What is volatility?

While volatility means “fluctuations in the value,” people tend to use the term volatility when there large, consistent fluctuations in value. Volatility, small or large, consistent or periodic, is not uncommon to any financial asset. 

Cryptocurrency is not immune to volatility, and its price can change dramatically in a short period of time. However, the claim that cryptocurrency is volatile is overstated when considering the most popular coins. 

How does crypto volatility compare to stock volatility?

Let’s use the timeframe of January 2022 to January 2023 as an example:

• Meta (Facebook) is a global top 15 company by market cap, with 2 billion+ users worldwide. 
• Bitcoin is the leading cryptocurrency by market cap, with more than 250K transactions per day.
• The charts of Meta and Bitcoin are below. There is little difference between the volatility of the two 

‍

‍

‍

‍

Yes, this is only one stock and one coin.
Yes, this is only a window in time.

But it points to fact that “crypto is volatile” is a relative statement. 

What are the causes of crypto volatility?

Volatility in the cryptocurrency market can be high compared to more established financial markets, such as the stock market, due to a number of factors, including:

• Lack of regulation: The cryptocurrency market is largely unregulated, and this can lead to increased volatility as there is no central authority to provide stability or to enforce rules and regulations.
• Speculation: Cryptocurrencies are often subject to speculation and market manipulation, which can drive sudden and large fluctuations in their value.
• Limited market size: The cryptocurrency market is still relatively small compared to more established financial markets, and this can amplify the impact of market participants on the value of cryptocurrencies.
• Technological developments: The cryptocurrency market is rapidly evolving, and new technologies, such as blockchain and decentralized finance, can have a significant impact on the value of cryptocurrencies.
• Crypto is Novel: The cryptocurrency market is still relatively new and small compared to traditional financial markets, which can amplify price swings. 

Investor Summary

As an investor, it is important to be aware of the potential for volatility in the cryptocurrency market, and to understand that the value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably. 

Investing in a diversified portfolio of assets, including both traditional investments and cryptocurrencies, can help to mitigate the risks associated with volatility in the cryptocurrency market.