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 uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of ...

Core Insights - The article provides an overview of major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their foundational differences and market performance [1][2][6]. Bitcoin - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset despite its volatility [2]. - Bitcoin's closing price recently rebounded above $110,000 after a three-month low, showing a year-to-date increase of approximately 20% and is about 9% below its record close earlier this month [3]. Ether - Ether, launched in July 2015 on the Ethereum blockchain, is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market share [4]. - Ether's closing price has recently hovered near $4,000, with a year-to-date increase of around 19%, and is approximately 18% below its record close from August 2025 [4]. XRP - XRP, owned by Ripple and launched in 2012, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has seen increased competition from new coins [5]. Comparative Analysis - 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]. 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 [8].

Group 1: Cryptocurrency Overview - Bitcoin and Ether are considered high-risk investments with foundational differences that investors should understand [1] - XRP is included as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this series began [1] Group 2: Bitcoin Insights - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset [2] - Bitcoin's closing price fell over 10% from its all-time high last week but has recovered some losses, currently up approximately 20% year-to-date and about 9% below its record close from October 2025 [3] Group 3: Ether Insights - Ether operates on the Ethereum blockchain and was launched in July 2015, holding the second largest market share [4] - Ether's closing price briefly dipped below $4,000 this week, is up around 23% year-to-date, and is approximately 15% below its record close from August 2025 [4] Group 4: XRP Overview - XRP, owned by Ripple, was launched in 2012 and was one of the larger cryptocurrencies until newer coins entered the market [5] Group 5: Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to chart Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth [6] - As of the time of writing, Bitcoin leads in price changes since November 9, 2017 [6] Group 6: 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 from issuers such as Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF [8]

Core Insights - The article provides an update on major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their market performance and foundational differences [1][2][3][4]. Bitcoin - Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, reached a record high closing price of $124,000 this week, marking a year-to-date increase of approximately 29% [2]. - Bitcoin is characterized by its volatility but is also viewed as resilient in the market [2]. Ether - Ether, launched in July 2015 on the Ethereum blockchain, has the second largest market share and saw its price rise over 10% this week, reaching its highest level in three weeks [3]. - Year-to-date, Ether's price has increased by around 33% and is approximately 8% below its record close from August 2025 [3]. XRP - XRP, owned by Ripple and launched in 2012, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has since been surpassed by newer entrants [4]. Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, utilizing a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017 [5]. - Currently, Bitcoin leads in price changes among the three cryptocurrencies [5]. 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 [6]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, including Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF [7].

Core Insights - The article provides an update on major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their market performance and foundational differences [1][3][5]. Bitcoin - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset despite its volatility [2]. - Bitcoin's closing price fell below $110,000 for the first time in nearly a month but finished Q3 with a year-to-date gain of approximately 21%, currently ~8% below its record close from August 2025 [3]. Ether - Ether operates on the Ethereum blockchain and was launched in July 2015, holding the second largest market share among cryptocurrencies [4]. - Ether's closing price fell below $4,000 for the first time since early August but ended Q3 with a 67% surge, resulting in a year-to-date gain of approximately 24%, now ~14% below its record close from August 2025 [5]. XRP - XRP, launched in 2012 and owned by Ripple, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has since faced competition from newer coins [6]. Comparative Analysis - 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 [7]. ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, indicating a significant development in the cryptocurrency investment landscape [8]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, further expanding investment options in the cryptocurrency market [9].

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].