Jupiter & Helium Expose Token Buyback “Meta” — Why It Never Works in Crypto

Core Insights - The conversation around token buybacks in the crypto space is becoming increasingly critical, as projects like Jupiter and Helium reassess their buyback strategies due to limited impact on token prices despite significant expenditures [1] Group 1: Helium's Buyback Strategy - Helium has halted HNT buybacks funded by Helium Mobile revenue, despite generating $3.4 million in October 2025, due to minimal market response [2] - The company previously shifted to daily automated buybacks in late 2025, aimed at reducing token supply through revenue from mobile subscriptions and network data usage, but has now paused these buybacks [3] Group 2: Jupiter's Buyback Challenges - Jupiter has spent over $70 million on JUP buybacks in 2025, funded by approximately half of its protocol fee revenue, but the token's price has dropped nearly 90% from its early-2024 high [4] - The circulating supply of JUP has significantly increased, with around 700 million tokens entering circulation by January 2025, leading to persistent inflation that outpaces the buybacks [5] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Critique - Critics argue that buybacks do not effectively support token prices when new supply consistently exceeds the amount being removed, turning buybacks into exit liquidity rather than capturing long-term value [5][6] - Buybacks are seen as ineffective without structural demand drivers, such as mandatory utility or reduced emissions, as traders may sell into predictable buying pressure [7]