Altcoin Selloff Hits Five-Year High: $209B Net Outflows Over 13 Months

Altcoin spot markets are under sustained pressure, with cumulative net selling across non-Bitcoin and non-Ethereum tokens reaching a five-year extreme, CryptoQuant data shows. Key points - Cumulative buy-sell difference for altcoins: -$209 billion. - Net selling streak: 13 consecutive months on centralized exchanges. - Last roughly balanced month: January 2025. - Bitcoin is trading well below its October 2025 all-time high; altcoins have seen deeper structural outflows. - Institutional accumulation in altcoins remains limited; retail participation appears subdued. What the data shows CryptoQuant’s analysis finds that since January 2025—the last month when buy and sell pressure among altcoins were roughly even—altcoins have recorded about $209 billion in net spot sell pressure. That 13-month run of net selling marks one of the most persistent distribution phases seen in recent market cycles and represents the largest cumulative outflow in five years. Why it matters A cumulative negative $209 billion reading signals that supply has consistently outpaced demand in altcoin spot markets. That imbalance has been sharper than in Bitcoin, which, although off its October 2025 peak, has not faced the same level of structural selling. Observers point to waning retail participation and an earlier rotation of capital into major cryptocurrencies as key contributors. Institutional buying of altcoins remains limited, according to the data. What comes next CryptoQuant and market analysts caution that large negative cumulative flow figures are not a sure signal of a market bottom. Extended net selling can continue until liquidity conditions improve or fresh capital re-enters the market. Historical precedents suggest durable reversals typically require sustained net buying to replace the directional selling pressure. Bottom line Altcoin spot markets remain pressured and have yet to show convincing signs of demand recovery. Traders and investors should watch for sustained inflows or renewed institutional interest as potential indicators that the sell cycle may be reversing. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news