Grayscale’s research team unveiled the top 20 cryptocurrencies expected to perform well during the last quarter of 2024. The report saw the introduction of new altcoins like SUI and Bittensor to the list and the removal of some crypto assets like THORChain and Pendle from Q4’s list. 

According to the research, crypto assets included in the list were ranked based on focus areas such as high-performance infrastructure, unique adoption trends, decentralized AI, the appeal of meme coins, and traditional asset tokenization. The team claimed that all the crypto assets included in the top 20 list offered attractive investment opportunities with growth potential and ‘high risk-adjusted returns.’ 

Grayscale brings in new altcoins while reaffirming faith in established tokens

Grayscale Research announced its Top 20 list featuring assets that, in our view, have high potential* for Q4 based on upcoming catalysts, trending market themes, and token-specific fundamentals.

Read the full Report: https://t.co/CAfxiF18kH pic.twitter.com/QwpySro7Ne

— Grayscale (@Grayscale) September 26, 2024

Grayscale research revealed the top 20 diversified digital assets across Crypto Sectors that had potential in Q4 based on token-specific fundamentals and trending market themes. The report included six new altcoins, including Celo (CELO), Optimism (OP), Sui (SUI), UMA Protocol (UMA), Helium (HNT), and Bittensor (TAO). As per the report, Grayscale replaced Raydium, THORChain, Illuvium, Render, Mantle, and Pendle. 

The report disclosed that the FTSE Grayscale Crypto Sectors Index Series was used to measure, monitor, and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the underlying technology in digital assets. Grayscale’s research team explained that the framework was designed to update and rebalance the evolving digital assets marketplace. The last quarterly process ended on September 20. 

The research team recognized Sui for its 80% surge in transaction speed and Bittensor for its enhancement of AI and crypto integration. Grayscale debuted the Grayscale Sui Trust and the Grayscale Bittensor Trust last month to reaffirm its faith in the altcoins’ outstanding performance and great growth potential.

Ethereum Layer 2 solutions Celo (mobile-first chain) and Optimism, as well as UMA supporting the Polymarket prediction platform, were included in the list. The research team noticed them for their projected contributions to payment solutions, scaling solutions, and the transparent, decentralized resolution of market outcomes, respectively. Helium, on the other hand, was recognized for its specialization in DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks).

Solana, Bitcoin, and Ethereum maintain relevance in the volatile crypto market

Grayscale’s report suggested including digital assets like Solana, Bitcoin, Ether, Toncoin, Uniswap, and Chainlink in the Q4 portfolio. The digital assets were recommended due to their good historical performance.

The report also revealed that Ethereum had gained 13%, outperforming other major digital assets. Bitcoin dominated the Currencies sector, while Ethereum faced stiff competition within the Smart Contract Platforms sector. Alternative smart contract platforms like Near, Solana, Tron, and Toncoin also gained traction in 2024. Grayscale’s analysis also projected the growth of the entire smart contract platform sector in Q4

The research team also warned that investing in crypto assets was risky. According to Grayscale, factors like smart contract vulnerabilities and regulatory uncertainties added more risk to crypto investing. The team also cautioned potential investors about the inherent risks of high market volatility.