Have you thought about your New Year’s Resolutions yet? If you’re interested in investing, you should add to this list the key modern investment opportunities such as buying crypto tokens or joining an ICO.
Every year that ends is a chapter closed, isn’t it? The new year is a chance to start from scratch and take wiser decisions. Sure, you could do this at any given time. But there is something about an official fresh year that can get you more motivated than ever.
Next year is going to be the most tech advanced one in history and that brings you advantages as an investor as well. Whether you’re a newbie to this or you already have some solid experience, 2018 has the potential to be exceptionally profitable.
At first, cryptocurrencies seemed to be a rather niche topic in investments. But in 2017, the crypto market cap kept breaking one record after another. Now digital assets represent one of the mainstream opportunities investors are interested in and 2018 will further expand the options.
Crypto market capitalization: Status in 2017
When 2017 began, the crypto market cap was situated around $18 billion. Some investors sensed its underlying power. Therefore, in less than a year the overall market cap of cyber currencies reached an astonishing $370 billion. As a comparison, in the same timeframe the stock market went upward with only 17–18%.
The difference in ROI is massive and made crypto investments very appealing. In this way, the crypto market value surpassed that of the famous multinational banking company JPMorgan.
One of the key reasons behind this surge is the blockchain technology behind the currencies. Unlike fiat currency, crypto is protected from fraud and counterfeit. It’s impossible for data to be altered in blockchain. This makes it safer than existing software.
Also, the operating expenses are cheaper as transactions don’t require a financial intermediary that will take its cut too. Industry analysts say about the blockchain technology that it is ‘set to change the world as it puts power back into the hands of the user’.
The growing visibility is another factor that contributed to the increase in value. More and more individuals heard about the existence of digital currencies and wanted to understand them.
Some people took charge and decided to participate themselves by buying popular cryptocurrencies or joining ICOs. Value and interest raised simultaneously as price growth generated interest among market observers.
The number of ICOs stimulated the crypto market to evolve too as the new tokens have monetary value. Some ICOs didn’t only feature highly promising tokens, but also funded projects that can change for the better entire fields of activity through the power of technology.
At the beginning of 2017, Bitcoin was worth less than $1,000. But throughout the year, it experienced a meteoric performance. Its market cap exceeded that of widely-known companies like Netflix or PayPal.
In the last quarter, Bitcoin surpassed investors’ wildest dreams as it rallied over $12,000. Its market value of $213 billion is more than double that of Goldman Sachs, key global investment banking company with a history that dates back to 1869.
Ethereum is the second successful cryptocurrency and ends the year with a glorious market cap of over $45.5 billion. Ripple is close to $10 billion and Dash reached $6 billion. Other altcoins soar in value as well.
For example, IOTA climbed over 90% in only 24 hours. This occurred thanks to the partnership announcement between the blockchain-based network and tech titans like Microsoft or Samsung.
Forecasts: How will cryptocurrencies progress in 2018?
Not even skeptics can ignore digital currencies now. Crypto can be used to buy a variety of things online from music albums to vacuum cleaners. Major retailers like Overstock started accepting them as payment methods.
There are two categories of investors: individuals and institutions. On one hand, the tremendous potential of cryptocurrencies has caught the attention of seasoned investors unsatisfied with conventional alternatives, while the unprecedented growth turned many other people into investors.
On the other hand, cryptocurrencies are regarded as serious assets by an increasing number of renowned companies. After noticing the surge, institutions take into account investments or integrating the technology in their operations through partnerships.
Though Bitcoin was the undisputed king in 2017, the next year seems to be more favorable for Ethereum. Top hedge fund manager Mike Novogratz invested 20% of his net worth into crypto and says that Bitcoin could reach the sensational amount of $40,000 by the end of 2018. He estimates that Ethereum could triple its value and go over $1500.
Ether’s applications are diverse and its value grows exponentially as more apps get built. Also, in 2018 the Enterprise Ethereum alliance will actively work to further develop the technology behind it. The alliance features Fortune 500 enterprises and academics.
Ether’s endorsement by giants like Microsoft and Intel challenges Bitcoin’s supremacy and can make this digital currency dethrone Bitcoin by the end of 2018. The smart contract technology appeals to many other corporations. Some of them already expressed their interest.
Though Bitcoin got to an unbelievable value, its market share dropped from a dominating 90% in 2017, while Ethereum’s share quadrupled. The new year will most likely emphasize the split in terms of preeminence between the two.
As ICOs develop, 2018 can also bring serious competition to the key crypto players. There are bold start-ups out there who are eager not only to raise funds to evolve, but also to shift things in their industry. Not only investors and current market observers will invest in ICOs, but also an increasing number of individuals who see the potential financial remuneration of contributing to the movement.
ICOs empowered entrepreneurs and allowed them to seek funding without knocking on investors’ doors and struggling with the lack of relevant contacts. Now firms from all over the world have the chance to develop their products without the help of Silicon Valley or angel investors. Successful ICOs bring innovative projects to life through crowdfunding and draw in revenues for all investors.
However, there will be pitfalls too as ICO’s popularity will attract speculators with vague plans and even scammers looking for a quick buck. Therefore, caution is mandatory.
Cryptocurrencies will make their way into mainstream not only through corporations. Certain foreign currencies such as the Venezuelan bolivar have lost their value very much when hyperinflation took a deep hold. Venezuelan government leaders will launch a second currency in the form of a cryptocurrency to help the country ‘make financial transactions and overcome the financial blockade’.
Should you invest in cryptocurrency in 2018?
No one can deny the fact that early investors got huge revenues. If you haven’t invested yet, you might think that you missed the train.
It’s not too late. It’s true that investing early would have been a very profitable investment decision. But the crypto market is still developing.
If you haven’t invested so far, 2018 is certainly the year to go for it. When? The sooner, the better. The following months could bring even more price changes and make these investments out of your reach.
Bitcoin seems to be preferred by short-term investors with big budgets, while Ethereum is favored by the ones who are rather interested in long-term benefits.
Also, take into account that there are limited supplies of revenue-producing crypto tokens. A good ICO has a very restricted time frame when investors can get their share.
How to invest in crypto in 2018?
Entering the world of crypto investments is a decision that can bring you significant profits. In some cases, they will surpass any expectation.
Yet, it’s important to stay realistic. Not all crypto-based investments will be hits. Only the ones backed by viable companies will bring revenues and make a difference in the investor’s portfolio and on the market itself.
The crypto playground is rewarding only for smart investors who partner with a reputable operating company. There are two sure ways to get in the industry: P2P lending and ICO.
There is one platform that can satisfy even the most demanding investment expectations: Fast Invest. This Fintech team consists of highly qualified PHP, Java and Blockchain experts, as well as a reliable customer support team that is always available to reply to any questions.
ICO
Fast Invest launched the ICO and the smart tokens (Fast Invest tokens — FIT) are based on the Ethereum blockchain technology. As an investor, you’ll be able to exchange cryptocurrency to both cyber and fiat currency through web or mobile app.
P2P lending
Fast Invest combined the P2P principles with decentralized lending to enable investors to generate financial gains through crypto P2P lending. Make sure you buy enough FIT to take full advantage of the benefits provided by the FinTech company to the FIT community.
You are not forced to enter a minimum amount when you join Fast Invest. You can invest as little as 1 euro, which breaks all old-school boundaries and allows everyone to get a passive income.
The crypto market doesn’t sleep and Fast Invest launched its ICO already. There are limited membership places. So don’t hesitate to join right now!