The cryptocurrency market cap grew by 13% during the fourth quarter, despite a decrease observed in December. According to the World Bank, in 2021, it grew by 185% to $2.2 trillion, which is almost equal to India’s 2020 GDP ($2.66 trillion).
At the end of the fourth quarter and the year 2021, the crypto market was surpassed only by the two world’s largest public companies in terms of market cap — Apple and Microsoft.
Trading volumes also increased by 13% for the reporting period, having not fully recovered after a 38% fall recorded during the previous quarter. Trading activity decreased sharply in December — a typical scenario for the end of the year.
The average value of the Crypto Fear & Greed Index stood in the “Neutral Zone” at 53 points.
Among the major cryptocurrencies, Polkadot (DOT), Algorand (ALGO) and Ethereum (ETH) balances recorded the largest increase for the reporting quarter. DOT and ALGO also were the most accumulated assets during the third quarter of 2021. Cardano balances (ADA) recorded the largest decrease, despite a 73% growth observed in the previous quarter.
Top 10 cryptocurrencies by balance
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Exmo Coin (EXM), Tether (USDT), Ton (TONCOIN), Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), Litecoin (LTC) and Ethereum Classic (ETC) hit the top 10 cryptocurrency list in terms of user balances, at the end of the quarter.
Almost two-thirds of cryptocurrencies delivered negative returns for the quarter. About 68% of all digital assets fell by more than 5%, while more than half of the assets dropped by over 15%. At the same time, almost half of all cryptocurrencies closed the quarter with positive returns, showing an increase of above 30%.
Among all cryptocurrencies listed on EXMO, TON (+239%), polkadot (+60%) and roobee (+48%) recorded the largest increase in the number of holders. The number of ethereum (-3%), vitae (-3%) and bitcoin gold (-3%) holders decreased the most.
Top 10 cryptocurrencies by the number of holders
Bitcoin (BTC), XRP (XRP), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Exmo Coin (EXM), Tron (TRX), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Stellar (XLM) hit the top 10 cryptocurrency list in terms of the number of holders, at the end of the quarter.
This is a short summary of the key quarterly outcomes. Read the full version in the Crypto market analytical snapshot .
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