Crypto influencer Ansem places DOGE, XRP in mainstream category as bull market returns

As the market rally returns, crypto influencer Ansem split off four main categories of coins and tokens. DOGE and XRP have already taken on a mainstream role as easily accessible exposure to crypto. 

Crypto influencer Ansem recently called DOGE and XRP the most mainstream choice of crypto. He split crypto assets into four main categories, including Bitcoin (BTC). 

currently putting altcoins into four buckets

• what normie retail will buy [$XRP, $DOGE]
• right curve crypto native beta [$HYPE, $ENA]
• institutional bid [$BTC, $ETH, $SOL]
• onchain degeneracy

— Ansem 🐂🀄️ (@blknoiz06) January 16, 2025

The bird’ s-eye separation arrives at a time when an ever-growing number of narratives are fighting for attention. BTC is still in the lead, with prices near $100,000, categorized as the biggest institutional bid. 

Ansem’s posts also draw attention to US-based crypto activity, which has surpassed all other regions in the past year. The rise of the Solana ecosystem, mining dominance, and VC funding all hinged on the US market. The US became a leader in retail and institutional investment, boosted by an overall bullish sentiment tied to Donald Trump’s election. 

Ansem’s list raised questions on where most of the liquidity would flow, depending on investor age, personal preferences, and available payment channels. Some categories may be prohibitive, but others are both accessible and widely known due to social media hype.

Despite having exposure to almost all projects from the 2024 bull market, Ansem considers those a ‘degen’ high-risk bid, including the recently hot AI-inspired narratives. Exposure to crypto assets also depends on social media behaviors, which correlate with different token buying patterns. TikTok trends have moved new buyers into Solana meme tokens, while X carries the AI agent trend. 

Ansem continues to be a long-term Ethena (ENA) holder and supporter, disclosing his early investments in the project. His selection of HYPE and ENA hinges on their value reflecting overall market trends. 

In the new year, the altcoin market is still far away, and it remains uncertain which assets will continue to rally. The Altcoin season index is stuck in the middle of its range at 53 points, though some outliers are outperforming due to their specific profiles. 

HYPE will benefit from the expanding meme token market as the new derivative exchange keeps adding high-risk futures markets. ENA remains a riskier bet, as it depends on the performance of BTC and ETH. For now, the overall bullish trend remains a favorable scenario for ENA and USDE. 

DOGE, XRP rely on legacy holders

DOGE and XRP remain some of the most visible assets and have accumulated several waves of holders. DOGE remains relatively accessible and highly active in terms of mining and transactions. 

XRP continues to draw attention after finally breaking above the $3 range for the first time since its 2018 rally. XRP rallied after years of inaction, mostly tied to its regulatory status. After signs that the US SEC may finally dismiss its long-running lawsuit, XRP was finally free to test a new price range. XRP expanded to $3.33, while open interest reached an all-time high at $3.92B.

The long sideways trading of XRP made many holders capitulate, but the asset was positioned just right for breaking out in 2024. The asset has already been traded through several bull and bear markets and has built up its resilience and international representation. 

What did XRP have:
1. Proximity to power on both sides of the US political aisle
2. A differentiated bet on banks hearing the music stopping
3. Heavy international liquidity – huge Upbit volume
4. Cheap consensus mechanism with fast finality w no L2
5. Battle tested protocol https://t.co/3XWJCl6eqK

— goodalexander (@goodalexander) January 16, 2025

XRPL, the network carrying XRP, even tested its own brand of meme tokens, though at a much smaller scale.

DOGE established stability around $0.38, moving independently of the meme market. The minable coin is seen as liquid enough to become the basis for a spot ETF. Previously, DOGE owed its mainstream adoption to Revolut and Robinhood, which adopted the asset during the 2021 bull market. 

For now, DOGE is used for informal payments despite suggestions it may have a role in the X app, which is expanding its functions. 

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