**Crypto’s Big Winners: Top-Performing Assets of the Year**
As the year comes to a close, the cryptocurrency market has seen its fair share of surprises. From meme coins to established players, some assets have outperformed others in a big way. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top-performing cryptocurrencies and investments of the year, based on data from CoinGecko and Nasdaq.
**The Rise of Meme Coins: Pepe Takes the Lead**
One of the biggest surprises of the year has been the rise of Pepe (PEPE), a meme coin based on the internet cartoon Pepe the Frog. Despite its humble beginnings, Pepe has surged to become the 28th largest coin by market cap, with a staggering 1,492% increase in value. This Ethereum-based token has made headlines for its absurd rise in value and the fortunes it has made for a small number of traders.
**Sui: The Altcoin King**
Another newcomer to the scene is Sui (SUI), a blockchain developed by ex-Meta engineers. Launched in May 2023, Sui has quickly gained a buzzing DeFi community and its native SUI token has boomed this year. With a 1,193% rise in value, SUI is now the 18th largest cryptocurrency by market cap.
**MicroStrategy: The Winning Bitcoin Stock**
For investors looking for exposure to Bitcoin, MicroStrategy (MSTR) has been a top pick. This software company, led by Michael Saylor, has gone all-in on Bitcoin and its stock has shown impressive returns. With a 464% increase in value, MicroStrategy has outperformed even the likes of Nvidia on the Nasdaq.
**Dogecoin: The O.G. Meme Coin**
Dogecoin (DOGE), the original meme coin, has had a strong year. Created as a joke to poke fun at the proliferation of altcoins, Dogecoin has become the seventh largest crypto by market cap. Its market cap has jumped by 342% this year, thanks in part to the support of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
**XRP: The Comeback Kid**
XRP, the token facilitating transactions on the Ripple network, has had a strong year. With a 286% increase in value, XRP is now the fourth-largest cryptocurrency. Despite a lawsuit from the SEC, XRP has made a comeback and is now a major player in the crypto market.
**Honorable Mention: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust**
Last but not least, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) deserves an honorable mention. This traditional investment vehicle has made it easy for investors to buy and sell shares that track Bitcoin’s price. With over $50 billion in assets under management, IBIT has been a huge success and has played a part in making Bitcoin more accessible to mainstream investors.
**What’s Next for Crypto?**
As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that the cryptocurrency market has been full of surprises. From meme coins to established players, some assets have outperformed others in a big way. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to think about what’s next for crypto. Will we see more meme coins rise to fame? Will established players continue to dominate the market? Only time will tell.
What do you think about the top-performing assets of the year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Decrypt.co
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