Bitcoin

During the last week, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization fell from $1,07 trillion to just $836 billion, a drop of almost 22%. At one point on November 9, the total market capitalization was as low as $803 billion. The bloodbath on the crypto markets was caused by the collapse of FTX, the second largest cryptocurrency exchange and the insolvency of Alameda Research, the company behind the exchange. While Binance’s CZ initially signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the FTX exchange and absorb its assets, debts and users, the largest player in the crypto sector had a change of heart after taking a detailed look in the FTX’s books. FTX was therefore left to collapse like a house of cards. The fact that even the biggest and most regulated exchanges are not to be entirely trusted has shaken the confidence of many investors. On-chain data shows increased crypto outflow from exchanges, as holders are afraid that other exchanges might follow. In fact, the increased withdrawal volumes are the ultimate stress test, that could potentially weed-out the exchanges that do not hold reserves at a 1:1 ratio compared to users’ deposits. While it should already be clear that it is best to keep crypto in a self-custody wallet, the question which asset to hold remains. To help you with your decision, the following article covers three cryptos that will be interesting to follow this week.