2025 Marks Largest Token Issuance Wave, but Returns Disappoint Investors

On January 29, reports indicated that 2025 is witnessing the largest wave of new token issuance in the history of the crypto market, yet investor returns have fallen far short of expectations. Multiple data sources show that the vast majority of newly listed tokens struggle to maintain positive performance within a year, raising serious doubts about the long-standing crypto investment strategy of “buy and hold.”
According to a summary by data analytics firm CryptoRank, most tokens launched across major platforms in 2025 have recorded price declines rather than gains. One leading platform listed 100 new tokens over the year, with 93 experiencing price drops, resulting in a median return of just 0.22x. Another comparable platform introduced 150 tokens, of which 127 declined, with a median return of 0.23x.
Meanwhile, a platform known for frequent listings launched nearly 900 tokens, yet the overwhelming majority also posted losses. Even among platforms regarded as relatively stable, more than half of newly issued tokens failed to avoid significant retracements.
The data suggests that token performance is being driven more by the broader market environment than by the reputation or selection standards of individual platforms. As liquidity becomes increasingly fragmented and competition for attention intensifies, investors are being forced to reassess traditional strategies and place greater emphasis on timing, market cycles, and risk management.
This trend underscores a shifting reality in the crypto market, where rapid token issuance no longer guarantees returns, and selective participation may be replacing passive long-term holding as the dominant investment approach.