Chapter 15 – Bitcoin Investment, Volatility, Whipsaw, Rug Pulls and Futures

Bitcoin as a 4 year investment

Bitcoin investment returns over any four-year period

Bitcoin has shown consistent returns over various four-year periods. Bitcoin’s historical return rate by year shows significant fluctuations and overall growth since its inception in 2009. Here is a summary of the annual returns:

  • 2009: N/A – Bitcoin was just launched, and there was no established market price.
  • 2010: 30,203% – The first year saw an incredible increase in value.
  • 2011: 1,467% – Continued growth.
  • 2012: 187% – Modest growth rate compared to the previous year.
  • 2013: 5,870% – Bitcoin gained more mainstream attention.
  • 2014: -61% – A sharp decline as the market corrected itself.
  • 2015: 35% – A recovery year after the previous year’s decline.
  • 2016: 124% – Bitcoin’s technology and adoption improved.
  • 2017: 1,338% – A massive increase and boom.
  • 2018: -73% – A significant drop, corrected after the previous boom.
  • 2019: 94% – A recovery year after the previous year’s decline.
  • 2020: 302% – Bitcoin gained more mainstream acceptance.
  • 2021: 60% – Institutional investors started to take notice.
  • 2022: -64% – A sharp decline as the market corrected itself.
  • 2023: 156% – A strong recovery year after the previous decline.
  • 2024: 121% – Bitcoin’s technology and adoption improved.

Sources indicate that Bitcoin has historically provided substantial returns over four-year periods, though it is important to note that past performance does not guarantee future results, and the cryptocurrency market remains highly volatile.

Volatility, Whipsaw, Rug Pulls and Futures:

  • Volatility: This is the rate at which an asset’s price increases or decreases over a period of time. It is often seen as an indicator of market fear and uncertainty. Volatility can be caused by various factors, including economic data releases, political events, and changes in market sentiment.
  • Whipsaw Trading: Whipsaw trading describes a sharp increase or decrease in an asset’s price, which goes against the prevailing trend shortly after a trader opens their position. This can result in significant losses for traders if not managed properly. Whipsaw patterns are characterized by sudden price reversals and high volatility.
  • Rug Pulls: Rug pulls are fraudulent schemes where developers or traders suddenly withdraw liquidity from a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, causing the value of the associated cryptocurrency to plummet. While not directly related to whipsaw trading, rug pulls can contribute to market volatility, particularly in the crypto market, which is known for its unpredictable nature.
  • Futures Markets: Futures markets can enhance volatility because they allow traders to speculate on the future price of an asset. Large trades in futures can disproportionately impact prices, causing sharp movements and subsequent reversals as the market absorbs these orders. This can lead to whipsaw patterns, especially in markets with low liquidity.

Volatility can be exacerbated by whipsaw trading and the activities in futures markets, including potential fraudulent practices like rug pulls. These factors can create sudden and significant price movements, making it challenging for traders (investors) to accurately predict market trends and manage their investment and/or trading positions effectively.

This is not financial advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult a financial advisor before making any investment in Bitcoin or any other financial asset or crypto currency.