In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency trading, a recent statement from prominent crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe has sparked important discussions about market terminology and its impact on trading strategies. Van de Poppe, known on Twitter as @CryptoMichNL, urged the community to stop blanket-labeling all non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies as altcoins. According to his tweet on November 8, 2025, the term 'altcoins' has become an outdated catch-all that no longer makes sense in today's diverse crypto landscape. He specifically defines altcoins as memecoins – those volatile, hype-driven tokens often lacking substantial utility or development. In contrast, he categorizes projects like Chainlink (LINK), Aave (AAVE), and Near Protocol (NEAR) as legitimate crypto companies issuing tokens with real-world applications and building efforts. This distinction is crucial for traders, as it highlights the need to differentiate between speculative memecoin plays and investments in fundamentally strong tokens, potentially influencing portfolio allocation and risk management in the current bull market cycle.

Rethinking Altcoin Classification for Smarter Crypto Trading

This reclassification proposed by van de Poppe comes at a time when the crypto market is experiencing heightened volatility, with Bitcoin (BTC) leading the charge and influencing the performance of various token categories. For traders, understanding that memecoins – true altcoins in his view – are prone to rapid pumps and dumps driven by social media trends can help in timing entries and exits more effectively. Take Dogecoin (DOGE) or Shiba Inu (SHIB) as examples; these have seen trading volumes spike during viral moments, but their long-term value often correlates loosely with broader market indicators like BTC dominance or on-chain activity. In contrast, tokens like LINK, which powers decentralized oracle networks for smart contracts, have shown resilience through market cycles. Recent data indicates LINK's trading volume on major exchanges has averaged over $500 million daily in the past week, with price movements closely tied to Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem developments. Traders eyeing LINK should watch support levels around $12.50, as a break below could signal short-term bearish pressure, while resistance at $15 might offer breakout opportunities if BTC maintains its upward trajectory above $70,000.

Trading Opportunities in Utility-Driven Tokens Like AAVE and NEAR

Building on van de Poppe's perspective, let's dive into trading insights for the tokens he highlighted as crypto companies rather than mere altcoins. Aave (AAVE), a leading decentralized lending protocol, has been a staple for yield-focused traders. Its token economics are supported by governance features and real borrowing/lending volumes, which have surpassed $10 billion in total value locked according to DeFi analytics platforms. In terms of price action, AAVE has exhibited a 15% increase over the last 30 days, trading around $150 as of recent sessions, with key moving averages like the 50-day EMA providing support at $135. For those trading AAVE/BTC pairs, monitoring Bitcoin's halving cycles is essential, as AAVE often amplifies ETH's gains during altseason phases. Similarly, Near Protocol (NEAR) stands out for its scalable blockchain infrastructure, attracting developers and institutional interest. NEAR's on-chain metrics, such as daily active users exceeding 1 million, underscore its growth potential. Price-wise, NEAR has hovered near $5.20, with 24-hour trading volumes around $300 million, showing positive correlation with AI and Web3 narratives. Traders could consider long positions if NEAR breaks above $6, targeting $8 based on historical resistance levels, while keeping an eye on macroeconomic factors like Federal Reserve rate decisions that influence overall crypto sentiment.

The broader implication of van de Poppe's call is a shift towards more nuanced market analysis, where traders prioritize projects with tangible utility over meme-driven hype. This mindset can lead to better risk-adjusted returns, especially as institutional flows into crypto continue to rise. For instance, recent reports from financial analysts note that funds are increasingly allocating to tokens like LINK and AAVE for their DeFi exposure, rather than chasing memecoin volatility. In stock market correlations, events like tech stock rallies (e.g., NVIDIA's AI-driven gains) often boost sentiment for AI-related cryptos like NEAR, creating cross-market trading opportunities. However, risks remain, such as regulatory scrutiny on DeFi platforms, which could trigger sell-offs. To optimize trading strategies, incorporate tools like RSI for overbought signals – currently, AAVE's RSI sits at 60, suggesting room for upside without immediate correction. Ultimately, by heeding van de Poppe's advice and focusing on building-oriented tokens, traders can navigate the crypto markets more effectively, blending fundamental analysis with technical indicators for informed decisions. This approach not only enhances SEO-friendly searches for 'best altcoins to trade' but also aligns with voice search queries like 'how to trade LINK and AAVE in 2025,' providing actionable insights amid ongoing market evolution.

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