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Altcoins in cryptocurrency: analysis of the best coins from Ethereum to Shiba Inu

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The world of digital assets has long gone beyond just Bitcoin. Now altcoins in cryptocurrency are not just analogs of the first coin, but a full-fledged ecosystem that includes various technologies, goals, and applications. To navigate the digital market correctly, it is necessary to understand what altcoins exist, how they are structured, and why they are needed in general. This article will help you understand the essence of the phenomenon and identify which coins truly deserve attention today.

Varieties and functions of altcoins in cryptocurrency

In English translation, altcoins mean “alternative coins,” that is, everything that is not Bitcoin. Their role is diverse: from means of exchange to tokens governing decentralized systems. Today, altcoins in cryptocurrency can be classified into several categories:

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  • Payment coins – used for transferring value. Example – Litecoin;
  • Platform coins – used for smart contracts. The most famous one is Ethereum;
  • Stablecoins – their value is pegged to fiat currencies. A prominent example is Tether;
  • Governance tokens – provide the right to participate in project development, which is especially important for DAO and DeFi;
  • Meme coins – created for community and hype. For example – Dogecoin or Shiba Inu.

Among the goals of such assets, we can highlight increasing transaction speed, enhancing privacy, implementing cloud solutions, and new approaches to managing resources within blockchains.

Top altcoins in cryptocurrency: who deserves attention in 2025?

Against the backdrop of thousands of digital assets, it is important to highlight truly significant ones. Here is a well-known crypto rating that the entire market follows:

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is not just the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, but the foundation for the entire decentralized applications (dApps) segment. Ethereum is a blockchain platform where smart contracts are created and launched. It underpins the DeFi, NFT, and GameFi ecosystems. The transition to Proof-of-Stake has made the network more energy-efficient and sustainable.

Tether (USDT)

USDT is the most popular stablecoin, tightly pegged to the US dollar. It serves as a bridge between fiat and crypto: traders use it as an “intermediate currency” to lock in profits and protect against volatility. Thanks to high liquidity, USDT is present on almost all cryptocurrency exchanges. Despite ongoing discussions about reserve transparency, Tether remains a primary tool in the arsenal of most investors.

BNB (Binance Coin)

BNB is the native token of the largest centralized exchange Binance. Initially used for fee payment on the platform with a discount, BNB’s functionality has expanded with the growth of the Binance ecosystem. It is now used for participating in IEOs, staking, paying for goods, and even booking services. Additionally, the token is actively used in the BNB Chain ecosystem – the company’s proprietary blockchain, making BNB one of the most utilitarian and in-demand altcoins in cryptocurrency.

Solana (SOL)

Solana has gained popularity due to its high throughput (up to 65,000 transactions per second) and low fees. This is particularly important for projects working with NFTs and gaming dApps. Unlike Ethereum, Solana uses a unique combination of Proof-of-History and Proof-of-Stake algorithms, allowing for high speed without compromising decentralization.

XRP (Ripple)

The Ripple project and its token XRP were initially aimed at banks and fintech companies. It addresses the issue of slow and expensive cross-border transfers by offering instant settlements with minimal fees. XRP operates on its own RippleNet and does not require mining, speeding up transaction processing.

Toncoin (TON)

TON is a blockchain platform originally developed by the Telegram team. After legal difficulties, the development was handed over to the community, and now the project is actively evolving as open and decentralized. Toncoin can be used for internal payments in Telegram, service payments, creating smart contracts, and even launching custom tokens. Considering Telegram’s audience, TON has huge potential, especially in the CIS countries.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is a third-generation blockchain created with a scientific approach. Its development is based on academic research and formal code verification. The project offers high scalability, energy efficiency, and a multi-layered architecture, including layers for computations and smart contracts. Cardano is particularly popular in developing countries, where it is used for implementing educational, medical, and financial solutions.

Shiba Inu (SHIB)

SHIB started as a meme token in the spirit of Dogecoin but quickly evolved into an ambitious crypto project with the decentralized exchange ShibaSwap, an NFT direction, and plans to create a metaverse. Behind its growth is not just hype but strong community support. The main advantage of SHIB is active users creating a real ecosystem around the token.

Avalanche (AVAX)

Avalanche is positioned as a blockchain with ultra-fast transaction processing and the ability to launch custom networks. Its architecture allows for the parallel operation of thousands of independent blockchains (subnets), each of which can be tailored to specific goals. The project actively competes with Ethereum in the DeFi space, attracting developers with low fees and a flexible dApp deployment system.

The listed alternative cryptocurrencies hold stable positions in the market and have significant market capitalization. However, one should remember the volatility and risks inherent in the industry.

How to choose a platform for buying and storing?

Before starting to work with cryptocurrency, it is important to make a well-thought-out choice of a trading platform. The security of your funds, ease of use, and overall operational efficiency directly depend on how reliable and convenient the exchange is. Below are key criteria to consider when choosing a crypto exchange:

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  • Presence of licenses and regulation of the exchange;
  • Account protection level (2FA, KYC);
  • Fees for deposits/withdrawals and trading;
  • Availability of popular tokens;
  • Convenience of the interface and responsiveness of customer support.

Among the popular platforms, Binance, Bybit, Kraken, OKX, and KuCoin stand out. Many of them support altcoins in cryptocurrency with high liquidity and offer advanced trading features.

Is it worth investing in altcoins in cryptocurrency in 2025?

Investing in altcoins in cryptocurrency is possible, but it should be done with a calculated approach. They are not just “cheap versions of Bitcoin” but independent products with different logic, purpose, and potential. Their volatility may be intimidating, but with a smart approach, they offer an excellent opportunity to grow capital, especially if you understand the purpose of altcoins and can distinguish between empty projects and truly useful solutions.

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In the era of rapid growth of digital assets, the question of how to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly becomes particularly relevant. Mistakes in selection lead to fund losses, hacking, and loss of access to the currency. It is important to study the features of each type of storage in advance, understand security principles, and take into account legislative nuances.

Key principles of cryptocurrency storage

The security of digital assets directly depends on the proper organization of storage. When a person first considers how to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly, they have to delve into the terminology and encryption technology.

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There are several key approaches: using hardware devices, software solutions, browser extensions, and exchange wallets. Each option has its strengths and vulnerabilities, so a smart combination of multiple methods helps minimize risks.

How to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly: understanding types

Wallet selection starts with determining where the currency will be stored and how much funds are planned to be placed. Hardware solutions, such as Ledger or Trezor, are considered among the most secure crypto wallets. They are not constantly connected to the internet and reliably protect keys.

Software wallets, like Exodus or Electrum, are installed on a computer or smartphone. Their advantage lies in easy access and fast transactions. However, device vulnerability makes them a target for hackers.

Browser solutions and exchange accounts are suitable for active trading. But they rely entirely on server protection, and the risk of fund loss in case of hacking is higher. For this reason, when contemplating how to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly, it is important to consider the intended use and transaction frequency.

Pros and cons of different options: where to store cryptocurrency?

To make decisions based on facts, it is necessary to study the advantages and weaknesses of each format. Below is a list of features that will help understand the details:

  • hardware devices guarantee a high level of protection due to autonomous key storage;
  • software wallets are convenient for daily use but require special attention to device security;
  • online solutions provide fast sending and receiving of funds, but depend on the service’s reputation;
  • multicurrency applications allow storing different assets in one interface;
  • open-source wallets provide more control over privacy.

These nuances should be considered when making a decision.

How to choose a wallet: security questions

Cryptocurrency security is a key factor in the selection process. Modern encryption technologies help protect keys and passwords. However, the owner’s behavior also plays an important role. Leaving access data on a computer or in a browser is extremely risky.

Many beginners overlook backing up the seed phrase – a special set of words that restores the wallet in case of device loss. To understand how to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly, it is necessary to study manufacturers’ recommendations and create multiple copies of keys, keeping them separate from devices.

Which wallet to choose for beginners?

In the absence of experience, preference is often given to software solutions with a user-friendly interface. Such applications allow quick mastery of transaction principles without delving into technical details. However, when storing significant amounts, it is advisable to switch to hardware devices.

For those who want to use cryptocurrency for active trading, integrations with exchanges and exchangers are important. Services like Trust Wallet or MetaMask are well suited for novice users.

How to choose a wallet for long-term storage?

If the goal is to accumulate funds without frequent transactions, cold wallets are considered more reliable. They are completely disconnected from the network and almost invulnerable to online attacks.

To make storage as secure as possible, it is advisable to prepare backup copies of the seed phrase and keep devices in a safe. This approach protects against data theft and physical access.

Encryption technologies and the role of legislation

Modern wallets use AES-256 algorithms and multisignatures, which complicate hacking. However, it is important to consider that in some countries there are requirements for income declaration and reporting on fund movements.

Every user should study the laws of their jurisdiction in advance. Non-compliance with requirements can lead to fines or account blocking. When considering how to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly, it is important to remember about regulation and the legal status of digital assets.

Wallet selection: interface and support questions

The quality of the interface and the availability of support services are important for comfortable operation. Some applications are released with Russian language support and integration with exchanges.

Convenience of backup and the ability to adjust security levels help make cryptocurrency use more secure.

How to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly: main criteria

When making a decision, it is important to consider several key factors. Each of them affects the safety of funds and ease of use. Below is a list of parameters to pay attention to:

  • availability of multicurrency support and integration with exchanges;
  • quality of encryption and key storage technologies;
  • ability for quick locking in case of access loss;
  • backup and recovery functionality;
  • support for hardware and software protection methods.

A comprehensive approach allows creating a reliable storage system that is resistant to attacks and technical failures.

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Conclusion

The question of how to choose a cryptocurrency wallet correctly requires a serious approach and analysis. The security of digital assets begins with understanding risks and realizing that fund storage is associated with responsibility.

Proper planning, the use of modern encryption technologies, and compliance with legislation allow creating a reliable infrastructure for managing cryptocurrency. With the right wallet choice, the crypto sphere becomes not only an environment for investments but also a foundation of confidence in the future!

Brokers no longer shout on exchanges. They have been replaced by millions of retail traders — with concern in their eyes and a smartphone in hand. But the emotions remain the same. They are still at the helm — panic and greed lead the game. It is they who dictate behavior, sometimes more than any fundamental news. This effect has raised the cryptocurrency fear and greed index — a concise but informative indicator. It has learned to diagnose general panic and frenzy.

How the Crypto Thermometer Emerged

The Fear and Greed Index formula first appeared in the stock market. CNNMoney developed it for stocks. Later, the adaptation for cryptocurrency turned the indicator into one of the most discussed market analysis triggers for cryptocurrencies.

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The adapted version was based on the behavior of participants in the bitcoin market, aggregating data from several independent sources. In a short period, the cryptocurrency fear and greed index became part of the daily routine of traders and investors seeking subtle entry or exit signals.

Calculation Mechanics

The cryptocurrency fear and greed index fluctuates from 0 to 100. The closer to zero — the deeper the panic, the closer to one hundred — the stronger the greed. It is updated daily and relies on 6 data sources:

  1. Market Volatility — comparing the current BTC price with its 30-day and 90-day averages. Sharp jumps are interpreted as concern.
  2. Impulse and Volumes — interest growth alongside price increase indicates greed.
  3. Social Signals — number of mentions and growth rates for the search term “Bitcoin” and derivatives on Google Trends.
  4. Surveys and Opinions — historically conducted manually, temporarily frozen.
  5. Bitcoin (BTC) Dominance — BTC share growth is interpreted as concern (exodus from alts), decrease as greed (hunt for profit).
  6. Search Trends — tracking demand for phrases like “crypto crash,” “how to sell BTC fast,” and other panic markers.

The combination of these parameters yields a single value — daily, at 00:00 UTC. A value below 25 indicates extreme fear, above 75 indicates extreme greed.

How to Use the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index

In real trading, it is useful when working at range boundaries. Traders and investors use it as a contrarian indicator — counter-trend filter.

Example: on March 12, 2020, the index showed 10 — the lowest level in history. It was then that Bitcoin dropped below $5,000. A month later — recovery to $7,000.
And vice versa: in November 2021, the index soared above 75 amid BTC rising above $60,000. After that, a reversal began.

Application of the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index

The cryptocurrency fear and greed index does not give a “buy/sell” signal, but helps interpret the market.

Finding a Profitable Entry Point

A low level (0–25) signals potential oversold conditions. At the same time, technical indicators (RSI, MACD) also confirm a potential reversal — an opportunity to “go against the crowd.”

Profit Taking

A high value (75–100) amid growing FOMO may signal excessive enthusiasm. This moment is a signal to reduce positions or take profits.

Assessing Altcoin Sentiment

When the index drops, altcoins often lose liquidity faster than BTC. Skillful sentiment interpretation helps predict sharper movements outside the bitcoin sector.

Mass Psychology: From Fear to FOMO and Back

The mood of the cryptocurrency market depends on the news background, actions of major holders, and even tweets of individual persons. Panic spreads faster than common sense.
Fear acts as a lever. Concern triggers sell-offs. Desire for profit pushes towards impulsive purchases.

FOMO, or fear of missing out, often accompanies extreme greed. A reading of 90+ is a clear signal of overheating and the entry of the “late majority.”

Common Mistakes in Interpreting the Indicator

The cryptocurrency fear and greed index provides a powerful but sensitive tool. Errors in its use reduce decision-making effectiveness:

  1. Ignoring the Long-Term Trend. The indicator is relevant only in the context of the macro trend.
  2. Direct Reaction. A high level does not mean an immediate drop, and a low level does not mean an immediate rise.
  3. Failure to Perform Comprehensive Analysis. The indicator should complement, not replace, technical and fundamental analysis.
  4. Use without Time Interval Filter. Indicators are short-term. Aggregation by periods is important for weekly and monthly decisions.
  5. Substitution of Logic with Emotions. Helps avoid emotional decisions, but blind adherence creates new pitfalls.

Connection with Other Indicators

The cryptocurrency fear and greed index enhances its value when combined with other metrics:

  1. RSI (Relative Strength Index) — identifies overbought/oversold zones.
  2. Trading Volume — confirms the truth of the impulse.
  3. Market Structure (Order Book, Liquidations) — complements crowd behavior.
  4. Derivatives Data — futures and options provide a signal about institutional sentiment.

This approach turns the index into a signaling lamp — not a control system, but a directional hint for decisions based on specific risks.

Nuances and Limitations

Market volatility directly affects the accuracy of the indicator. During a flat market, the BTC index is often underestimated — volumes decrease, and interest wanes. But fear may not actually be present. During news peaks, it reacts to emotions, losing stability. Here, a manual filter or an extended slice is needed.

Applying the index to altcoins in isolation is not advisable. Their dynamics are determined by tokenomics, liquidity, holdings, and blockchain connection. Even with similar sentiment, behavior can differ.

Adapting the Index for DeFi, NFT, and Other Sectors

The calculation principle remains tailored to BTC and major alts. Within the cryptocurrency market analysis, an extended interpretation allows adapting it to the DeFi sector:

  1. For NFTs — measuring activity on Twitter, platform growth (OpenSea, Blur), and dynamics of terms like “rug pull,” “pump,” etc.
  2. In DeFi — analyzing Total Value Locked (TVL), DAO behavior, and changes in APR on platforms.
  3. In Layer-2 — activity growth, token bridge, and cross-chain transactions.

Formally, these metrics are not part of the original Fear and Greed Index. Indirect correlation with the base metric allows building extended sentiment models.

The Future of the Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index

With the development of AI and on-chain analytics, the fear and greed indicator may evolve into a dynamic strategic metric tied to:

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  1. Real liquidity volume (via DEX/CEX API).
  2. Wallet activity (new addresses, movements).
  3. AI sentiment analysis on social media (thematic NLP).

It will transform from a guide into a component of a system for automated trading and risk assessment.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency fear and greed index does not replace technical analysis and does not predict BTC price. It reflects crowd sentiment — from panic to euphoria — and helps avoid emotional decision-making. This indicator does not pinpoint entry points, but advises when to keep a cool head. Using it wisely means protecting against FOMO and avoiding herd mentality.