Analysis on the plunge of cryptocurrencies
Year 2024 has barely passed a month, and the direction of cryptocurrency already shows its heading to the bear market.
Since Bitcoin soared to a new all-time high of $69,000 in November 2021, then plunged to below $40,000 by December the same year. Ethereum, the second-largest crypto by market cap, also reached a record high of $5,000 in October 2021, but then dropped to around $3,000 by the end of the year. What were the possible reasons for these price fluctuations, and what can we expect from the crypto market in 2024?
One of the main factors that influenced the crypto prices in 2023 was the anticipation of regulatory developments, especially in the US. Many investors were hopeful that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would approve a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in January 2024, which would allow greater access to Bitcoin through more traditional channels. However, the SEC repeatedly delayed its decision on several Bitcoin ETF applications, citing concerns about market manipulation and investor protection. The uncertainty and disappointment surrounding the ETF approval process weighed on the crypto market sentiment and caused volatility.
Another factor that affected the crypto prices in 2023 was the expectation of Bitcoin's "halving" event, which is expected to occur in April 2024. The halving is a process that reduces the block reward given to cryptocurrency miners by 50%, making it harder and more expensive to produce new Bitcoins. The halving is designed to limit the supply of Bitcoin and increase its scarcity and value over time. Historically, Bitcoin has rallied into halving events, as investors anticipate a lower inflation rate and higher demand for the token. However, some analysts argue that the halving is already priced in by the market, and that it may not have a significant impact on the price in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2024, there are several factors that could shape the future of the crypto market. One of them is the adoption and innovation of various crypto projects and platforms, especially in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) sectors. DeFi is a movement that aims to create alternative financial services that are open, transparent, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a crypto wallet. NFTs are unique digital assets that represent ownership of various forms of art, collectibles, gaming items, and more. Both DeFi and NFTs have seen explosive growth in 2023, attracting millions of users and billions of dollars in value. However, they also face challenges such as scalability, security, regulation, and competition.
Another factor that could influence the crypto market in 2024 is the emergence of new players and challengers in the space. For example, Kraken, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, has announced its plans to go public in 2024 through a direct listing on Nasdaq. This could boost the visibility and credibility of the crypto industry and attract more institutional and retail investors. On the other hand, OpenSea, the leading marketplace for NFTs, has hinted at launching its own governance token in 2024, which could reward its users and creators with a stake in its platform. This could increase the popularity and utility of NFTs and create new opportunities for innovation.
In short, the crypto market is likely to remain volatile and unpredictable in 2024, as it is influenced by various factors such as regulation, technology, adoption, innovation, and competition. However, it is also likely to offer many opportunities for investors who are willing to do their research, diversify their portfolio, and take calculated risks. As always, it is important to invest only what you can afford to lose and be prepared for any outcome.
