Markets
Pros and cons, types and future
What is an Altcoin?
Altcoins are generally defined as all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin (Bitcoin). However, some people consider altcoins to be all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) because most cryptocurrencies are forked from one of the two. Some altcoins use different consensus mechanisms to validate transactions, open new blocks, or attempt to distinguish themselves from Bitcoin and Ethereum by providing new or additional features or purposes.
Most altcoins are designed and released by developers with different visions or uses for their tokens or cryptocurrencies. Learn more about altcoins and what makes them different from Bitcoin.
Key points
- The term altcoin refers to all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin (and, for some people, Ethereum).
- There are tens of thousands of altcoins on the market.
- Altcoins come in different types based on the purpose they were designed for.
- The future of altcoins is impossible to predict, but if the blockchain they were designed for continues to be used and developed, altcoins will continue to exist.
Investopedia / Michela Buttignol
Understanding Altcoins
“Altcoin” is a combination of the two words “alternative” and “coin”. The term generally includes all cryptocurrencies and tokens that are not Bitcoin. Altcoins belong to the blockchains for which they were explicitly designed. Many are forks, or the creation of a blockchain from another chain, from Bitcoin and Ethereum. These forks generally have more than one reason for occurring. Most of the time, one group of developers disagrees with others and goes off to create their own coin.
Many altcoins are used within their respective blockchains to make something, such as ether, which is used in Ethereum to pay transaction fees. Some developers have created forks of Bitcoin and resurfaced as an attempt to compete with it as a payment method, like the fork that created Bitcoin Cash.
Others fork or are developed from scratch, attempting to create a blockchain and token that appeals to a specific industry or group, such as Ripple’s attempt to use the XRP Ledger and XRP to appeal to the banking industry with a faster payment system.
Dogemonetathe popular memetic currency, was apparently created as some kind of joke. It was forked from Litecoinwhich in turn was forked from Bitcoin in 2011. Whatever the intent behind its creation, it was still designed to be a digital payment method.
Altcoins attempt to improve on the perceived limitations of whatever cryptocurrency and blockchain they derive from or compete with. The first altcoin was Litecoin, forked from the Bitcoin blockchain in 2011. Litecoin uses a different proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism than Bitcoin, called Scrypt (pronounced ess-crypt), which requires less power and is faster than that of Bitcoin. SHA-256 PoW consensus mechanism.
Ether it is another altcoin. However, it has not separated from Bitcoin. It was designed by Vitalik Buterin, Dr. Gavin Wood and a few others to be used in Ethereum, the world’s largest blockchain-based virtual machine. Ether (ETH) is used to pay network participants for the transaction validation work performed by their machines. It is also used as collateral (called staking) for the privilege of becoming a block validator and proposer.
Types of Altcoins
Altcoins come in various flavors and categories. Here is a quick summary of some types of altcoins and what they are intended to be used for.
It is possible for an altcoin to fall into more than one category, such as TerraUSD, which was a stablecoin and a utility token.
Payment token
As the name suggests, payment tokens are designed to be used as currency, to exchange value between parties. Bitcoin is the first example of a payment token.
Stablecoins
The trading and use of cryptocurrencies have been marked by volatility since its launch. Stablecoins aim to reduce this overall volatility by pegging value to another asset. This is achieved by holding assets in reserve. Some of the assets held by stablecoin creators are fiat currencies, precious metals or investment goods. Price fluctuations for stablecoins are not expected to exceed a very narrow range.
Noteworthy stablecoins include Tether USDTMakerDAO’s DAI and the Currency in USD (USDC). In March 2021, payment processing giant Visa Inc. (V) announced that it will begin settling some transactions on its network in USDC on Ethereum blockchainwith the intention of introducing further settlement solutions.
Security token
Security token are tokens that represent fundraising efforts or ownership. They could also represent tokenized assets. Tokenization is the transfer of value from an asset to a token. Any asset can be tokenized, such as real estate or stocks. For this to work, the asset must be protected and held transparently. Otherwise the tokens would have no value because they would represent nothing. Security tokens are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission because they are designed to act as securities.
In 2021, Bitcoin wallet company Exodus successfully completed a Reg A+ token offering qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission, enabling the conversion of $75 million of common stock into tokens on the Algorand blockchain. This landmark event was the first digital asset stock to offer equity in a US-based issuer.
Utility tokens
Utility tokens are used to provide services within a network. For example, they could be used to purchase services, pay network fees or redeem rewards. Filecoin, used to purchase storage space on a network and protect information, is an example of a utility token.
Ether (ETH) is also a utility token. It is designed to be used in Ethereum Blockchain and virtual machine to pay transactions. The former stablecoin USTerra used utility tokens to attempt to maintain its peg to the dollar, which it lost on May 11, 2022, by minting and burning two utility tokens to create downward or upward pressure on its price.
Utility tokens can be purchased on exchanges and held, but they are meant to be used in the blockchain network to keep it functioning.
Meme coins
As the name suggests, meme coins are inspired by a joke or silly interpretation of other well-known cryptocurrencies. They typically gain popularity quickly, often advertised online by major influencers or investors attempting to capitalize on short-term gains.
Many are referring to the sharp surge in these types of altcoins in April and May 2021 as “meme coin season,” with hundreds of these cryptocurrencies posting huge percentage gains based on sheer speculation.
An initial coin offering (ICO) is the equivalent of a cryptocurrency offering initial public offering (IPO). A company looking to raise money to create a new coin, app, or service launches an ICO to raise money.
Governance tokens
Governance tokens allow holders certain rights within a blockchain, such as voting for changes to protocols or having a say in the decisions of a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). Since they are generally native to a private blockchain and used for blockchain purposes, they are utility tokens but have been accepted as a separate type due to their purpose.
Pros and cons of Altcoins
Against
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Lower popularity and lower market capitalization
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Less liquid than Bitcoin
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Difficult to determine use cases
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Many altcoins are scams or have lost the interest of developers and the community
The professionals explained
- Altcoins are “enhanced versions” of the cryptocurrency they are derived from because they aim to address perceived shortcomings.
- Altcoins with greater utility have a better chance of surviving because they have uses, like Ethereum’s ether.
- Investors can choose from a wide variety of altcoins that perform different functions in the cryptocurrency economy.
Cons explained
- Altcoins have a smaller investment market than Bitcoin. Since 2016, Bitcoin has generally remained above 40% of the global cryptocurrency market.
- The altcoin market is characterized by fewer investors and less activity, resulting in low liquidity.
- It is not always easy to distinguish between different altcoins and their use cases, making investment decisions even more complicated and confusing.
- Several “dead” altcoins have ended up sinking investor dollars.
The future of Altcoins
Discussions about the future of altcoins and cryptocurrencies have a precedent in the circumstances that led to the issuance of a federal dollar in the 19th century. Various forms of local currencies circulated in the United States. Each had unique features and was supported by a different tool.
Local banks also issued currency, sometimes backed by fictitious reserves. This diversity of currencies and financial instruments parallels the current situation in altcoin markets. There are thousands of altcoins available on the markets today, each claiming to serve a different purpose and market.
The current situation in the altcoin market indicates that it is unlikely to consolidate into a single cryptocurrency. However, it is likely that most of the thousands of altcoins listed in cryptocurrency markets will not survive. The altcoin market will likely coalesce around a few altcoins, those with strong utility, use cases, and a solid blockchain purpose, which will dominate the markets.
If you are looking to diversify into the cryptocurrency market, altcoins can be less expensive than Bitcoin. However, the cryptocurrency market, regardless of the type of coin, is young and volatile. Cryptocurrency is still finding its role in the global economy, so it is best to approach all cryptocurrencies with caution.
What is considered an Altcoin?
An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin (and, for some people, Ethereum).
What are the 5 best Altcoins?
By market capitalization, the top five altcoins are ETH, USDT, BNB, SOL, and USDC.
Which Altcoin Will Explode in 2024?
No one knows which altcoin will take off in 2024. There may be no change in the market, or a new one could be introduced that would attract a flurry of investors.
The bottom line
Altcoins are any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin (or Ethereum). There are thousands of altcoins on the market, so it’s hard to say which ones might be legitimate and which ones aren’t. It’s best to read all the documentation behind whatever cryptocurrency piques your interest.
If there is a purpose for the blockchain and token, it might be worth keeping an eye on, otherwise consider other coins or investments. If you’re unsure, talk to a financial advisor who is familiar with cryptocurrencies to help you decide if they’re right for your portfolio.
The comments, opinions and analyzes expressed on Investopedia are for informational purposes only. Read ours warranty and exclusion of liability for more information.
Markets
Bitcoin, Ethereum See Red as Markets Crash on Volatility
Bitcoin AND Etherealalong with the rest of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap, appear to be in hibernation on Thursday morning.
At the time of writing, the Bitcoin Price is still below $65,000 and 2.2% lower than it was this time yesterday, according to CoinGecko data. Things are worse for the Ethereum Pricewhich is 3.7% lower than 24 hours ago at $3,185.22. The drop in ETH’s price is identical to that of Lido Staked Ethereum (stETH), a liquid staking token for Ethereum.
In recent days, falling prices have led to the liquidation of derivative contracts worth $225 million, according to Coin glassAnd about half of that, about $100 million, was liquidated in the last 12 hours.
When a trader is liquidated, it means that their position in the market has been forcibly closed by an exchange or brokerage due to a margin call or insufficient collateral. Margin is especially important when it comes to leveraged positions, which allow traders to control a multiple of their deposit, such as opening a $10,000 position with only $1,000 in their account.
Now that Bitcoin has been in the red for three days in a row, there is a chance that the world’s oldest and largest cryptocurrency could sink even further, BRN analyst Valentin Fournier said in a note shared with Decrypt.
“Bitcoin has closed in the red for three days in a row, with one-way trading showing limited resistance from bulls. Ethereum had a slightly positive Monday with strong resistance from bears who have won the last two days,” he wrote. “This momentum could take BTC to the $62,500 resistance or even the $58,000 territories.”
Looking ahead, Fournier said BRN’s strategy will be to “reduce exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum and find a better entry point after the dip.”
This is despite Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments yesterday on interest rates being widely regarded as accommodating and indicative of FOMC rate cuts in September.
Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading firm QCP Capital said the rally in stocks, which sent the S&P 500 up 1.6% from Wednesday’s close, was not felt in cryptocurrency markets.
“Cryptocurrencies have seen a broad sell-off overnight and into this morning,” the firm wrote in a trading note. “The market remains poised as traders pay close attention to daily ETH ETF outflows and further supply pressure from Mt Gox and the US government.”
Meanwhile, the other top-ranking coins are showing mixed performance.
Solana (SOL) is down 7.2% since yesterday to $169.13. Things are even worse for its most popular meme coins. In the past 24 hours, the most popular meme coins Dogwifhat (WIF) are down 12% and BONK (BONK) is down 9%, according to CoinGecko data.
Their dog-themed competitor, Ethereum OG Dogecoin (DOGE), the only meme coin in Coingecko’s top 10, is down nearly 4% since yesterday and is currently trading at $0.1205.
XRP (XRP) dropped to $0.608, which is 7% lower than it was at this time yesterday.
Binance’s BNB Coin (BNB) has kept pace with BTC and is currently trading at $571, down 2.4% from yesterday. Toncoin (TON), the native token of The Open Network, is down just 0.4% over the past day.
This leaves the stablecoins USDC (USDC) and Tether (USDT), both of which are stable as they maintain their 1:1 ratio with the US dollar.
Markets
XRP Market Activity Drops During Ripple-SEC Talks: Price Steady
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will hold another closed-door meeting with Ripple on Thursday, as the market hopes for a possible resolution to the legal battle between the two entities.
However, the cryptocurrency market remains relatively bearish, with the price and trading volume of XRP down in the last 24 hours.
Ripple holders take no risk
At press time, XRP is trading at $0.60. The altcoin’s price has dropped 6% over the past 24 hours. During that time, trading volume was $27 million, down 27%.
The SEC met before with the digital payment company on July 25. While the outcome of that meeting remains unknown, the Sunshine Act Notice for Thursday’s meeting includes one additional topic of discussion from the July 25 closed meeting: the instituting and resolving injunctive relief. That has market participants speculating whether a settlement is imminent.
In an exclusive interview with BeinCrypto, Ryan Lee, Lead Analyst at Bitget Research, noted that:
“This meeting will discuss possible resolution options for the Ripple Lawsuit. The founder of Ripple Labs said that a legal settlement could be announced soon. If an official settlement plan is released, it could positively impact XRP’s price movement.”
However, an assessment of XRP’s price movements on a 4-hour chart shows a spike in bearish bias as the market awaits the outcome of this crucial meeting. Its Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) indicator readings show that its MACD line (blue) has crossed below its signal line (orange).
XRP 4 Hours Analysis. Source: Trading View
Traders use this indicator to gauge price trends, momentum, and potential buying and selling opportunities in the market. When an asset’s MACD is set this way, it is a bearish signal that suggests selling activity is outweighing buying momentum.
Additionally, the altcoin relative strength index (RSI), at 46.08, is currently below its neutral 50 line and in a downtrend. This indicator measures overbought and oversold market conditions for an asset.
To know more: How to Buy XRP and Everything You Need to Know
XRP 4 Hours Analysis. Source: Trading View
At 43.83 at the time of writing, XRP’s RSI suggests a growing preference among the market participants for tokin distribution.
XRP Price Prediction: Derivatives Traders Exit Market
The XRP derivatives market has also seen a decline in trading activity over the past 24 hours. According to Coinglass, derivatives trading volume has plummeted 18% and open interest has dropped 10% during that period.
Open interest refers to the total number of outstanding derivative contracts, such as options or futurethat have not yet been resolved. When it drops, traders close their positions without opening new ones. This is a bearish signal that reflects a lack of confidence in any potential positive price movement.
According to Lee, the outcome of the meeting with the SEC “would have a significant impact on the price movement of the token.” If the outcome is favorable, the price of the token could rise towards $0.75 in August.
To know more: Ripple (XRP) Price Prediction 2024/2025/2030
XRP 4 Hours Analysis. Source: Trading View
On the other hand, if no favorable resolutions are reached, the price could plummet to $0.50.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto strives to provide accurate and unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and conditions, Privacy PolicyAND Disclaimers They have been updated.
Markets
Bitcoin’s Dominance Hits Three-Year High, But Analysts Say Altcoins Are Ready to Rebound
Bitcoin is now the dominant force in the cryptocurrency market, surpassing 53% of the total cryptocurrency market, a stronger share than it has been in the past three years.
Bitcoin’s market cap now stands at $1.27 trillion, second according to CoinGecko data. In contrast, the total cryptocurrency market cap is $2.43 trillion, with Ethereum occupying 15.9% of the market, worth $389 billion.
Bitcoin’s rise to dominance this year is unusual, as altcoins typically do better than Bitcoin in a bull market. While meme coins made a strong comeback during Bitcoin’s rally to all-time highs earlier this year, the so-called “wealth effect” It has not been appreciated as much by mid-range coins, such as Ethereum and Cardano.
“ETF flows fundamentally alter market dynamics,” he wrote Meltem Demirors, former chief strategy officer at CoinShares, tweeted Wednesday: “BTC gains no longer translate to alts and the longer tail of crypto.”
Bitcoin’s takeover has continued even as the market cap of Tether (USDT) continues to grow, the world’s largest stablecoin and the third-largest cryptocurrency after BTC and ETH. Stablecoins are backed by fiat currencies and are excluded from some measures of Bitcoin dominance due to fundamentally different value models.
The surge continued to pace even after the launch of Ethereum spot ETFs last week, which ironically culminated in a news sell-off event, and net outflows from new investment products since they were launched. This went against the predictions of K33 Search so far, which predicted that ETFs would catalyze ETH’s growth over the next five months.
Despite the poorer performance of the alts, there is reason to believe that they are ready to bounce back very soon.
CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said Tuesday that whales are “preparing for the next altcoin rally,” as limit buy orders for assets other than BTC and ETH are on the rise.
The executive shared a chart showing how the “cumulative difference between purchase volume and sales volume” has increased in recent months.
“The indicator measures the difference between buy and sell orders over a year,” CryptoQuant told Decrypt. A buy/sell order is a pre-set request to buy or sell a cryptocurrency if it hits a certain price level, which creates resistance and support levels.
“If the trend is up, it means that more people are placing buy orders, showing strong interest in buying,” CryptoQuant said.
By Ryan-Ozawa.
Markets
XRP and SOL Retrace as BTC Price Drops to 2-Week Lows (Market Watch)
After Monday’s crash, in which BTC fell by several thousand dollars, the scenario has repeated itself once again in the last 12 hours, with the asset falling to a 2-week low of $63,300.
Alt coins followed suit, with most of the market in the red today. SOL and XRP lead the way from the higher cap alts.
BTC Drops To $63.3K
After a violent Thursday last week, when BTC crashed to $63,400, the asset went on the offensive over the weekend and surged above $69,000 on Saturday, as the community prepared for Donald Trump’s appearance at the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville.
His speech was followed by more volatility before the cryptocurrency settled around $67,500 on Sunday. Monday started off rather optimistically for the bulls as bitcoin hit a 7-week high of $70,000.
However, he failed to maintain his run and conquer that level decisively. On the contrary, he was rejected bad and dropped to $66,400 by the end of Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday were less eventful as BTC remained still around $66,500.
The last 12 hours or so have brought another crash. Bears have pushed the leading digital asset down hard, which has fallen to a 2-week low of $63,300 (on Bitstamp), leaving over $200 million in liquidations.
Despite the current rebound to $64,500, BTC’s market cap has fallen to $1.270 trillion, but its dominance over alts is recovering and has reached 52.6%.
Bitcoin/Price/Chart 01.08.2024. Source: TradingView
The Alts are back in red
Ripple’s native token has been at the forefront of the market challenge in recent days as pumped up to a multi-month high of over $0.66. However, its run was also interrupted and XPR fell by more than 6% in the last day to $0.6.
The other big loser among the larger-cap alternatives is SOL, which has lost 8% of its value and is now struggling to get below $170.
The rest of this altcoin cohort is also in the red, with ETH, DOGE, BNB, AVAX, ADA, SHIB, and LINK all seeing drops between 2 and 5%.
The total cryptocurrency market cap lost another $70 billion overnight, falling below $2.4 trillion today on CG.
Cryptocurrency Market Overview. Source: QuantifyCrypto SPECIAL OFFER (sponsored)
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