CME will be a factor to watch in 2018.
CME supposedly will begin trading futures mid December. I see this as a catalyst short term however, it seems likely that we will be seeing more and more volatility and direction based on the view of who controls the big money. This could be a good or bad thing but it would not be a us thing (little guy). Little guys usually do not do well trading with the big boys (girls). We shall see.
Blockchain success likely would be bitcoins doom.
If bitcoin or any other crypto start making good strides with the mainstream and/or the blockchain technology continues to evolve and be seen in a more and more positive way I think we will see countries adopt their own coin and blockchain. If this is done competitively, even by one solid country I think bitcoin could be in trouble as the top dog and could easily end up being just a dog (worthless) if many countries adopt. Bitcoin is not insolated from governments as I have read over and over in the crypto world. That's a silly notion.
Bitcoin sleeps while others plot.
In addition, bitcoin already has enough success in its history to spawn what we are seeing with the crypto explosion in general. The clock has been running for awhile now. If bitcoin does not move forward at some point they will be left behind by improved technology.
Stay connected
Bitcoin may still turn out to be a great long term investment but its not a buy and forget investment. You need to keep one eye on what's going on in the crypto world at all times and keep a open mind no matter how much you love the idea of a no government involved coin. Otherwise you may wake up one day to discover you still believe and your believe is now worth zero (financially).