?>

Which Altcoins Made The News in H1 of 2021

2 k views
Which Altcoins Made The News in H1 of 2021

Altcoins are constantly jostling to make a mark in the crypto world. After Bitcoin and Ethereum, the race to be the third cryptocurrency force keeps heating up yearly. Many strong contenders with different use cases promise more than the big two currently offer.

As a result, many are making their mark in a big way, for good and not-so-good reasons, as long as they stand out from meme coins that ride the celebrity popularity wave and crash just as fast to more severe contenders in terms of use cases. The article shall highlight the altcoins that hit the headlines significantly for the first half of 2021.

ADA

ADA has been one of the altcoins to watch during the first half of 2021. The coin from the Cardano blockchain was launched in 2015 by Ethereum’s co-founder Charles Hoskinson. Its aims are so diverse that large mainstream news posts like one by Bloomberg see its potential as a legitimate global governance option.

Why ADA Made the News

Firstly, the coin’s blockchain hit milestones That Stunned the Crypto World. 2021 is the year when the Alonzo hard fork finally landed. While it came online in the third quarter of the year, discussions and news regarding the upgrade started much earlier. The upgrade promises full compatibility with smart contracts. Ethereum is where it is, thanks to intelligent contracts and DeFi, enjoying dominance in the space for a while now. Alonzo’s purple testnet has recently become the world’s first public mainnet that supports DeFi. Such a statement sends a strong signal in a DeFi space dominated by Ethereum.

The blockchain also achieved complete mining decentralization, meaning that 100% of the creation of new blocks is within the community’s hands. While the fact goes for other blockchains like Bitcoin, the difference is in the ownership of the pools. Bitcoin’s ten largest mining pools accounted for around 85% of blockchain block creation. Analysts believe Cardano is the most decentralized blockchain as a result.

The coin also enjoyed strong price movements. It started the year as the 8th largest by market cap. The price then was hovering at around $0.18. ADA has the 3rd largest market cap in the crypto world, at$2.16. Thus, the current value of ADA is 12 times larger than what it was at the start of the year.

ADA’s Cardano blockchain is also one of the few focusing on future upgrades and development. The platform works on issues as diverse as payments and voting to create programs without knowing programming languages. It is even working on ways to manage national fiat currencies, arguably the biggest competition to cryptos. To do all this, the blockchain development timeframe lies between five eras. They are Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho, and Voltaire.

Binance Coin

Another strong contender for the number 3 is the Binance coin (BNB) from the Binance chain. In summary, it can even become ADA’s most significant challenge for the No 3 position. The coin was launched as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum in 2017 before moving to its own Binance Smart Chain. Its consensus is proof of authority.

Why Binance Coin Made the News

BNB is the native coin of the world’s largest crypto exchange platform, the Binance exchange. Using the currency to complete transactions on the exchange cuts prices by half. Such a situation naturally creates a strong demand for BNB, its performance and price movements are always on news sites’ radars.

To say the coin’s price movements have been astounding is an understatement. 2021 has been the year BNB broke out of its shell in terms of price gains. At the start of the year, the price hovered at around $37. By the end of the first half of 2021 (June 31), the prices were around $303. The coin is bound to finish the year strongly, with prices currently hovering around the $400 mark, attracting news sites.

Dogecoin

Dogecoin is the world’s largest meme coin, released in 2013. However, it came to the financial scene as a joke aimed at throwing jabs at the massive cryptocurrency speculation. Nevertheless, the coin has a strong following and interest, including from whales.

Why Dogecoin Made the News

Dogecoin is always on the spot as the joke that perhaps held on for too long. It came about to make jabs at high crypto volatility rates, and that’s just what it did. It has been exceedingly volatile and sensitive to giant whales and the personality figures mentioned.

Four tweets by billionaire Elon Musk during the first half of 2021 catapulted it to become one of the top cryptos, the third-largest by market cap. Of particular interest were two February 2021 tweets that say the crypto gained 40% in value. And there was a tweet by the billionaire on March 20, 2021, which saw the coin gain 11% overnight. Musk’s tweets saw the coin hit its highest-ever market cap at $85bn.

Times haven’t been as good lately, though, for Doge. Its market cap is markedly lower, currently at position 10 with a $28bn market cap. News pieces have also been keen to note it.

Solana

Solana’s SOL has been another crypto that is constantly on the news. Initially released in 2019, the crypto stands out as a potential challenge to Ethereum’s dominance in the DeFi and Smart Contract space.

Why SOL Made the News

SOL has enjoyed robust demand thanks to the promise of much lower transaction costs than Ethereum’s gwei, coupled with faster speeds. Prices have, in turn, received a significant boost thanks to the increased demand, making SOL a news darling where costs are concerned.

The price of SOL hovered at around $1.8 at the start of 2021. However, by the end of H1 of 2021, it sold a unit at an average of $35. And the world is yet to see many of SOL’s astronomical price gains this year. Prices are currently at $160 and climbing! So it is no wonder that SOL has hit the news in H1 and should continue being on the information for the rest of the year.

Tether

As the largest stablecoin globally, Tether is a force to reckon with in the crypto world. First circulated in 2014 by Bitfinex, the crypto is one of the older and more recognizable coins. So naturally, therefore, any development with the coin or its native blockchain is always a news magnate.

Why SOL Made the News

Unlike other newsmakers in the article, Tether’s impressive market cap gains haven’t resulted from price gains. As a stablecoin, its price is always $1, which is the blockchain’s target. Nevertheless, its market cap has seen tremendous growth, from $29b at the start of the year to $50b by April of the same year. It shows that crypto enjoys massive adoption rather than speculative expansion, something news channels have pointed out quickly.

On a less rosy note, revelations point to the coin not being as stable and sustainable as it had been touted since its inception. It was meant to have $1 in reserves for every Tether to sustain its price. However, reports that reviewed its resources show that the backing by cash only amounts to about 2.9% of what investors expect. That’s something news sites jumped on from the onset.

In Summary

Many altcoins strive to be the next big thing in the blockchain world, so many expect more use cases and value growth. Several notable players are setting themselves apart as the group to watch.

Cardano coin symbol
Ada
Cardano
$0,346695
price
red chart
decrease symbol2.0309%
price change
TRADE NOW

ADA, BNB, SOL, Doge, and Tether have stood out among the thousands of altcoins in circulation. However, it has been a mix of good and bad news for the bunch. ADA, BNB, and SOL have been in the headlines for all the good reasons, promising more returns on investments and usability. However, Doge is a pariah of volatile cryptos, while Tether has enjoyed good growth without reserves to sustain its backing.

Previous

A Bitcoin ETF Has Arrived In The United States

Next

Earliest Cryptocurrencies with DeFi-like Characteristics

Written by

282 posts

Adam is an outgoing young lad who likes adventures and discovering new things.

VIEW AUTHOR

More author posts

Four Reasons Why National Governments Should Hold Bitcoin in their National Reserves

The dawn of cryptos ushered in what we can term as the next step in the evolution of money. Unlike the tradition of fiat currencies, they offer a financial world that lacks a central authority that controls the money-making process. In addition, transaction costs are comparatively cheaper thanks to its peer-to-peer network system. While the positives are in the open for all to see, cryptos' uptake by governments has been, at best, disheartening. This is because they prefer to stick…

Earliest Cryptocurrencies with DeFi-like Characteristics

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is the center of these crypto transactions. However, DeFi is an innovative niche that many enthusiasts still need to explore fully. Nevertheless, numerous smaller crypto assets with similar characteristics to DeFi tokens already exist. Binance Chain, PancakeSwap, and Uniswap are examples of DeFi platforms that harbor such investments. However, the others operate on their blockchain networks. What are Some DeFi Characteristics DeFi represents an experimental form of finance that does not depend on central intermediaries like banks,…

Which Altcoins Made The News in H1 of 2021

Altcoins are constantly jostling to make a mark in the crypto world. After Bitcoin and Ethereum, the race to be the third cryptocurrency force keeps heating up yearly. Many strong contenders with different use cases promise more than the big two currently offer. As a result, many are making their mark in a big way, for good and not-so-good reasons, as long as they stand out from meme coins that ride the celebrity popularity wave and crash just as fast…

Has El Salvador’s Bitcoin Legal Tender Stance Impacted the Crypto Adoption?

El Salvador is a country in Central America that borders the Pacific Ocean to the north. It also borders Guatemala to the southeast and Honduras to the southwest. It has recently adopted Bitcoin as its legal tender. BTC is now a lawful means of payment in the country. For some time now, many countries have turned their attention to the "future of finance." This act has triggered numerous reactions worldwide. Also, many countries take sides between backing and condemning crypto adoption.  Why…

How Profitable is Crypto Yield Farming?

At its core, Yield farming, also known as liquidity harvesting, involves the art of lending cryptocurrency. It provides more lucrative returns than any other cryptocurrency or conventional investment. It's a chance for the bold and risk-averse digital holders to win big. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering whether to regulate the process. In lending cryptocurrencies, the owner profits when the coin appreciates. Therefore, yield farming is an incentive that stimulates the adoption and growth of cryptocurrencies. Yield farming…

Which CBDC is Likely to Dominate the Global Financial Markets?

In a volatile crypto market, developers found a way to stabilize trade. The solution comes from the invention of stablecoins, which entered the market in 2014. Stablecoins are digital currencies linked to an asset or a currency. Some of the most popular assets include gold and fiat currencies. The promise of CBDC currencies can lead this evolution to the next step. The US Dollar backs the majority of stablecoins circulating the DeFi ecosystem. Therefore, the value fluctuations of digital currency remain at…

Publish your own article

Guest post article. Guaranteed publishing with just a few clicks

START PUBLISHING ADVERTISE WITH US

Browse categories

Explore trending topics in the crypto community right now.

Bitcoin

SEC Greenlights Multiple Bitcoin ETFs, Signaling Major Leap for Cryptocurrency Markets

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made a landmark decision by approving 11 spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move represents a significant moment in the cryptocurrency industry, marking a shift towards greater institutional adoption and accessibility for investors. The approved ETFs include products from major firms such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Bitwise Bitcoin ETP Trust, WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust, VanEck Bitcoin Trust, Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin…

Bitcoin Should be Banned in the United States: Charlie Munger

Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman, Charlie Munger, called for a ban on cryptocurrency in the United States on Monday, similar to the one in China.  In an op-ed published with the Wall Street Journal, Munger argued that Bitcoin isn’t a currency, commodity, or security, but simply a form of gambling “ with a nearly 100% edge for the house. As such, the enactment of a federal law should ban such things from happening. Munger cited the Chinese communist party’s ban on…

Tesla’s BTC Positions Remained Unchanged in Q4 of 2022

According to a new earning report from automotive manufacturer Tesla, the company did not sell any of its BTC holdings in the fourth quarter of 2022. Amid speculations that the company had traded BTC during the testing bears, CEO Elon Musk revealed it was yet holding on to its BTC stash. Tesla Maintains Holdings After Initial Sell-Off In Q2 of 2022, Tesla opted to sell 75% of all its BTC. The car manufacturer received close to $950M in exchange. Notably,…

Here’s When Grayscale Debates the SEC in Court on its Bitcoin Spot ETF

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has marked a date for when Grayscale and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may present oral arguments regarding the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF.  Each side will present its case at 9:30 am ET on March 7, with the SEC arguing against the product, and Grayscale arguing in favor.  Grayscale VS SEC The court date – revealed in a court order filed on Monday according to CNBC – is much earlier…

MORE ARTICLES

Ethereum

Ethereum’s Zhejiang Staking Withdrawal Testnet for Shanghai is Live

At 15:00 UTC on Wednesday, the much-anticipated Zhejiang testnet for staking withdrawal went live on Ethereum’s Beacon chain. Zhejiang will enable the testing of the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 4895 which allows for staking withdrawals. This is in preparation for the network’s next major update, the Shanghai hard fork slated to launch sometime in March. Users Can Make Simulated Withdrawals with Zhejiang In a tweet yesterday, DevOps engineer at Ethereum foundation Barnabas Busa gave details about the Zhejiang testnet slated…

Ethereum Devs Disagree Over Technical Tweak as Shanghai Upgrade Nears

Post-merge Ethereum users have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the network’s next major upgrade, Shanghai. However, after over 3 months of prep time, it appears the Shanghai rollout isn’t going as smoothly as expected. What Exactly is the Shanghai Upgrade? In September last year, the much-publicized Ethereum Merge also known as the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade went live. Ethereum underwent some significant changes as its consensus mechanism transitioned from proof-of-work to a cost-efficient proof-of-stake system.  However, since the Beacon launch…

FTX Hacker Converts 50k Stolen ETH to BTC

Per a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the attacker behind the Nov 11 FTX exploit, is converting the stolen ETH to Bitcoin. There were muted fears the seemingly inexperienced perpetrator could dump all its ETH holdings. On Sunday, the attacker dumped 50k ETH on-chain, with ETH's price dipping by almost 7%.  https://twitter.com/chainalysis/status/1594349583416840199?s=20&t=pgvQHeVytI20eKQ1ls9bxw Hacker Moves 50,000 ETH to New Address Over the past week, the perpetrator had been steadily swapping the cryptocurrencies they had carted off for Ether tokens. This…

Censorship Concerns: 51% of Ethereum Blocks Now OFAC Compliant

According to new data, over half of the blocks on the Ethereum network now reportedly comply with the US Treasury OFAC’s standards. This comes roughly a month after the platform’s monumental merge update. Phasing Out Tornado Cash The Office of Foreign Assets Control is the intelligence and enforcement agency of the US  Treasury Department. Indeed, the OFAC administers and enforces US  financial sanctions. A prime example of this is the recent, highly-publicized ban on crypto mixer Tornado Cash.  According to…

MORE ARTICLES

Trading

How to Leverage Arbitrage Opportunities in Crypto Markets

Cryptocurrency arbitrage has become an increasingly popular investment strategy as the crypto market grows and evolves. Arbitrage involves taking advantage of pricing discrepancies between markets or exchanges to profit.  Investors can leverage profit opportunities by understanding cryptocurrency arbitrage while managing associated risks. In this guide, we'll explore cryptocurrency arbitrage and how it works. A Bitcoin-related example will help us illustrate the concepts of this strategy. What is Arbitrage and How Does it Work in Crypto Markets Crypto arbitrage trading is…

The Different Types of Copy Trading in Crypto

Are you interested in trading cryptocurrencies but feel intimidated by the complexity of the process? Copy trading is a great way to get into crypto without needing to be an experienced trader. With copy trading, investors can benefit from the experience and knowledge of more experienced traders, allowing even beginners to succeed. How does copy trading work, and which tips do you need to know to succeed? In this article, we'll explore all aspects of copy trading in crypto. What…

How to Spot an Unsafe Crypto Exchange

Cryptocurrency exchanges have become increasingly popular as they provide a platform for people to buy and sell digital assets. Unfortunately, not all crypto exchanges are safe or reliable.  With the rise of cybercrime and fraud, you must learn to spot an unsafe crypto exchange before investing your money. This guide will help beginners identify and avoid potential risks when selecting a cryptocurrency exchange.  The Role of Crypto Exchanges on the Digital Assets Market Cryptocurrency exchanges play a crucial role in…

What Is Grid Trading in Crypto?

Crypto grid trading has become a popular strategy because of its ability to help traders capitalize on market volatility. Grid trading means you can produce consistent profits by taking advantage of price differences in different markets or time frames. By establishing buy and sell orders at predetermined intervals, you can take advantage of these fluctuations in an automated way. This guide will explore the different aspects of grid trading and provide an overview of its benefits, challenges, and more. Through…

MORE ARTICLES

Tech

Introducing una Messenger: A Paradigm Shift in Blockchain Connectivity

The digital landscape is set for an unprecedented transformation with the introduction of una Messenger, the latest innovation from web3 development powerhouse Wemade. This platform represents an evolution of the "PAPYRUS Messenger," serving as the cornerstone of the ambitious "unagi" initiative, aimed at catalyzing the mass adoption of blockchain technology. The "Unbound Networking & Accelerating Growth Initiative" seeks to bridge the divides between diverse blockchain services and networks, heralding a new era of interconnectedness. A New Frontier in Blockchain Communication…

Bit2Me Champions WEMIX Token in Pioneering European Listing

Bit2Me, Spain's premier virtual asset exchange, has recently broadened the horizons for cryptocurrency enthusiasts by listing WEMIX, the cornerstone token of the WEMIX3.0 blockchain ecosystem. This marks a notable achievement as WEMIX's inaugural venture into the European market, emphasizing the token's role in facilitating a range of blockchain-based activities, from gaming transactions to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Launched with the intention to democratize access to WEMIX for the 450 million Spanish speakers around the globe, this strategic move aligns with…

CryptoVirally Expands with Fresh Crypto Marketing Offers and Cointelegraph Upgrades

In an exciting update for the cryptocurrency marketing landscape, CryptoVirally has announced a series of new entries and enhancements to its already comprehensive range of services. These updates, aimed at providing tailored marketing solutions for crypto projects, include new limited-time offers and expanded options for Cointelegraph publications. Limited Offers: A Game-Changer in Crypto Marketing  CryptoVirally's limited offers section presents an enticing opportunity for crypto projects to leverage high-impact marketing services at discounted rates. These offers, available for a limited period,…

Breaking Boundaries in Blockchain: WEMIX’s ‘una Wallet’ Sets New Standard for Multi-Chain Asset Management

The WEMIX Foundation has unveiled 'una Wallet,' a revolutionary digital wallet designed to offer unparalleled convenience and security in managing digital assets across various blockchain networks. The announcement, made on January 17, 2024, signifies a new era in the seamless integration of multiple blockchain protocols, including Arbitrum, Avalanche, BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Kroma, Optimism, Polygon, and WEMIX3.0. 'una Wallet' is more than just a digital wallet; it represents the culmination of WEMIX's innovative efforts in the blockchain space. It serves…

MORE ARTICLES