AlphaPoint’s Top Trending Digital Asset Topics in 2024

2024 was a transformative year in the digital asset space, where Bitcoin’s value surged over 120% to surpass the $100,000 milestone and total market capitalization increased to around $3.49 trillion at its peak. In light of these historic bull run milestones, we’ve rounded up the top five most visited AlphaPoint blog posts of the year. From industry-shaping ideas to practical tips for navigating the evolving digital economy, these posts captured the attention of a diverse audience of site visitors, contributing to the total mindshare of educational content available online.

1. Executive Order 14067: What Is It, Pros & Cons

Executive Order 14067, signed by President Joe Biden on March 9, 2022, outlines the U.S. government’s approach to digital assets, emphasizing innovation, consumer protection, and financial stability. It directs federal agencies to explore the development of a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and to assess the benefits and risks associated with digital assets. Proponents argue that a CBDC could enhance payment efficiency and financial inclusion, while critics raise concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and potential government overreach. At the time of signing, the order sparked significant debate about the future of digital currency in the United States, a conversation which has since shifted to a positive tone following the election of a pro-crypto presidential candidate.

2. 7 Premier OTC Trading Platforms (and Why You Should Use Them)

Over-the-counter (OTC) trading platforms enable direct, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions without intermediaries, offering enhanced privacy, price stability, and reduced slippage compared to traditional exchanges. These platforms are particularly advantageous for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals executing large orders, as they provide high liquidity and customizable trades. Notable OTC trading platforms include Genesis Trading, Cumberland, Circle Trade, Kraken OTC Desk, Binance OTC, Bitfinex OTC, and itBit. Each offers unique features catering to diverse trading needs, making OTC platforms a compelling choice for those seeking efficient and discreet crypto transactions.

3. How Much Are Crypto Exchange Fees? Breaking Down the Costs

Cryptocurrency exchanges apply various fees that can impact trading profitability. Trading fees, typically ranging from 0% to 0.5%, are divided into maker fees (for adding liquidity) and taker fees (for removing liquidity). Withdrawal and deposit fees vary based on the platform, payment method, and currency, with fiat transactions often incurring higher costs than cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, the spread—the difference between buying and selling prices—serves as an implicit fee, affecting potential profits. Understanding these fees is crucial for optimizing trading strategies.

4. 8 Best Cryptocurrencies for Beginner Traders

For beginners entering the cryptocurrency market, it’s advisable to start with well-established and widely recognized cryptocurrencies. As a guide for crypto newcomers, this overview examines the anatomy of stable, layer-1 cryptocurrencies suitable for newcomers to the crypto market, including highlighting their features, benefits, and the reasons they are considered good starting points. Additionally, this guide offers guidance on how to safely buy and store these cryptocurrencies, including the importance of choosing reputable exchanges and secure wallets.

5. Perpetual Futures: How They Work & Pros and Cons

Perpetual futures are derivative contracts that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of underlying assets, such as cryptocurrencies, without owning them and without an expiration date. This enables traders to hold positions indefinitely, provided they maintain the required margins. These instruments offer high leverage and continuous trading opportunities, making them attractive for sophisticated investors seeking to hedge investments or capitalize on market volatility. However, they also come with risks, including market volatility and funding rate fluctuations, which require careful management.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another transformative year for the cryptocurrency market, with new milestones in price action and technology adoption, driven by factors such as favorable regulatory development and substantially increased market liquidity due to stablecoin proliferation. What else will 2025 bring in the digital asset space? Likely massive growth in asset sectors like tokenized RWAs, AI agents, DePin, and meme coins.

To stay informed about these developments and more, we invite you to continue following AlphaPoint’s blog for expert analysis and insights into the evolving digital asset landscape.