Connect with us

Crypto

Should You Forget Bitcoin and Buy Solana Instead? | The Motley Fool

Published

on

Should You Forget Bitcoin and Buy Solana Instead? | The Motley Fool

Bitcoin‘s (BTC -0.48%) price hit an all-time high of $103,332 on Dec. 4. Four main catalysts drove it to that point: the approvals of its first spot price ETFs in January; its latest halving in April, which cuts its rewards for mining in half every four years; interest rate cuts; and President-elect Trump’s crypto-friendly policies.

Bitcoin’s price has pulled back to about $97,000 as of this writing, but it remains up more than 120% over the past 12 months. With a market capitalization of $1.93 trillion, it’s the world’s top cryptocurrency and seventh most valuable asset.

Image source: Getty Images.

Bitcoin is still a solid long-term play on the cryptocurrency market, but it might have less upside potential than its smaller coins. Could one of those tokens be Solana (SOL -0.99%), which trades at about $190 with a market cap of $90 billion?

What sets Solana apart from Bitcoin?

Solana’s tokens are validated with the proof of stake (PoS) method, which doesn’t require any tokens to be digitally mined. That approach is faster and more energy efficient than the proof of work (PoW) mining mechanism used by Bitcoin.

Advertisement

PoW blockchains are only used for mining more tokens. PoS blockchains support smart contracts, which can be used to develop decentralized apps (dApps), games, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other crypto assets. PoS tokens can also be “staked,” or locked up, on the blockchain for a period of time to earn interest-like rewards.

Bitcoin’s value is often defined by its scarcity. It has a maximum supply of 21 million tokens, and nearly 20 million of them have already been mined. The last Bitcoin is expected to be mined in 2140, which makes it somewhat comparable to gold or silver.

Solana and other PoS tokens are usually valued by the speed of their blockchains and the growth of their developer ecosystems. Solana has a current supply of nearly 591 million tokens and no maximum supply, but it’s set to reduce its annual inflation rate, currently at 4.83%, by 15% every “epoch year,” which amounts to 450-630 days.

What sets Solana apart from other PoS tokens?

Solana is often overshadowed by Ethereum (ETH -1.34%), the world’s second largest cryptocurrency and top PoS blockchain. Ethereum has its own native token, Ether, but many other smaller PoS tokens, including Shiba Inu, Polygon, and Render, run on its blockchain. It’s easier to directly launch a new token on Ethereum’s blockchain than to build one from scratch, but these tokens are ultimately constrained by Ethereum’s speed limitations.

Solana is a newer PoS blockchain that accelerates its transactions with its own proof-of-history (PoH) mechanism. That upgrade already enables Solana’s blockchain to process transactions roughly 46 times faster than Ethereum, but it’s only achieved less than 2% of its theoretical max speed so far.

Advertisement

Solana’s high-speed blockchain has attracted a lot of developers and partners. It’s been used to develop meme coins such as BONK and WIF, and it powers decentralized exchanges including Jupiter and Orca. It supports stablecoin transactions for Visa, PayPal, and Circle, and it’s integrated its Solana Pay payment protocol into Shopify‘s platform.

Solana even launched its own Android smartphone for Web3 apps, the Saga Phone, in 2023. It’s still a niche gadget, but it sports its own dApps Store as an alternative to Alphabet‘s Google Play Store.

But over the past two years, Solana dealt with network congestion problems, spam transactions, and security failures. One of its top investors was also the failed crypto exchange FTX, which hastily liquidated its tokens at a discount to pay off its creditors. All of those challenges, along with rising interest rates, drove its price below $10 in December 2022.

What’s next for Solana?

Solana’s price has already soared nearly 19 times from its all-time low, but it could head even higher as it resolves its network issues, it laps FTX’s big sale, and interest rates gradually decline. Several big crypto firms, including Grayscale, Bitwise, and VanEck, have also recently filed for the approvals of Solana spot price ETFs.

Those ETF approvals could stabilize Solana’s price while bringing in more retail and institutional investors. They would also probably mark its transition from a smaller altcoin to a “blue chip” cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and Ether.

Advertisement

But is Solana a viable alternative to Bitcoin?

Solana is an interesting alternative to Ether, but it’s not a viable replacement for Bitcoin yet. Solana might be a good investment if you believe it can keep increasing its speed, expanding its ecosystem, and gaining new ETF approvals. However, it’s still an inflationary token that’s much harder to value than Bitcoin.

It could be smart to invest in both Bitcoin and Solana, but investors should be aware of their differences. Bitcoin can be considered a digital alternative to gold, but Solana’s value will be defined by its transaction speeds and developer appeal.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Bitcoin, Ethereum, PayPal, Render Token, Shopify, Solana, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal and short December 2024 $70 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Crypto

Bears, Bulls and Regulations Shape Crypto’s 2025 Aspirations | PYMNTS.com

Published

on

Bears, Bulls and Regulations Shape Crypto’s 2025 Aspirations | PYMNTS.com

The global cryptocurrency market is capitalized at over $3 trillion. Much of that value is concentrated at the top, among a few key digital tokens.

Bitcoin, as the first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, plays a central role in the sector’s valuation, commanding a substantial share. At its highest, bitcoin’s market capitalization has approached $2 trillion, representing roughly two-thirds of the landscape’s overall market value.

Bitcoin topped $100,000 as 2024 came to a close, but has skidded down double digits from its peak of over $108,000 around two weeks ago.

This concentration of value at the top has implications for the overall market’s volatility, innovation and the evolution of altcoins, with bitcoin often setting the tone for broader market trends. It also raises questions about the future of crypto market dynamics as new technologies and use cases continue to emerge.

With the news that the Tether stablecoin’s (USDT) market cap fell more than 1% to $137.24 billion this week, the largest decline since the crash of the FTX exchange in November 2022, understanding the impact of regulations on the marketplace is becoming crucial for businesses looking to capture efficiencies and advantages from the use of tokens such as stablecoins.

Advertisement

After all, USDT is supposed to maintain a stable, flat value of $1. As of reporting, the stablecoin is a smidge below that value, sitting at $0.9993. The decline comes after several European Union-based crypto exchanges removed USDT due to compliance issues with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation that took full effect on Dec. 30 (the actual law around stablecoins kicked in six months ago).

Per the MiCA regulations, stablecoin issuers must hold an e-money license in at least one EU member state in order to operate across the 27-nation bloc. Tether, which has faced controversy throughout its history, has yet to apply for an e-money license.

Read more: What Was Crypto’s Biggest 2024 Story? Hint: It Wasn’t Named Elon

The Role of Institutional Adoption 

In 2025, the cryptocurrency market may find itself at a crossroads. If the bulls are right, the industry could see substantial growth, with more institutional investment, regulatory clarity and real-world use cases for cryptocurrencies. However, if the bears prevail, we may witness a volatile market, regulatory crackdowns and a continued struggle to overcome the technology’s shortcomings.

The bullish optimism surrounding institutional adoption is one of the strongest driving forces. In 2025, financial institutions, banks and even central banks are expected to play a significant role in legitimizing cryptocurrencies. Global financial giants are already eyeing blockchain for solutions like cross-border payments and settlement systems, providing liquidity for crypto markets and solidifying their utility in traditional finance.

Advertisement

Stablecoins — digital currencies pegged to traditional assets like the U.S. dollar — are likely to become a common mode of transaction. With major players in FinTech, like PayPal and Visa, already integrating cryptocurrencies into their platforms and experimenting with stablecoins, real-world use cases could soon be as easy as tapping a credit card.

Read also: Why Banks Might Want to Have a Blockchain Strategy

The Bearish Argument: Volatility, Regulatory Shadows

Perhaps the biggest concern for crypto’s future is government regulation. The lack of clear rules around cryptocurrencies has been a major deterrent for mainstream adoption.

PYMNTS covered on Nov. 25 how cryptocurrencies, and more specifically their underlying blockchain technologies, have gone from a solution in search of a problem to a solution in hopes of some regulatory clarity. Of course, that clarity may come when cryptocurrency companies and other firms embrace and invest in, rather than resist, appropriate guardrails for their industries.

The dynamic situation at home in the U.S. has even led to people like venture capitalist Marc Andreessen arguing that banks are cutting ties with customers on the political right, or with industries such as the cryptocurrency sector.

Advertisement

Writing about the issue earlier this month, PYMNTS argued that while Andreessen’s claims might resonate with the frustrations held by many corners of the cryptocurrency and FinTech sectors, the reality could be far more nuanced than a political assault on those industries.

“After all, innovation typically moves faster than regulation, and the growing strain between traditional banks and future-fit FinTech and crypto firms can also be in part chalked up to the inevitable consequence of outdated regulatory frameworks, stricter know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) standards, as well as heightened fraud risks,” that report said.

Continue Reading

Crypto

Launch the next big cryptocurrency presale inspired by Dogecoin with Blocksync

Published

on

Launch the next big cryptocurrency presale inspired by Dogecoin with Blocksync

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Dogecoin’s rise shows the power of community; Blocksync helps launch crypto projects with secure tools and growth strategies.

Dogecoin started as a joke, yet it became one of the most iconic cryptocurrencies, proving the power of relatability, community, and creativity. For anyone who has dreamed of launching their own crypto project inspired by Dogecoin’s journey, now is the time to act. With the 2025 cryptocurrency market set for explosive growth, launching a presale today gives users the opportunity to secure funding, attract investors, and build a loyal community.

Advertisement

Blocksync is here to turn visions into reality. From designing secure smart contracts to building intuitive presale platforms and executing high-impact marketing campaigns, Blocksync provides all the tools and expertise crypto enthusiasts need to create the next big cryptocurrency success story.

The Dogecoin phenomenon and what it means

Dogecoin’s rise to prominence stemmed from its simplicity, humor, and the strong community it fostered. What began as a lighthearted project quickly grew into a global movement, attracting both retail and institutional investors. Its success showed the world that even seemingly playful ideas could have serious staying power in the blockchain space.

If people are inspired by Dogecoin’s story, they can launch their own cryptocurrency project that combines fun with functionality. Blocksync helps create a presale that aligns with users’ vision, offering investors both entertainment and robust blockchain solutions.

Custom smart contracts for a secure launch

At the core of every successful cryptocurrency is a reliable and transparent smart contract. Blocksync specializes in creating customized smart contracts tailored to users’ project’s specific needs.

The contracts support multiple blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Solana, ensuring that the project appeals to a diverse audience of investors. These contracts prioritize decentralization and security, giving backers confidence that their contributions are handled responsibly.

Advertisement

With Blocksync’s expertise, the project gains the technical foundation it needs to launch securely and attract investor trust.

Professional presale platforms that engage investors

The presale platform is the first impression potential investors will have of the project. Blocksync creates custom presale platforms that combine professional design with intuitive functionality, ensuring the platform captivates and converts visitors.

Key features include:

  • Integrated cryptocurrency payment gateways for seamless transactions.
  • Real-time tracking of presale progress to build transparency and excitement.
  • Responsive designs optimized for mobile and desktop users.

By providing a user-friendly and visually appealing experience, Blocksync ensures the platform reflects the professionalism and vision of the cryptocurrency.

Marketing strategies to build community and momentum

Dogecoin’s success was fueled by its viral nature and strong community engagement. Blocksync’s marketing experts craft strategic campaigns that maximize visibility and attract investors to the project.

Blocksync’s approach includes:

Advertisement
  • Social media campaigns tailored to the project’s unique tone and style.
  • Collaborations with influencers to amplify the message.
  • Press releases and partnerships with top-tier crypto media outlets to establish credibility.

By leveraging platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit, Blocksync helps the project gain the attention and excitement it needs to thrive in the competitive crypto market.

Future-proof solutions for long-term growth

While virality drives initial success, sustainability ensures the project’s longevity. Blocksync provides future-proof blockchain solutions to position users’ cryptocurrency for growth and scalability.

Its services include multi-chain compatibility, staking mechanisms, token utility enhancements, and DeFi integrations. These features ensure the token remains relevant and valuable long after the presale ends.

Comprehensive support for the cryptocurrency journey

Launching a cryptocurrency involves balancing technical development, platform design, and marketing execution. Blocksync simplifies the process by offering end-to-end support, allowing users to focus on building their community and refining their vision.

Blocksync’s comprehensive services include:

Advertisement
  • Developing secure smart contracts tailored to the project’s needs.
  • Designing and building professional presale platforms.
  • Crafting targeted marketing strategies to drive visibility and engagement.
  • Integrating advanced blockchain features for scalability and innovation.

With Blocksync handling the details, users can confidently launch their cryptocurrency presale knowing every aspect has been expertly managed.

Why choose Blocksync?

Blocksync is a trusted partner for blockchain innovators, combining technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and strategic marketing to deliver standout presale projects. The team has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs bring their visions to life and navigate the complexities of the cryptocurrency market.

Whether users are inspired by Dogecoin’s humor and community spirit or want to introduce groundbreaking new features, Blocksync ensures their project stands out and succeeds in the 2025 crypto market.

For more information on Blocksync, visit the official website and Telegram.

Partner with Blocksync today to design, develop, and launch a presale that captures investor interest, builds community, and positions the cryptocurrency for long-term success.

Advertisement

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.

Continue Reading

Crypto

Frax Partners With Securitize on New Stablecoin | PYMNTS.com

Published

on

Frax Partners With Securitize on New Stablecoin | PYMNTS.com

Decentralized stablecoin cryptocurrency protocol Frax Finance launched a stablecoin that it said offers “unprecedented” transparency and custody.

The frxUSD stablecoin is a rebranded evolution of the company’s flagship FRAX stablecoin and will leverage BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), tokenized by Securitize, Frax said in a Thursday (Jan. 2) press release.

The new stablecoin offers direct fiat redemption capabilities and enhanced compliance with U.S. financial systems, according to the release.

“By partnering with Securitize to access and leverage BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund we are setting a new standard for stablecoins,” Frax Finance Founder Sam Kazemian said in the release. “frxUSD combines the transparency and programmability of blockchain technology with the trust and stability of BlackRock’s prime treasury offerings.”

In this new collaboration around the stablecoin, BUIDL will become an enshrined custodian asset for minting and redeeming frxUSD; the stablecoin will be backed by cash, U.S. Treasury bills and repurchase agreements held in BUIDL; and frxUSD will offer seamless fiat on/off-ramping capabilities via the BUIDL infrastructure, per the release.

Advertisement

“Tokenized real-world assets provide an excellent bridge between traditional finance and decentralized finance, bringing institutional-grade investments on-chain with unprecedented transparency and efficiency,” Securitize Co-Founder and CEO Carlos Domingo said in the release. “This collaboration exemplifies the next stage in financial evolution, demonstrating how traditional and decentralized systems can work together to redefine asset management strategies.”

Stablecoins are emerging as a powerful tool bridging the gap between traditional financial technology and the world of cryptocurrencies, PYMNTS reported in October.

As cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset (usually a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar or the euro), stablecoins are able to offer the efficiency and transparency of blockchain technology while providing the familiarity and stability of fiat currencies.

In another, separate development, it was reported Thursday that stablecoin leader Tether has seen its market value decline amid new European Union (EU) cryptocurrency rules, with the company’s USDT having its sharpest weekly drop in two years.

USDT had reached a record market value in mid-December but declined after several EU-based exchanges and Coinbase removed the stablecoin due to compliance issues with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation that took full effect on Dec. 30.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending