Cryptocurrency is still as volatile as ever, but prognosticators are beginning to think they can map out its future. Click here to get a few crypto predictions.
Who could have imagined the dramatic rise of Bitcoin? In 2010, Bitcoin was trading for pennies and a glimmer of a movement to disrupt financial markets.
By 2017’s end we saw Bitcoin reach all-time highs. The cryptocurrency made regular appearances in mainstream news and joined everyday discussions. The hype for the emerging market and blockchain tech was real!
Early backers remained steadfast to their crypto predictions. It seemed BTC poised to disrupt, alt-coins and ICO’s were appearing almost every day.
Then… bust.
Where is Bitcoin going? How is the market changing? Let’s see what they have to say and take a few, wild guesses.
The Bitcoin ETF and Mass Appeal
We saw Bitcoin skyrocket as it reached all-time highs in 2017. Sentiment has died down since its correction but interest may change with the BTC ETF. Leading the charge is the investment management firm VanEck.
If approved by the SEC, the bitcoin ETF could create a new paradigm in the crypto’s stability. Billions could pour into the fund from all investor types. Many speculate the ETF could turn bitcoin in a gold-like standard across the market.
Bitcoin Breaks Out (Again?)
We’ve seen a major stock market correction in 2018 causing fear of a bear market. Oil prices have reached this territory. The fear index is spiking as bonds creep higher.
Whether we’re on course for a bear market is hard to say. Yet, it’s not stopping bitcoin miners like Bitmain and DMG Blockchain.
Bitcoin will continue its bear market. But, Mati Greenspan of eToro feels education and awareness will spur a rapid bull run when it comes time. This time may launch as investors pull back from stocks, seeking alt investments.
Decentralized applications (DApps) are helping blockchain break from cryptocurrencies, too. These apps may renew interest in BTC and others, causing a new rush in business and funding. Bitcoin, being the flagship crypto it is, will likely enjoy this rush.
Decentralizing the Centralized
Platforms like Coinbase and Binance offer easy entry into cryptocurrency. But, these centralized platforms go against the spirit of the blockchain. The centralization sets up single points of failure, too.
Decentralized platforms like IDEX and Radar Relay allow trades without a “middleman”. This reduces broken contracts and offers a uniformity to the trading standards.
We see tools like 3commas (view here) combining exchanges, removing single channel reliance. Traders access to a dozen exchanges in real-time, creating arbitrage and stable pricing.
2019 may shape into the year investors explore options beyond the popular exchanges. This will create a change to trade volumes, stability, and speed on their networks.
Crypto Predictions, Grains of Salt, and FOMO
People have attempted to predict markets since their start. Timing the market is a fool’s hope. Teams of quants and expert traders historically get it wrong.
But:
We may see crypto predictions mature like the Internet and personal computing. Cryptocurrency and blockchain tech is “out of the bag”, it’s only a matter of time before disrupt. Follow the leads and prime yourself to act on the opportunity.
Master your finances while we’re on the ground floor of this disruptive tech and movement. Check our money section for helpful guides and resources.