In December 2018, the cryptocurrency market was experiencing a turbulent period, with prices fluctuating wildly. Amidst the chaos, many investors were left scratching their heads, wondering which cryptocurrency to invest in. This guide aims to shed light on the top cryptocurrencies that were worth considering during that time.
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin, the pioneer of the cryptocurrency market, remained a solid investment choice in December 2018. Despite the market's volatility, Bitcoin maintained its position as the leading cryptocurrency, with a market capitalization of over $200 billion. Its decentralized nature, limited supply, and widespread acceptance made it a go-to investment for many.
2. Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, was another excellent investment option in December 2018. Its smart contract capabilities and decentralized applications (DApps) made it a popular choice among developers and investors. With a market cap of around $22 billion, Ethereum showcased immense potential for growth.
3. Ripple (XRP)
Ripple, a cryptocurrency designed for cross-border payments, was also a noteworthy investment in December 2018. Its partnership with various financial institutions and its potential to revolutionize the banking industry made it an appealing choice. Ripple had a market cap of approximately $10 billion, making it a solid investment option.
4. Litecoin (LTC)
Litecoin, often referred to as the "silver" to Bitcoin's "gold," was another cryptocurrency worth considering in December 2018. Its faster transaction speeds and lower fees made it a popular alternative to Bitcoin. With a market cap of around $3 billion, Litecoin provided investors with a chance to diversify their portfolios.
5. Cardano (ADA)
Cardano, a cryptocurrency that focuses on improving the scalability and sustainability of blockchain technology, was emerging as a promising investment in December 2018. Its unique proof-of-stake algorithm and focus on research and development made it an intriguing choice. Cardano had a market cap of approximately $1.5 billion, indicating its potential for growth.
6. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Bitcoin Cash, a hard fork of Bitcoin, aimed to address some of its limitations, such as scalability and transaction fees. In December 2018, Bitcoin Cash was another cryptocurrency worth considering. With a market cap of around $6 billion, it provided investors with exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem while offering improved features.
7. Stellar (XLM)
Stellar, a cryptocurrency designed for cross-border payments and financial inclusion, was also a noteworthy investment in December 2018. Its partnerships with various financial institutions and its focus on improving the global financial system made it an appealing choice. With a market cap of approximately $1 billion, Stellar showcased immense potential for growth.
8. IOTA (MIOTA)
IOTA, a cryptocurrency that focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), was another intriguing investment option in December 2018. Its unique tangle consensus mechanism and focus on creating a decentralized network for IoT devices made it a promising choice. With a market cap of around $1.5 billion, IOTA provided investors with exposure to a rapidly growing industry.
9. Dash (DASH)
Dash, a cryptocurrency that aims to provide fast, private, and secure transactions, was also a solid investment option in December 2018. Its InstantSend and PrivateSend features made it an appealing choice for those looking for privacy in their transactions. With a market cap of approximately $1 billion, Dash showcased potential for growth.
10. Monero (XMR)
Monero, a cryptocurrency that focuses on privacy and anonymity, was another investment worth considering in December 2018. Its advanced cryptographic techniques and focus on protecting user privacy made it an appealing choice for those concerned about their financial privacy. With a market cap of around $1.5 billion, Monero provided investors with a unique investment opportunity.
FAQs:
1. Q: Why invest in cryptocurrencies in December 2018?
A: Despite the market's volatility, cryptocurrencies still offered significant potential for growth, especially in the long term. Many experts believed that the underlying technology of blockchain would revolutionize various industries, making it worth considering as an investment.
2. Q: How did Bitcoin perform in December 2018?
A: Bitcoin experienced significant volatility in December 2018, with prices fluctuating wildly. However, it maintained its position as the leading cryptocurrency by market capitalization, showcasing its resilience and widespread acceptance.
3. Q: What are the advantages of investing in Ethereum?
A: Ethereum's smart contract capabilities and decentralized applications (DApps) make it a versatile platform for developers and investors. Its focus on research and development ensures continuous improvements and innovation within the ecosystem.
4. Q: Why is Ripple a good investment?
A: Ripple's potential to revolutionize the banking industry through its cross-border payment capabilities makes it an appealing investment. Its partnerships with various financial institutions and its focus on improving the global financial system provide a strong foundation for growth.
5. Q: How does Litecoin compare to Bitcoin?
A: Litecoin offers faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to Bitcoin. It serves as an alternative for those looking to diversify their cryptocurrency portfolios while benefiting from a similar ecosystem.