The crypto landscape has transformed dramatically since Bitcoin (BTC) first appeared in 2009. What was once a niche concept is now a complex ecosystem of thousands of digital assets, each with its own unique characteristics.
As a trader, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. This article simplifies the key aspects of crypto, from the basics of Bitcoin and ETH to the exciting (and sometimes confusing) world of meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
We’ll also discuss how recent macroeconomic developments and potential regulatory changes (post-Trump election) could shape the market-and how Alpha Impact can help you navigate these changes.
1. Bitcoin (BTC): The Pioneer of Cryptocurrencies
Imagine a world without banks controlling your money. That was the vision of Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. Launched in 2009, Bitcoin pioneered the world’s first decentralised, peer-to-peer monetary system, cutting out the middleman and sparking a financial revolution forever.
A major turning point came in early 2024 with the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the stock market. This landmark event ignited the market, sending Bitcoin’s price soaring and boosting the confidence of millions of investors worldwide. The performance of these ETFs was nothing short of historic, with BlackRock’s IBIT ETF surging to over $37 billion in assets in less than a year.
Bitcoin’s scarcity (only 21 million coins will ever exist) makes it an attractive asset for long-term holders and traders alike. Its decentralised design and secure Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism have propelled it to the top of the crypto market, culminating in a historic $100,000 price point in late 2024 after the US election.
2. Ethereum (ETH): The Smart Contract Blockchain
When Vitalik Buterin launched Ethereum in 2015, he introduced a novel concept: smart contracts. These self-executing digital agreements paved the way for decentralised applications (dApps) and unlocked a new era of possibilities in the crypto space.
2024 was a banner year for Ethereum, with its price surging past $3,000 amid positive market sentiment. In fact, the coin’s value increased 40% over the week following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election.
Ethereum has become the leading platform for building dApps and launching altcoins. It’s the engine behind the burgeoning DeFi sector, supporting popular projects like BNB (BNB), USD Coin (USDC), and Chainlink (LINK).
To improve its performance, Ethereum underwent a major upgrade in 2022, transitioning from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS). This shift has further solidified Ethereum’s position as a key player in NFTs and the future of DeFi.
3. Meme Coins: The Fun Side of Crypto
Meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and PEPE offer a unique entry point into the crypto world, often attracting newcomers with their lighthearted nature and strong online communities. These coins can offer early adopters the opportunity to participate in emerging trends and potentially benefit from rapid growth.
Dogecoin’s post-election surge, with a nearly 45% increase in one day and 145% in a week, exemplifies how meme coins can capitalise on timely events and generate significant momentum.
Dogecoin (DOGE): Born from a simple internet meme, DOGE became a household name thanks to its enthusiastic community and support from figures like Elon Musk. Beyond the memes, Dogecoin is a functional cryptocurrency that enables fast and inexpensive transactions.
Shiba Inu (SHIB): Often referred to as the “Dogecoin killer”, SHIB has also built up its own dedicated following. The Shiba Inu ecosystem includes various tokens like SHIB, Bone (BONE), and Leash (LEASH).
PEPE, BONK,…: These newer meme coins, inspired by various community and social media trends, have also become popular over time. While these can offer exciting short-term gains, their highly speculative nature means they also carry significant risk.
4. Low Liquidity Coins
Low liquidity coins, often associated with emerging projects, can offer early adopters the chance to participate in potentially high-growth ventures. These coins, typically characterised by smaller market caps and lower trading volumes, can present unique investment opportunities.
FOLO, the token powering the FOLO Alpha Impact ecosystem, offers a unique approach in this space. With FOLO, you can:
Follow the Pros: Subscribe to leading traders and receive instant alerts on their trades.
Get Noticed: Boost your social posts to reach a wider audience within the Alpha Impact community.
Share Your Knowledge, Get Rewarded: Earn FOLO for contributing valuable insights and trading strategies.
By providing tangible utility and fostering a vibrant community, FOLO enhances the Alpha Impact platform and creates a more engaging experience for users.
Where to Trade Cryptocurrencies for Higher Profits?
Cryptocurrency trading platforms, like dedicated websites or apps, allow you to buy, sell, and trade these digital assets. There are two main types: centralised exchanges (CEXs) and decentralised exchanges (DEXs). Each offers its own set of features and benefits.
But yet, this can be extremely complex to navigate, especially for beginners. But what if you could learn from the best? Copy trading allows you to replicate the strategies of experienced traders, simplifying your entry into the crypto market.
This is where Alpha Impact comes in. We aim to make crypto trading easier for everyone by equipping new investors with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Here’s what sets us apart:
Copy Top Traders, Across Exchanges: Diversify your trading strategies by copying from successful traders on both Binance and KuCoin, all from one place.
Unlock Expert Insights: Learn in-depth market analysis and see how top traders manage their portfolios.
Control Your Risk with Smart Tools: Understand complex jargon with clear visualisation charts and set advanced stop-loss orders to protect your portfolio.
Originally published at https://alphaimpact.fi on January 3, 2025.