Crypto Second Half of 2018: Investors were not pleased with the first half of 2018. While some focused on the S&P 500 (it’s up 1% YTD, instead of the usual 3.5%), others focused on cryptocurrencies.
In particular, investors watched Bitcoin, which notched up a 16- fold increase in 2017, only to drop by 55% between the start of 2018 and June 27th.
Now, as of July 1, we are in the second half of 2018. Which means if things are going to change, now is the time to get going. But what if things change for the worse? Some speculate this might happen in the cryptocurrency industry.
Crypto Second Half of 2018: Placing Bets
A number of predictions have been made for crypto in the second half of 2018. From more regulation to more comments from Wall Street veterans, there is a lot of stuff up in the air about crypto Q2 2018.
In this article, we’ll look at 3 specific crypto second half of 2018 predictions.
1: More Crypto Regulation
Crypto regulation has been discussed on multiple occasions, and even though progress has been made, more needs to be done.
As a result, we should expect to see the Department of Justice (DOJ) increase its crackdown on illegal activity.
2: More Guidance from the SEC
Moreover, the SEC is expected to provide more guidance on initial coin offerings (ICOs). This is important, as ICOs continue to garner more mainstream attention.
The reason we need more information is that many remain unclear about ICOs. Are they revolutionary, like some have said? Or, are they just another Ponzi Scheme, which has also been claimed?
Others expect the SEC to answer the burning question of whether all ICOs are classified as securities in the second half of the year. If the SEC makes this announcement, we should expect to see fundraising slow down considerably.
>> Difference Between an ICO and a Cryptocurrency
3: More Adoption on Wall Street
In order for there to be wider Wall Street adoption of cryptocurrencies, the first two predictions on this list need to come true.
Large financial institutions will continue to stay away from cryptocurrencies and ICOs until the SEC clearly communicates its rulings on digital currencies.
Take the example of Coinbase and Ripple (XRP). Sure, it makes sense for Ripple (XRP) to be listed on Coinbase, but the crypto startup has said publicly that it will never list XRP until the SEC has made its decision on the virtual currency.
Additionally, regulators need to show that they can remove the criminal activity from the crypto industry. If these requirements are met, more traditional financial firms will enter the crypto space.
>> Financial Institutions Already Involved in Crypto
Crypto Second Half of 2018: The Takeaway
Continued market volatility is also expected for the crypto industry, but this seems like a given. After all, even the most successful of stocks experience volatility from time to time.
Do you have any more predictions for crypto? We’d love to hear them! Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image: Depositphotos/Konstantinp
