Bitcoin made history in 2024, breaking the elusive $100,000 barrier and spearheading a massive crypto market surge. However, despite its meteoric rise, Bitcoin wasn’t the standout cryptocurrency of the year. Several altcoins and meme coins outpaced it, capturing the spotlight with astonishing growth rates. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments that defined the crypto market in 2024.
Bitcoin soared by 135.9% in 2024, peaking at just over $102,000, marking a 130% year-to-date gain and adding a staggering $1.2 trillion to its market capitalization. The flagship cryptocurrency now holds a $2 trillion market cap, dominating 56.8% of the global crypto market. Despite its remarkable run, Bitcoin ranked 10th among the best-performing cryptocurrencies of the year.
While Bitcoin led the headlines, these cryptocurrencies outperformed in growth: Pepe: Up 1,570.7%, market cap $9 billion. SUI: Up 509%, market cap $13.7 billion. Dogecoin: Up 333.1%, market cap $56.9 billion. XRP: Up 303.9%, market cap $142.3 billion. Hedera: Up 247.7%, market cap $11.5 billion. Stellar: Up 233.4%, market cap $12.9 billion. Toncoin: Up 155.6%, market cap $14.6 billion. TRON: Up 155.1%, market cap $23.7 billion. Shiba Inu: Up 150.1%, market cap $15.2 billion. Bitcoin: Up 135.9%, market cap $2 trillion.
The global cryptocurrency market doubled in size in 2024, adding $1.8 trillion in value to reach a total of $3.6 trillion, according to CoinGecko. Bitcoin alone accounted for two-thirds of this growth.
Meme coins like Dogecoin and Pepe saw dramatic price surges. Their value often correlates with viral trends, making them highly volatile but rewarding investments for risk-tolerant traders. Dogecoin spiked after Elon Musk and Trump supported it, reaching highs unseen since 2021. Pepe led the market with a 1,570% surge, becoming the most profitable meme coin of 2024. Altcoins like XRP, Stellar, and SUI also benefited from increasing investor interest and blockchain developments, surpassing Bitcoin’s percentage gains.
Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance fueled market optimism. Backed by crypto billionaires like the Winklevoss twins and Ripple’s Chris Larsen, Trump vowed to make the U.S. a global cryptocurrency leader. Bitcoin surged past $100,000 following Trump’s election win. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, grew by 43%, adding $118 billion to its market cap.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: The SEC approved the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, attracting $15 billion in capital within five months. Regulatory Clarity: The election made crypto regulation a mainstream topic, increasing investor confidence. Market Expansion: Blockchain innovations and celebrity endorsements amplified crypto adoption.
Bitcoin’s historic rise to $100,000 marked a pivotal moment in crypto history, but it wasn’t the undisputed leader of 2024. Meme coins like Pepe and established altcoins like XRP and Dogecoin outshone Bitcoin in percentage growth, signaling the diversification and dynamism of the crypto market. As the global crypto market continues to grow, 2024 will be remembered as a year of record-breaking performance, groundbreaking innovation, and a broader embrace of blockchain technology.
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Disclaimer:Â This content provides informational insights. Always conduct independent research before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.