In 2016, Bitcoin (BTC 0.79%) was still an emerging technology. Trading at around $400, it was still fighting for acceptance as a legitimate alternative to fiat currency.
Fast forward 10 years, Bitcoin has arrived. Institutions own it. Financial advisors are putting it in model portfolios and client accounts. The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved ETFs for it. And it's paved the way for other cryptos, such as Ethereum (ETH 0.60%), Solana (SOL 1.93%), and XRP (XRP 0.54%), to emerge themselves.
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Bitcoin remains highly volatile as an investment, but it's also produced huge returns for investors over the years. It's still down about 30% from its all-time highs, but long-term holders still have plenty of reason to be pleased.
CRYPTO: BTC
Key Data Points
Over the past decade (as of 1/26/26), Bitcoin has risen by roughly 21,900%!
That means a $100 investment made into Bitcoin 10 years ago and held for the duration would have turned into $21,900.
Bitcoin Price data by YCharts
For many, Bitcoin is still more of a speculative growth asset that belongs in a diversified portfolio. It's been a reasonable diversifier when paired with both the U.S. dollar and the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.01%). Its real potential, however, remains as a fiat currency alternative.
With the AI revolution still in its early innings and the global monetary system evolving, the time for Bitcoin may still be ahead.
