Will The Cryptocurrency Market Mature in 2018?

When I look back on 2017 I realize that it has been one of the most exciting years for the crypto world. Bitcoin reached new heights, unimaginable a few years ago and certainly not thought of in the widest estimates at the time of its inception. Ethereum has received more recognition as the go-to blockchain for developing apps and Ripple is starting to become the new buzzword in the banking sector.

But then along with the blazing success came some issues. The general impression that the crypto trading market gives is that of a highly volatile environment which can see very high upswings and sudden crashes. The factors could be dependent on anything. The volatility could be completely unpredictable especially if the factors are not known. Moreover, any small or big incident or financial decisions taken by governments in any part of the world can have an immediate effect on the market.

While countries such as Japan have given legitimacy to cryptocurrency, others have clamped down hard affecting the future of investments made by the people in those countries. More merchants are ready for accept cryptocurrencies but confusing signals from governments have hampered the process.

Many would remember the dot coming bubble which had eventually burst. Now there is a bubble in the cryptocurrency market. The question on everyone's mind is whether to compare the forming crypto bubble to the dotcom bubble more than a decade ago. Bitcoin was valued at 800 USD a year ago but is now at 12000 USD after reaching a high of 20000 USD. There are certain signs of a bubble that could burst - or maybe not?

What has encouraged investors is that after a dip there is always an increase which shows that the market has an ability to bounce back. It is this resilience that has caused more investors flocking to upcoming ICOs which show some promise. A country like Venezuela coming out with ts own coin has only added virality to the news that cryptocurrency could be the answer to many problems in the world today. Besides blockchain technology is also gaining acceptance in the commercial world where businesses are planning to embrace it in the future.

While Bitcoin made it possible to display the advantages of an alternate financial system, it does have its demerits. Ripple took over almost immediately as Bitcoin issues of speed started showing. Not only has it been touted as a solution to many banking related problems but it has attracted many financial institutions due to its speed and its ability to integrate with their systems.

I think the maturity of the market will depend upon how fears of the bubble bursting play out. If there is a major dip but is followed by upward corrections it will prove once again that cryptocurrency is being seen as a long term solution to many financial problems. The picture will become clearer by the end of 2018 especially if institutions invest in the markets.

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