Ah, the thrilling world of cryptocurrencies! Welcome, crypto-enthusiasts, as we dive into the fascinating world of altcoins during the crypto market’s mesmerizing bull and bear cycles.
What Are Bear and Bull Cycles
The terms “bear” and “bull” cycles are commonly used in the financial world, including the cryptocurrency market, to describe the overall market sentiment and price trends.
Market cycles are as natural as the changing seasons. Bears and bulls aren’t just whimsical creatures; they represent the ebb and flow of investor sentiment influenced by news, economic factors, regulations, and more.
Understanding these cycles can help investors make informed decisions. In a bear market, some see it as an opportunity to buy their favorite digital currencies at lower prices. Meanwhile, in a bull market, the air is filled with excitement, but staying level-headed is crucial and not getting carried away by the enthusiasm.
Navigating the Bear’s Growl
Imagine a grumpy bear hibernating in the crypto forest, causing prices to fall. In this cycle, the market sentiment turns pessimistic, and prices tend to decline steadily. Fear not! This period can be an opportunity for savvy investors to buy the dip and accumulate altcoins at lower prices.
When the market’s feeling bearish, it’s easy to succumb to panic. However, seasoned investors often view this phase as an opportunity rather than a threat. During bear cycles, altcoins might experience significant price drops, presenting a chance to snag promising projects at bargain prices.
Research becomes your compass in these times. Delve into the fundamentals of projects you believe in; solid technology, active development, and a strong community can be anchors in stormy market conditions.
Charging Forward with the Bulls
Now, picture a bullish bull charging through the market with enthusiasm and optimism. This cycle is characterized by rising prices and positive market sentiment. Excitement fills the air as investments flourish and altcoins soar to new heights.
When the market sentiment turns positive, altcoins often embark on a thrilling ride to new highs. It’s essential to manage expectations and avoid getting carried away by the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Rational decision-making amidst excitement is crucial.
Diversification remains a trusted strategy to weather market volatility. Spreading your investments across various altcoins can help mitigate risks and maximize potential gains during these bullish spells.
Altcoins in the Past Bear and Bull Cycles
During previous bear cycles, altcoins often experienced significant price corrections, sometimes even more drastic than Bitcoin. However, these periods also witnessed the emergence of innovative projects and technologies as teams worked diligently on their developments despite the market downturn.
The subsequent bull cycles showcased the resilience and potential of altcoins. Many of these projects gained momentum, attracting increased attention from investors and the mainstream media.
As Bitcoin led the market charge, several altcoins experienced exponential growth, outperforming even the mighty BTC in terms of percentage gains.
And, we’re in the midst of a bull run now. So, now is the time to look towards breakout altcoins. Even better: bank on experts like R100K to rebalance your crypto-portfolio and make sure your money is invested in the fastest growing coin out there.
Let’s take a close look at how different altcoins fared in the bear and bull cycles of the past.
Altcoins in Bear Cycles
A bear market in the crypto world is like a gloomy cloud hanging over the prices of digital assets. It’s a period characterized by a sustained decline in market prices, often resulting in a drop of over 20% from recent highs.
The Early Bear Growls: 2014 – 2015
Back in the early days, the crypto space witnessed its first major bear market following the 2013 Bitcoin surge. Prices spiraled downward, leaving a trail of concern among investors. Mt. Gox, a prominent exchange at the time, collapsed, adding to the market’s woes.
The Bitcoin Winter: 2018 – 2019
Ah, the notorious ‘crypto winter’! After the explosive highs of 2017’s bull run, the market took a chilly turn. Bitcoin’s price plummeted, leading to a prolonged bearish phase. ICO projects faced scrutiny, regulatory uncertainties loomed, and the market sentiment turned frosty.
The Pandemic Panic: 2020
Enter the unexpected guest: the COVID-19 pandemic! The markets, including cryptocurrencies, faced a sudden and sharp decline in March 2020 due to pandemic-induced panic. Prices nosedived, triggering a significant market crash, reminiscent of bearish trends.
Altcoins in the Bull Cycles
Bull cycles are akin to a carnival, filled with excitement, optimism, and skyrocketing prices. Bull markets in the crypto world represent periods of exuberance and growth, where digital assets soar to new heights, often accompanied by a wave of investor enthusiasm.
The Altcoin Season of 2017-2018
Bitcoin, the pioneer of cryptocurrencies, led a grand parade, with its price soaring to unprecedented levels, capturing the world’s attention. The market bubbled with exuberance as the price of BTC climbed to dizzying heights, reaching nearly $20,000.
During the same period, not just Bitcoin but also various altcoins joined the carnival! Ethereum, Ripple, and a plethora of other digital currencies took center stage.
It was a frenzy of ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings), and many altcoins experienced astronomical price surges, attracting both seasoned investors and newcomers to the crypto sphere.
The Rise of Altcoins in 2020-2021
Fast forward to the recent bull market. Bitcoin stepped into the spotlight once more, initiating a bull run that left the financial world awestruck. This time, fueled by institutional interest, BTC’s price soared, breaking its previous record and reaching around $60,000.
But wait, there’s more! This bull rally wasn’t just Bitcoin’s show. Altcoins carved their own paths, showcasing impressive performances.
Ethereum, Binance Coin, and a myriad of other altcoins skyrocketed in value, riding on the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) and NFT (Non-Fungible Token) waves.
Top 10 Altcoins and Their Journey Through the Bear and Bull Cycles
Let’s delve into the historical price movements of these selected altcoins during the significant bear markets without the use of bullet points.
1. Ethereum (ETH)
Often referred to as the pioneer of smart contracts, Ethereum isn’t just a currency; it’s a platform enabling developers to build decentralized applications (dApps). Its native coin, Ether, fuels these transactions, and with the advent of Ethereum 2.0, the network is poised to become more scalable and environmentally friendly.
Ethereum in the Bear Markets
Ethereum (ETH) made its grand entrance into the crypto scene in 2015 and thus missed the 2014-2015 bear market. However, during the 2018-2019 crypto winter, Ethereum faced significant turbulence. It reached its pinnacle at approximately $1,400 in January 2018 but encountered a steep decline, plummeting below $100 by December 2018. The pandemic-induced bear market of 2020 also affected ETH, dropping from about $230 in February 2020 to around $110 in March 2020.
Ethereum in the Bull Markets
During the 2017 bull market, Ethereum (ETH) surged from around $8 to an all-time high of nearly $1,400 by early 2018, driven by heightened investor enthusiasm and its pivotal role in ICOs and smart contracts. In the 2020 bull market, ETH rose from about $130 to approximately $750 by year-end, propelled by increased institutional interest, advancements in DeFi, and anticipation for Ethereum 2.0’s upgrade, marking significant growth during this market cycle.
2. Binance Coin (BNB)
Created by one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance, BNB initially served as a utility token for reduced trading fees. However, its functionality has expanded, powering various services within the Binance ecosystem, such as the Binance Smart Chain and token launches via Binance Launchpad.
Binance in the Bear Markets
Binance Coin (BNB) didn’t exist during the 2014-2015 bear market. However, in the 2018-2019 crypto winter, BNB experienced substantial fluctuations. Beginning 2018 around $8, BNB saw a notable descent to approximately $6 by December 2018. In 2020, during the pandemic-induced bear market, BNB declined from about $19 in February 2020 to around $10 in March 2020.
Binance in the Bull Markets
During the bull markets of 2017 and 2020, Binance Coin (BNB) surged significantly. In 2017, BNB skyrocketed from around a low of $2 to a peak of about $24 by January 2018, driven by the Binance exchange’s growing popularity. In 2020, BNB rose from approximately $13 to nearly $35 by September 2020, fueled by Binance’s expanded services and the launch of Binance Smart Chain (BSC), establishing BNB as a key player in the crypto ecosystem.
3. Cardano (ADA)
Launched by a team of engineers and academics, Cardano aims to provide a more secure and scalable infrastructure for the development of smart contracts and dApps. Known for its focus on sustainability and peer-reviewed research, ADA has garnered a loyal community.
Cardano in the Bear Markets
Cardano (ADA) emerged after the 2014-2015 bear market, entering the scene in 2017. During the 2018-2019 crypto winter, ADA reached its zenith of about $1.30 in January 2018. However, it spiraled downwards, dropping to less than $0.04 by December 2018. Similarly, during the pandemic-induced bear market of 2020, ADA declined from approximately $0.05 in February 2020 to around $0.03 in March 2020.
Cardano in the Bull Markets
During the 2017 bull market, Cardano (ADA) soared from a fraction of a cent to an all-time high of around $1.30 in January 2018, reflecting its remarkable growth during that period. In the 2020 bull market, ADA climbed steadily from approximately $0.03 to around $0.18 by the end of the year, showcasing significant upward momentum and establishing itself as a noteworthy performer in the bullish cryptocurrency market.
4. Solana (SOL)
Recognized for its lightning-fast transactions and low fees, Solana has gained traction due to its high throughput and innovative proof-of-history consensus mechanism. Its performance and scalability have positioned it as a strong contender in the competitive blockchain space.
Solana in the Bear Markets
Solana (SOL), introduced in 2020, wasn’t part of the 2014-2015 bear market or the 2018-2019 crypto winter. However, during the pandemic-induced bear market in 2020, SOL faced some price volatility, dropping from approximately $0.60 in April 2020 to around $0.47 in March 2020.
Solana in the Bull Markets
During the 2020-2021 bull market, Solana showcased remarkable growth and resilience. Beginning the year 2020 with prices below $1, SOL embarked on an extraordinary journey, steadily gaining traction. As the bull market gained momentum, Solana experienced an incredible surge in its value, reaching impressive highs. By mid-2021, SOL’s price soared to around $70, marking an astounding increase from its earlier valuation.
5. Ripple (XRP)
Designed for seamless cross-border payments, Ripple’s XRP facilitates fast and cost-effective transactions between financial institutions. Despite regulatory challenges, the extensive use cases of XRP continue to draw attention in the finance sector.
Ripple in the Bear Markets
Ripple (XRP) navigated the 2014-2015 bear market, trading at around $0.02 in early 2015. During the 2018-2019 crypto winter, XRP hit a peak of nearly $3.80 in January 2018 but then dropped to less than $0.30 by December 2018. In the 2020 bear market, XRP faced a decline from about $0.23 in February 2020 to around a low of $0.11 in March 2020.
Ripple in the Bull Markets
During the 2017 bull market, Ripple’s XRP saw a meteoric rise, surging from around $0.006 to an all-time high of about $3.84 by early January 2018. However, in the 2020 bull market, XRP’s performance was more subdued, starting at $0.19 and experiencing modest fluctuations, ending the year around $0.22 without reaching previous highs.
6. Polkadot (DOT)
Founded by one of Ethereum’s co-founders, Polkadot aims to enable different blockchains to interoperate. Its parachain technology allows for greater scalability, customization, and connectivity between multiple blockchains.
Polkadot in the Bear Markets
Polkadot (DOT) was introduced in 2020 and did not experience the 2014-2015 bear market or the 2018-2019 crypto winter. However, during the pandemic-induced bear market in 2020, DOT faced fluctuations, dropping from approximately $4.50 in February 2020 to around $2.50 in March 2020.
Polkadot in the Bull Markets
Polkadot (DOT) was not launched during the 2017 bull market. However, in the 2020-2021 bull run, DOT made its debut and surged remarkably. Starting at a few dollars, DOT quickly gained momentum, reaching highs of over $40 by early 2021, showcasing impressive growth during its emergence in the crypto market.
7. Dogecoin (DOGE)
Originating as a meme coin, Dogecoin gained widespread popularity due to its vibrant community and celebrity endorsements. Although initially created as a lighthearted project, its adoption and use cases have expanded over time.
Dogecoin in the Bear Markets
Dogecoin (DOGE), an early player in the crypto space, was present during the 2014-2015 bear market, trading at around $0.0001 in early 2015. In the 2018-2019 crypto winter, DOGE initiated the year at about $0.009 and declined to approximately $0.002 by December 2018. During the 2020 pandemic-induced bear market, DOGE experienced some volatility, dropping from around $0.0025 in February 2020 to roughly $0.001 in March 2020.
Dogecoin in the Bull Markets
In the 2020-2021 bull market, DOGE started near $0.004 and soared to a peak of about $0.73 in May 2021, gaining attention due to social media buzz and celebrity endorsements.
8. Avalanche (AVAX)
Known for its high-performance blockchain platform, Avalanche focuses on delivering custom blockchains and decentralized applications. Its consensus mechanism, Avalanche Consensus Protocol (AVAX), aims for speed, security, and decentralization.
Avalanche in the Bear Markets
Avalanche (AVAX), introduced in 2020, didn’t exist during the 2014-2015 bear market or the 2018-2019 crypto winter. However, during the 2020 bear market, AVAX faced price fluctuations, declining from approximately $0.90 in February 2020 to around $0.47 in March 2020.
Avalanche in the Bull Markets
Avalanche (AVAX) wasn’t traded during the 2017 bull market, as it emerged later in 2020. However, in the 2020-2021 bull market, AVAX performed impressively. Starting around $3 in September 2020, AVAX surged significantly, reaching an all-time high of over $50 by February 2021. This remarkable growth showcased AVAX as a notable participant in the 2020-2021 bullish phase, experiencing substantial price appreciation and gaining attention in the crypto market.
9. Chainlink (LINK)
Providing a bridge between smart contracts and real-world data, Chainlink has emerged as a leading decentralized oracle network. Its secure data feeds empower smart contracts to interact with external data reliably.
Chainlink in the Bear Markets
Chainlink (LINK) emerged in 2017 but didn’t experience significant fluctuations during the 2018-2019 crypto winter compared to other altcoins. During the 2020 pandemic-induced bear market, LINK was relatively stable, showing resilience compared to other cryptocurrencies and maintaining a more consistent price trend.
Chainlink in the Bull Markets
During the 2020-2021 bull market, fueled by the DeFi boom, LINK surged remarkably from around $1.77 at the beginning of 2020 to an all-time high of over $52 in May 2021, demonstrating extraordinary adoption and value increase within the expanding DeFi ecosystem.
10. Uniswap (UNI)
As a decentralized exchange (DEX) running on the Ethereum network, Uniswap facilitates the swapping of ERC-20 tokens. Its automated liquidity protocol has transformed the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape.
Uniswap in the Bear Markets
Uniswap (UNI) entered the crypto scene in 2020, missing the 2014-2015 bear market and the 2018-2019 crypto winter. During the 2020 pandemic-induced bear market, UNI was not yet traded, thus not experiencing any significant price fluctuations during that period.
Uniswap in the Bull Markets
Uniswap (UNI) wasn’t around during the bull market of 2017, but in 2020, it skyrocketed after its launch. Introduced in September 2020 at around $2.70, UNI quickly soared due to DeFi excitement, hitting an all-time high of approximately $8.40 within a month. The DeFi frenzy and UNI’s governance token release led to its rapid surge during the 2020 bull market.
The Future Outlook and Strategies for Altcoin Investors
Looking ahead, the future of altcoins appears promising, fueled by ongoing technological innovations and increasing mainstream adoption. Investors should approach this volatile market with caution and a diversified portfolio strategy.
To help, we have shared some investment strategies for Altcoins based on our analysis of the past bear and bull markets.
Investment Strategies for Bull Markets
Portfolio Allocation Strategy
It’s like a treasure hunt! Spread your investments across different altcoins that catch your eye. Diversification helps you enjoy the market adventure without putting all your golden coins in one chest.
Fundamental Analysis Strategy
Imagine you’re a detective investigating the best altcoins. Dive deep into their stories—check their tech, their team, and how the community feels about them. Engage in thorough research and analysis of prospective altcoins. Unearth projects with robust technology, visionary teams, and vibrant communities—crucial elements for long-term investment success.
Trend Identification Strategy
Keep an eye on the parade! Follow the latest trends in the crypto circus, whether it’s DeFi, NFTs, or other exciting sectors. Vigilantly track emerging trends within the crypto sphere, such as DeFi, NFTs, or Layer 2 scaling solutions. Invest in altcoins that align with burgeoning sectors to ride the wave of market innovation.
Strategic Positioning
It’s a wild ride! Remember to set clear goals and strategies. Bull markets can be thrilling, but it’s essential not to get swept away by the excitement. Develop and adhere to a structured investment plan. Maintain a disciplined approach to capitalize on bullish market opportunities while managing risks through strategic position adjustments.
Investment Strategies for Bear Markets
Diamonds in the Rough Strategy
Bear markets are like discount seasons! During market downturns, seek undervalued projects with strong fundamentals and enduring utility. This strategy focuses on acquiring assets deemed to have a higher intrinsic value than their market price suggests. Solid fundamentals, active development, and a strong community might just shine brighter when the market recovers.
Patient Accumulation Strategy
Bear markets can feel like a cold winter, but they don’t last forever. Keep a warm cup of patience and a long-term perspective. Slowly accumulating positions over time, like stacking blocks, can be a smart move. Employ a methodical approach to accumulate positions gradually over time.
Similarly, you can store your altcoins until the storm is over. One such way of doing so is to use a hardware wallet, like Ledger, to keep your altcoins safe until the bull market arrives. Ledger offers extreme security to keep your altcoins safe from hacks and scams and is perfect for long-term storage.
Safari Route Strategy
In bear markets, consider shifting investments from higher-risk altcoins to more established projects with proven resilience. This strategic move aims to reduce exposure to volatility. Assess your portfolio and consider adjustments.
Education and Adaptation Strategy
Bear markets are like a library! Take this time to read up on projects, market dynamics, and trends. This learning phase equips investors to adapt strategies for future market cycles.
Wrapping Up
The altcoins’ journey during the bear/bull cycle mirrors the unpredictable yet mesmerizing nature of the crypto market. It’s a captivating expedition marked by volatility, innovation, and ever-evolving landscapes.
And in times when a bull market is kicking off, the savvy investor in you needs to keep your eyes on breakout altcoins. Rebalancing might be your best bet here, and for that we recommend R100K’s human-in-the-loop AI.
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