For a better understanding of crypto market cycles, read more here. Bitcoin This weekly update tracks some of the largest cryptocurrencies by market share: bitcoin and ether. While both are considered to be high-risk when it comes to investing, the two have foundational differences that investors should know. We've also included XRP, as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this series began. According to Wikipedia, a cryptocurrency is "a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that ...

Experienced bitcoin investors know that since that largest cryptocurrency debuted almost 17 years ago, it's often moved in four-year cycles centering on halvings. Those events reduce the number of rewards accrued by miners. Market participants who aren't yet involved with bitcoin or ETFs like the Coinshares Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR) can examine the cycle's history. They'll find the digital asset typically surges in the months immediately following the halving on its way to new highs before it succumbs to ...

Group 1: Cryptocurrency Overview - The article discusses major cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their foundational differences and market positions [1][6]. - Bitcoin is recognized as the first cryptocurrency and has evolved into a mainstream financial asset since its inception in 2009 [2][3]. - Ether, launched in 2015, operates on the Ethereum blockchain and holds the second-largest market share among cryptocurrencies [4]. Group 2: Price Performance - Bitcoin's closing price has increased, reaching its highest level in four weeks, with a year-to-date increase of approximately 23% and is about 6% below its record close from August 2025 [3]. - Ether's closing price rose over 5% in the past week, now close to $4,600, with a year-to-date increase of around 37% and is approximately 5% below its record close from August 2025 [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017, with Bitcoin currently leading [6]. - XRP, launched in 2012 by Ripple, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has seen its position affected by the emergence of new coins [5]. Group 4: ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund [7]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, including Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF, providing new investment opportunities in the Ether market [8].

For much of its nearly 17 years on the market, bitcoin has been viewed as a volatile asset. The largest cryptocurrency's history is chock full of dramatic price swings in both directions and extended periods of turbulence. However, that condition isn't a permanent affliction. In fact, bitcoin volatility is waning. And that could be good news for spot prices and ETFs like the Coinshares Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR). Whether it's by way of direct ownership or via an ETF like BRRR, investors would love to take ...