 ▲ Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC) |
An analysis suggests that if one had to choose a cryptocurrency capable of lasting for decades with just $500, the answer may be surprisingly simple.
According to investment outlet The Motley Fool on February 14 (local time), Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) have once again been identified as core assets for long-term portfolios. The publication noted that the two assets have delivered the strongest performance among cryptocurrencies over the past decade and currently account for roughly 70% of the total crypto market capitalization.
Since its launch in January 2009, Bitcoin has recorded a return of approximately 114,000%. Trading at around $10 in 2011, its price reached $100,000 by the end of 2024 and climbed to an all-time high of $126,000 in 2025. It was also highlighted that Bitcoin posted triple-digit percentage gains in seven out of the 14 years between 2012 and 2025. Its market capitalization stands at about $1.4 trillion, with the current price around $70,326. Some investors are even mentioning the possibility of $1 million as the next milestone.
Ethereum has also surged approximately 75,000% since its launch in July 2015. As a pioneer in smart contracts, it has secured a dominant position in the Layer 1 blockchain market and currently represents about 10% of the total cryptocurrency market value. It is also regarded as Wall Street’s preferred blockchain due to its strengths in the decentralized finance sector. Ethereum’s market capitalization is about $252 billion, with a current price of $2,080.85.
The outlet suggested two ways to invest $500: directly purchasing the assets in the spot market or utilizing crypto spot ETFs. With the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs and spot Ethereum ETFs in January 2024, investors can achieve easier diversification. As an example, it noted that purchasing 12 shares of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and 30 shares of the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) would provide roughly $500 in exposure.
Ultimately, the key is patience in enduring short-term volatility. The publication emphasized that if Bitcoin and Ethereum were to repeat performance similar to the past decade, $500 today could transform into a significantly larger asset over the next ten years.
Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only and the publisher is not responsible for any investment losses resulting from its use. The content should be interpreted solely for informational purposes.