Less than two decades ago, Bitcoin (BTC 0.97%) was an unknown project whose network was essentially worthless. Today, it's a global financial asset that is penetrating capital markets and benefiting from regulatory clarity.
If you invested $10,000 in the world's oldest and most valuable cryptocurrency 10 years ago, here's how much you'd have today.
Image source: Getty Images.
With a trailing 10-year return of 16,900% (as of March 20), Bitcoin could've turned a $10,000 starting investment into $1.7 million today. This easily makes it one of the best performing assets of the century. This magnificent gain has occurred despite the crypto trading 44% off its peak right now.
Bitcoin's long-term investors have deserved the financial rewards. They've had to endure extreme volatility, as the digital asset's price has plummeted more than 50% on numerous occasions. Being able to stomach the wild swings is certainly not easy.
CRYPTO: BTC
Key Data Points
While the ups and downs will surely continue, the trend is clear. Bitcoin, now with a market cap of $1.4 trillion, has attracted more capital over time. And driven by its decentralization, scarcity, security, and neutrality, its price appreciation should keep up over the next 10 years and beyond.
With Bitcoin trading significantly below its all-time record, prospective investors who have been observing from the sidelines might not have a better chance to buy this dominant cryptocurrency.
