The world of cryptocurrency listings on centralized exchanges (CEXs) remains a high-stakes arena for traders and investors. A recent analysis by data platform 0xScope sheds light on the performance trends of new token listings across major exchanges in 2024, revealing key insights into listing strategies, market outcomes, and category-specific returns.
This comprehensive review explores how different platforms approach new listings, which asset classes deliver the best results, and what traders can learn from real-world data to improve their decision-making in volatile markets.
Exchange-Specific Listing Strategies and Outcomes
Different exchanges adopt distinct approaches when launching new tokens, leading to varied user experiences and return profiles.
Bybit stands out for its aggressive listing strategy, having launched over 300 new tokens in 2024 — the highest among all major CEXs. This high-volume approach reflects a "high risk, high reward" model. Traders on Bybit face extreme volatility: while some tokens deliver massive gains, many others result in significant losses. The platform’s focus on early access and speculative assets attracts momentum traders but demands strong risk management.
👉 Discover how top traders manage risk during high-volatility listing events.
In contrast, Upbit maintains a more conservative listing policy, particularly in its spot market. Despite the overall bearish trend in new listings, Upbit users achieved a positive return rate — or "win rate" — of approximately 35%. This suggests that Upbit’s vetting process may filter out lower-quality projects, offering slightly better odds for retail investors seeking safer entry points.
Similarly, OKX has demonstrated strength in its perpetual futures market, where newly listed tokens also achieved around a 35% win rate. While still indicating that most listings underperform, this figure positions OKX as one of the more favorable platforms for derivatives traders engaging with fresh launches.
Performance by Token Category: Where Do Returns Come From?
Not all token categories perform equally after listing. Market dynamics vary significantly based on project type, investor sentiment, and use case maturity.
Memecoins: High Volatility, High Reward Potential
Memecoins continue to dominate speculative trading volumes in 2024. According to 0xScope data:
- In the spot market, 44.74% of memecoins posted positive returns post-listing.
- Nearly 18.42% surged over 100% above their initial price.
In perpetual futures, performance was even more pronounced:
- 57.58% achieved gains
- 22.73% exceeded 100% appreciation
These figures highlight memecoins as the most dynamic — and dangerous — category for traders. Their community-driven nature and low barriers to entry fuel rapid price movements, making them ideal for short-term speculation but risky for long-term holds.
👉 Learn how to spot early momentum in trending memecoin launches.
Infrastructure Tokens: Struggling Post-Listing
Despite their foundational role in blockchain ecosystems, infrastructure tokens have underperformed dramatically:
- 96.15% declined in the spot market
- Over 33% dropped by more than 75%
- In perpetual markets, 92.39% ended lower than their listing price
This poor performance may reflect oversupply, extended development timelines, or misaligned tokenomics. Many infrastructure projects launch with ambitious roadmaps but fail to deliver immediate utility, leading to post-listing sell-offs by early investors and venture capital groups.
DeFi and General Application Tokens: Moderate Results
Tokens in the DeFi and general application categories showed middle-of-the-road performance:
- Only 22–26% achieved positive returns
- Between 73% and 78% traded below listing price
These numbers suggest that while innovation continues in decentralized finance and app-layer protocols, market adoption hasn't kept pace with the number of new launches. Traders should exercise caution and prioritize projects with proven traction, revenue generation, or strong ecosystem support.
TON Ecosystem Tokens: Early Signs of Weakness
The TON (The Open Network) ecosystem, though growing in popularity, shows concerning early data:
- 76.92% of TON-based tokens declined in spot markets
- A staggering 90.91% lost value in perpetual trading
Given the limited sample size, these results should be interpreted cautiously. However, they indicate that participation in niche ecosystems carries additional risks unless backed by strong user growth or developer activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does “win rate” mean in CEX listing analysis?
Win rate refers to the percentage of newly listed tokens that trade above their initial listing price within a given period. A 35% win rate means only about 1 in 3 listings generate immediate positive returns for buyers.
Why do so many new tokens drop after listing?
Multiple factors contribute: profit-taking by early investors, lack of immediate utility, weak market conditions, and speculative hype exhaustion. Infrastructure tokens are especially vulnerable due to long development cycles.
Are memecoins worth trading despite the risks?
Yes — for experienced traders with strict risk controls. Memecoins offer high volatility and short-term profit potential, especially in futures markets. However, they should represent only a small portion of a diversified portfolio.
Which exchange is safest for new token purchases?
Based on 2024 data, Upbit’s spot market and OKX’s perpetual market show relatively better win rates (~35%). Their listing standards appear to provide marginally better protection against immediate downside.
How can I improve my chances when buying new listings?
Conduct due diligence on team credibility, token distribution, liquidity provisions, and community engagement. Avoid FOMO-driven entries and set clear exit strategies before purchasing.
👉 Access real-time data on upcoming token listings and historical performance trends.
Is it better to trade new listings in spot or futures?
Futures markets often show higher win rates (e.g., memecoins at 57.58%) due to leverage and directional betting. However, they also carry higher risk of liquidation. Spot trading is safer but may miss explosive moves.
Key Takeaways for Traders and Investors
The 2024 CEX listing landscape reveals several critical truths:
- Most new tokens lose value — especially infrastructure and ecosystem-specific projects.
- Memecoins dominate upside potential, particularly in leveraged markets.
- Exchange choice matters: Bybit offers volume and opportunity; Upbit and OKX provide slightly better odds.
- Category selection is crucial: Speculative traders should focus on memecoins with strong social momentum; long-term investors should avoid early-stage infrastructure plays.
As the crypto market matures, data-driven decision-making becomes essential. Platforms that combine robust analytics with disciplined trading strategies will gain a clear edge.
Traders must balance opportunity with caution — recognizing that even on the best platforms, winning trades remain the minority. Success lies not in chasing every launch, but in identifying high-probability setups backed by data, timing, and risk awareness.
Core Keywords: CEX listing performance 2024, memecoin trading strategy, infrastructure token analysis, OKX perpetual futures, Upbit spot market, Bybit listing volume, token win rate statistics