Filecoin (FIL) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy FIL Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Filecoin’s historical price movements and market fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to evaluate the potential returns of purchasing 10 FIL tokens. It addresses the critical question: “Should I buy Filecoin now?” to help both new and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Early Market Cycles and Price History: From 2017 to 2021

Filecoin is a token built on the IPFS network, designed to incentivize miners by rewarding them for contributing idle hard drive capacity. The protocol employs a novel proof-of-work algorithm where miners earn more FIL tokens proportionally to their storage capacity contributions. According to market records, FIL’s early trading price was approximately $15.00 in 2017.

The following represents Filecoin’s price performance during its early market phases:

2017

• Opening Price: $15.00
• Closing Price: $20.47
• Highest Price: $24.60
• Lowest Price: $10.14
• Annual Return: 36.47%

2018

• Opening Price: $26.42
• Closing Price: $3.72
• Highest Price: $26.56
• Lowest Price: $3.10
• Annual Return: -85.90%

2019

• Opening Price: $3.51
• Closing Price: $6.44
• Highest Price: $10.04
• Lowest Price: $3.51
• Annual Return: 83.31%

2020

• Opening Price: $6.71
• Closing Price: $21.41
• Highest Price: $38.54
• Lowest Price: $5.39
• Annual Return: 218.84%

2021

• Opening Price: $23.42
• Closing Price: $35.75
• Highest Price: $182.86
• Lowest Price: $22.24
• Annual Return: 52.65%

An investor who purchased 10 FIL tokens during the early bull market phase would have seen significant volatility, with the potential return reaching -222.38% by the end of 2021.

Bear Market Adjustment and Correction Phase: Risk Analysis (2022 to 2024)

During this period, Filecoin experienced severe price corrections and extended bearish pressure following the 2021 peak. The market faced significant headwinds and prolonged consolidation.

The following demonstrates potential returns for investors who purchased 10 FIL tokens during this correction phase:

• 2022: -290.18%
• 2023: -22.65%
• 2024: -44.41%

2022

• Opening Price: $30.20
• Closing Price: $3.11
• Highest Price: $30.39
• Lowest Price: $2.96
• Annual Return: -89.71%

2023

• Opening Price: $3.45
• Closing Price: $6.92
• Highest Price: $8.46
• Lowest Price: $3.11
• Annual Return: 100.66%

2024

• Opening Price: $5.62
• Closing Price: $5.91
• Highest Price: $10.68
• Lowest Price: $3.34
• Annual Return: 5.12%

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy Filecoin Now? (2025 to 2026)

In recent years, Filecoin has continued its downward trend, raising questions about whether the asset has stabilized or remains in a prolonged bear market phase.

2025

• Opening Price: $5.09
• Closing Price: $1.49
• Highest Price: $5.09
• Lowest Price: $1.28
• Annual Return: -70.63%

2026 (to Date)

• Opening Price: $1.46
• Closing Price: $1.18
• Highest Price: $1.46
• Lowest Price: $1.18
• Annual Return: -18.93%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 FIL tokens during this recent period:

• 2025: -39.05%
• 2026 (to Date): -2.76%

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through comprehensive analysis of Filecoin’s historical price movements and potential returns across multiple market cycles, the data reveals a significant long-term decline from its 2021 peak of $182.86 to current levels near $1.18. Investors who entered at various points experienced vastly different outcomes, from substantial gains during the 2020 bull run to severe losses in subsequent years. The persistent downtrend from 2021 onward and recent price levels suggest the asset remains under considerable pressure, making this an important consideration for those evaluating whether to initiate or increase FIL positions at present valuations.