market awaits a fresh capital injection to transition from recycled liquidity to sustainable growth. Until then, crypto prices may remain range-bound despite infrastructure advancements, reflecting a market that is active but not expanding in terms of new capital.