Research Study

Q2 2024 Signals Report

A quarterly breakdown of key market metrics that could be affecting price and investor sentiment

by Fidelity Digital Assets

Executive Summary

The digital asset market experienced several historic events during the first half of 2024, including an update on new digital asset ETPs, Bitcoin’s fourth halving, and the implementation of Ethereum’s Deneb-Cancun upgrade. In the latest installment of our quarterly Signals Report, we examine the aftermath of these events and how they have impacted the performance of bitcoin and ether in Q2.

At a high level, bitcoin began the second quarter of 2024 with healthy gains of roughly 70%. However, recent price action has resulted in negative returns in the months since. Comparatively, ether had been trailing bitcoin with its own gains at the end of Q1, eventually closing that gap following an update regarding the listing of spot ether ETPs. Other key takeaways highlighted in the report include: 

  • Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are still 50% higher than the start of the year despite recent negative returns.
  • Bitcoin’s transaction count continues to rise while other monthly metrics fall, which may be related to the release of a new speculative protocol: Runes.
  • The adoption of Layer 2 platforms on Ethereum has been impressive, with transactions increasing by around 20% in Q2—a positive indicator for the future of the network.


Access the full report now for a deeper dive into Bitcoin and Ethereum’s recent trends—and see which indicators point toward the early stages of a bull cycle for both assets: 

 

 

The information herein was prepared by Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC (“FDAS LLC”) and Fidelity Digital Assets, Ltd (“FDA LTD”). It is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation, investment advice of any kind, or an offer or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities or other assets. Please perform your own research and consult a qualified advisor to see if digital assets are an appropriate investment option.

Custody and trading of digital assets are provided by Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLC, which is chartered as a limited purpose trust company by the New York State Department of Financial Services to engage in virtual currency business (NMLS ID 1773897). FDA LTD relies on FDAS LLC for these services. FDA LTD is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under the U.K.’s Money Laundering Regulations. The Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme do not apply to the cryptoasset activities carried on by FDA LTD.

To the extent this communication constitutes a financial promotion in the U.K., it is issued only to, or directed only at, persons who are: (i) investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "FPO"); (ii) high net worth companies and certain other entities falling within Article 49 of the FPO; and (iii) any other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated.

This information is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Persons accessing this information are required to inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile, can become illiquid at any time, and are for investors with a high-risk tolerance. Investors in digital assets could lose the entire value of their investment.

FDAS LLC and FDA LTD do not provide tax, legal, investment, or accounting advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on, for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Digital Assets or its affiliates. Fidelity Digital Assets does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment results cannot be predicted or projected.

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