10 Years of Ups and Downs in the Crypto World: When Bitcoin Became the "Rock" Holding the Market Steady

Throughout a tumultuous decade, the cryptocurrency market has gone through many turbulent waves — from the frenzy of 2017 to the “black swan” shock of 2020. Each phase marks the maturation of a nascent industry, and to date, the total market value has reached over $36.3 trillion, reflecting not only price growth but also structural evolution and awareness. Bitcoin – “The Boulder” After More Than 10 Years I Train Holding 58.7% market share, Bitcoin remains the focal point of every cycle. For outsiders, this figure is a symbol of “dominance,” but for those in the know, this is the “ballast” that keeps the entire market from sinking amidst the turbulence. Ten years ago, Bitcoin accounted for over 90% of the market share, simply because it was the “only child” of the industry. When this rate dropped below 40%, there were many predictions that “Bitcoin would collapse.” However, through each crisis, Bitcoin has been the first asset to stabilize again, leading to the recovery of the entire market. The Rise of Traditional Financial Institutions If in the past, the crypto market was led by retail investors with a “trend-following” mentality, now, large financial institutions such as BlackRock and Fidelity have officially entered the game. In the U.S. stock market, Bitcoin-related ETF capital reached a net amount of $12.8 billion, bringing the total size to $143.4 billion — an unprecedented figure. These organizations no longer view crypto as a short-term speculation, but rather as a long-term asset allocation channel in a strategic investment portfolio. This “10-year cycle” vision has helped Bitcoin maintain its position despite all short-term fluctuations. Altcoin – The Perfect Pieces of the Ecosystem Although they cannot replace Bitcoin, Altcoins significantly contribute to the expansion of the blockchain ecosystem. Ethereum leads the DeFi sector with over 800 billion USD in assets locked (TVL), accounting for about 75% of the entire industry thanks to the power of smart contracts. Solana stands out in the gaming and high-speed application field, with the ability to handle over 10,000 transactions/second. Cardano attracts the attention of institutions due to regulatory compliance and a focus on sustainability. These “racetracks” do not compete but complement each other, creating a comprehensive picture of a diverse and specialized decentralized economy. Risk Resistance – Bitcoin Still Reigns However, in terms of risk resilience, no cryptocurrency can compare to Bitcoin. During the correction on October 10, Bitcoin dropped by 15%, but many Altcoins lost value by 25–40%, indicating that Bitcoin's role as a “safe haven” has yet to be rivaled. Conclusion The cryptocurrency market, after 10 years, has entered a new era — the era of institutionalization, stratification, and maturity. If 2017 was a game of emotions and chance, now it is a stage for strategy and long-term cash flow. Amid countless fluctuations, Bitcoin remains the center of attraction, keeping the entire system stable — no longer a temporary “frenzy”, but the financial foundation of the future.