Renowned crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe believes the current stage of the crypto market mirrors late 2019, a time when patience and conviction rewarded those who held through uncertainty. In a pair of new updates, he urged traders not to lose faith in their altcoin positions, comparing today’s macro backdrop to one that preceded a massive bull cycle.
“It’s All About Game Theory”, The Altcoin Holding Dilemma
Van de Poppe described the market’s current psychology as a “game theory” scenario, where traders face a difficult choice between cutting losses or holding through volatility for potentially life-changing returns.
“Selling your altcoins might make you walk away with a big loss,” he wrote, “but holding them could give you a return that changes your entire life.”
He compared this period to the end of 2019, a phase of exhaustion and disbelief that marked the beginning of Bitcoin’s and altcoins’ parabolic run. According to him, many investors then were questioning their strategies, just as they are now.
“It’s going to work out well,” van de Poppe said, emphasizing that current movements are more influenced by macroeconomic cycles than crypto-specific events. As global monetary conditions begin to shift, he believes markets will start recognizing the “real valuations of altcoins.”
His advice was simple but resolute: “Keep stacking. Keep learning.”
RUNE and VULT Highlight the Next Wave of Altcoin Opportunities
In a follow-up post, van de Poppe spotlighted ThorChain (RUNE) and a new project called VULT, describing them as potential standouts in the next phase of the cycle.
He noted that RUNE, one of the best-performing assets during the 2021 bull run, is now trading near its cycle lows, offering strong risk-reward potential as liquidity shifts back into altcoins. “It’s at a cycle low, just like every altcoin,” he wrote, “but one of the core founders is building a safe solution for everyone, a wallet for the internet.”
The project, VULT, is designed as a multi-signature, security-focused wallet, built to address rising concerns over hacks, exploits, and custodial risks. Van de Poppe expects its upcoming token generation event (TGE) to attract attention, citing its “significantly low market cap” and emphasis on multi-sig technology.
Macro Shift Could Trigger the Altcoin Revival
Van de Poppe’s broader message is clear: despite short-term pain, the long-term outlook for altcoins remains intact. As macroeconomic conditions evolve, particularly with potential rate cuts and easing liquidity constraints, he expects markets to begin revaluing assets that have been heavily discounted.
For traders feeling the weight of consolidation, he suggests taking the long view. “The stress of crypto might make you want to walk away,” he wrote, “but this is the same phase where the biggest changes begin.”
If history rhymes, van de Poppe believes that the current altcoin cycle could be standing right where 2019 once did, quiet before the storm.
