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3 High-Risk, High-Reward Cryptocurrencies to Consider

Cryptocurrency investment: a realm where the promise of high rewards often comes with substantial risk. Among the many digital coins and tokens vying for your attention, a breed of cryptocurrencies is called “high-reward cryptocurrencies.”

These digital assets, while posing considerable risk, offer potential returns that traditional investments might not match for years — or even decades. But remember, these high-reward cryptos can almost always also be called “high-risk cryptocurrencies.”

They are cryptos with high potential; financial wildcards where the thrill of high gains is a constant, adrenaline-fueled companion to the threat of significant losses.

Tread with caution as we delve deeper into the exhilarating world of high-risk, high-reward cryptos.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD)

Bitcoin cryptocurrency with pile of coins, Vector illustrator

Source: Sittipong Phokawattana / Shutterstock.com

As one of the prominent high-risk, high-reward cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin’s (BTC-USD) recent milestone, breaking the $31,000 ceiling, has set the cryptocurrency space abuzz. Despite its tempestuous nature, Bitcoin has posted a remarkable year-to-date return of 82%, far surpassing many traditional investments.

My primary concern with recommending BTC revolves around its absence of practical applications in the real world. Bitcoin is primarily a store of value and a medium of exchange. It is not solving complex, real-world problems. Bitcoin holds value because the people trading it bestow value on it. The situation is a bit different for altcoins that offer smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Navigating through Bitcoin’s choppy waters is no easy feat. Yet, forecasts from financial juggernauts like Standard Chartered suggest an upswing is ahead. The British multinational bank forecasts a monumental surge to $120,000 by 2024, which could further stir up the cryptocurrency market.

If you are on the hunt for cryptocurrencies with high potential, Bitcoin, with its robust market capitalization of over $580 billion, remains a frontrunner. After all, high-risk, high-reward cryptocurrency investments make or break portfolios.

Ethereum (ETH-USD)

A concept image of a virtual coin based on the Ethereum logo.

Source: Filippo Ronca Cavalcanti / Shutterstock.com

Ethereum (ETH-USD) presents itself as a thrilling protagonist in this high-stakes narrative. A pioneer in smart contracts, ETH has significantly influenced the realm of tokenization, bringing a world of tangible assets onto the blockchain. This bold transformation hasn’t escaped the notice of industry leaders, with BlackRock’s (NYSE:BLK) CEO Larry Fink acknowledging the immense potential of a tokenized future.

Ethereum’s impressive performance this year, reflected in a year-to-date return of 60% and a solid market cap of $230 billion, offers investors an enticing prospect. It’s a tangible representation of the high potential often associated with risky crypto investments.

However, the unpredictability of the crypto market persists, and it’s impossible to overlook. The recent Shanghai and Capella upgrades initially stirred fears of a large-scale selloff. Challengers such as Solana (SOL-USD) are also giving Ethereum a run for its money.

In addition, regulatory uncertainties hover over cryptos, undeniably enhancing the risk associated with cryptocurrencies.

Still, Ethereum’s dominance in the burgeoning field of liquid staking affirms its solid footing in the industry. This prominent position sets Ethereum apart, underscoring its capacity to offer high rewards, albeit with a significant risk component.

XRP (XRP-USD)

RIPPLE (XRP) cryptocurrency; physical concept ripple coin on the background of the flag of United States of America (USA)

Source: AlekseyIvanov / Shutterstock.com

XRP (XRP-USD) offers an exciting, high-stakes landscape that is certainly not for the risk-averse. After a pivotal legal verdict on Thursday, XRP has become the talk of the town.

To frame it, XRP had already notched an impressive 73% return on investment in 2023 prior to a federal judge declaring XRP does not always act as a security. XRP’s 2023 surge now stands at 107%.

Several InvestorPlace contributors, myself included, have championed the notion of maintaining a minor XRP holding. Despite its profitable trajectory, it’s crucial to understand the context.

The court clarified that XRP’s sales via exchanges or programmatic sales should not be classified as a security. However, it found institutional XRP sales in breach of securities law, leading to a partial verdict. Despite this, the decision sparked widespread celebration. I anticipate the fervor will eventually subside, presenting an opportunity to acquire more of this coin. The ensuing debate will inevitably revolve around whether it’s time to buy or sell XRP. This underscores its position as a high-risk, high-reward cryptocurrency worth considering.

Institutional investment is likely to follow as Ripple forges more partnerships and enjoys its legal triumph. This landmark victory is indeed a game-changer for XRP holders.

On the publication date, Faizan Farooque did not hold (directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Faizan Farooque is a contributing author for InvestorPlace.com and numerous other financial sites. Faizan has several years of experience in analyzing the stock market and was a former data journalist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. His passion is to help the average investor make more informed decisions regarding their portfolio.

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