After a tumultuous run in the past three years, crypto investors are generally apprehensive about investing in Bitcoin and other crypto assets. The volatility of crypto assets is largely responsible for this sentiment, as investors have seen investments evaporate in price slumps they couldn’t see coming.
Once again, BTC is mounting a bull charge, and many other crypto assets are in its shadows. And as the market matures slowly, investors and traders are contemplating whether to get in on BTC now or hold out for other cryptocurrencies.
While that decision is ultimately theirs, this article makes it easier for them by highlighting Bitcoin’s volatility through its recent price movements, some valid BTC alternatives, and a general overview of expert takes.
Bitcoin’s Recent Price Movements
Between 2021 and 2023, Bitcoin’s price fluctuations have perfectly illustrated what volatility means in crypto. Actually, its entire price history reflects that, but this recent timeframe has really been pivotal in shaping Bitcoin’s future and its potential claim as a legitimate asset class.
Having started strongly by setting a new price record as early as January 7, 2021, Bitcoin went on to reach an all-time high price point of over $60,000. However, just a few months later, in July 2021, it also quickly crashed by 50% to $29,796. Shortly after, in September, we were witnessing a bull run, which saw its price surge north of $50,000 before closing the month a couple of thousands below that.
Although it later reached its all-time high that year, the decline succeeding that rise marked the beginning of the long “crypto winter.” Prices dropped to unprecedented lows, and the price closed for the year at just below $20,000.
The tides changed slightly in 2023, and prices rose above $30,000 towards the end of the year in October 2023. That momentum has intensified since 2024’s opening, and another bull run might be imminent.
Being a commodity, these price fluctuations have been largely influenced by supply and demand market forces. Investors and traders enter the market with the sole aim of making profits. So, they continuously make speculations that trigger different demand levels.
Other events also influence how people desirable market players consider Bitcoin. For instance, the collapse of FTX in late 2022, where many people lost their crypto funds. This event also affected Bitcoin’s desirability and demand and, consequently, its price.
Similarly, the recent approval of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC creates a sense of calm and security around Bitcoin investments. The coin’s prices clearly reflect this, as it is currently charging upwards of $60,000 as of March 2024.
These recent price movements clearly indicate that Bitcoin has serious potential for both profits and losses. As a result, investors and traders like you are caught in the dilemma of whether to invest in Bitcoin in 2024 or not.
Alternative Cryptocurrencies to Consider in 2024
While Bitcoin might be leading the bull charge, it’s not the only cryptocurrency in the market. Numerous expert research findings include both Bitcoin and Ethereum on an extensive list of crypto assets with serious profit potential in this upward trend, as well as a number of lesser-known coins.
So, if you find Bitcoin too volatile based on its recent price movements, here are some alternatives to consider in 2024.
1. Solana
After early scares of disappearance following Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction, Solana appears to be trailing Bitcoin’s price surge in 2024. Like many other coins during 2021’s bear market, it dropped to over 60% of its peak price.
However, many experts are speculating that it will experience major gains in 2024 due to general market forces and upcoming crypto events. For instance, the upcoming Bitcoin halving event will have a widespread effect on the crypto market. Solana’s price chart is shaping up to look like it might replicate Ethereum’s 2021 gains. So, it is a solid alternative to Bitcoin in 2024.
2. Green Bitcoin
This ERC-20 token has raised over $1 million across a three-staged presale process. It is a gamified version of Bitcoin that utilizes Ethereum’s Proof of Stake mechanism.
It is set to launch on Ethereum’s DEX alongside other centralized and decentralized platforms in the second quarter of 2024. Instead of trying to get in on the Bitcoin action now when the price seems to be peaking, Green Bitcoin is a wonderful alternative to consider. At the presale, you can get a token for $0.5632.
3. Ethereum
It might be safe to say Ethereum has conveniently taken the number two spot in the crypto market. Since its launch, it has remained in constant demand, thanks to its smart contract technology and the fact that it is based on its own blockchain. Furthermore, innovations in AI leverage Ethereum’s smart contracts and DeFi protocols for numerous applications of AI and machine learning in Fintech marketing strategies. Consequently, its numerous use cases continually maintain its demand.
Ethereum has always been a solid alternative to Bitcoin, and that is still the case in 2024.
4. Bitcoin Minetrix
Bitcoin Minetrix is yet another opportunity for new entrants into the crypto market to get in early on a promising project. Although Bitcoin Minetrix operates on the Ethereum blockchain, its growth potential is closely tied to Bitcoin performance. This is because the project operates on a novel stake-to-mine model that makes Bitcoin mining super effortless. The low cost of entry can be very advantageous while you still enjoy the potential to experience Bitcoin-like gains percentage-wise.
5. Avalanche AVAX
AVAX was introduced in September 2020 and first traded at $5. After a series of highs and lows, it peaked at $146.22 that year. However, it crashed by close to 90% the following year.
It has since gradually tried to fight its way back up ever since. Currently, it sits 10th on the list of cryptocurrencies with the highest market capitalizations., and maintains a relatively average trading volume. The fact that it provides a relatively stable and interoperable infrastructure for building decentralized applications has kept its demand levels fairly normal. Price projections are showing that Avalanche AVAX will soar in price soon. Therefore, now might be a good time to invest in it instead of Bitcoin.
What are Experts Saying?
It’s all still just speculation at this point.
Some expert reports say Bitcoin is bound to reach a new all-time high of $88,000 during the year before finally settling at $77,000 towards the end of the year. Others claim it might go even higher, upwards of $200,000, before December 2024.
When quizzed about reasons for their price predictions, a sizable number of experts talked about the upcoming Bitcoin halving event in April 2024. The event is expected to see the rewards for mining Bitcoin transactions slashed in half in order to reduce the total amount of Bitcoin in circulation. Consequently, a lower Bitcoin supply is expected to drive its demand and price up. Seeing as that will be happening at a time close to when Bitcoin is already experiencing price gains, it makes sense to speculate that Bitcoin prices will continue to increase.
On other fronts, the highly anticipated US Federal Reserve cuts on benchmark rates might also trigger a liquidity influx into the crypto market. The fact that the SEC has sanctioned spot Bitcoin ETFs makes that even more probable.
Based on the potential for these developments, 2024 might be the right time to invest in Bitcoin. Yet, amidst these speculations, the only things that are currently true are the facts that Bitcoin is soaring toward $69,000 and the cash influx into the crypto community.
Conclusion
Regardless of how sure you are about investing in Bitcoin in 2024, it is advisable to commit only to funds you’re comfortable losing. This should be about 5 – 10% of your entire portfolio at the most. And most importantly, do your own research.
