Despite crash, crypto was best performing asset of 2023
The first half of 2023 has seen a major reversal in fortune for many investment assets compared to the volatility and downturns of 2022.
According to a recent investment index report by Forex Suggest, cryptocurrencies and tech stocks have staged remarkable comebacks, with some assets nearly tripling in value over the past six months.
The report analyzed the performance of major stock indexes, company shares, cryptocurrencies and forex pairs between January and July 2023. It found that crypto assets like Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Solana (SOL) saw triple-digit percentage gains, reflecting renewed optimism after last year’s crypto winter.
Bitcoin Cash skyrocketed nearly 200%, from $96.96 to $290.78. This astonishing resurgence underscores crypto’s enduring appeal among investors seeking high-risk, high-reward assets. Solana and Bitcoin also posted outsized gains, increasing 87% and 84%, respectively.
Meanwhile, tech stocks are rallying after last year’s pummeling, as companies specializing in AI, gaming, data centers and electric vehicles capitalize on surging demand. NVIDIA’s share price almost tripled, surging 196%, followed closely by Tesla at 159%. Other tech titans like Microsoft, Apple and Amazon saw 40-50% jumps.
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In stock indexes, the Nasdaq led the way with a 33% gain, reflecting the good fortunes of its many tech-focused constituents. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 31%, while Germany’s DAX increased 14%.
In contrast, commodities indexes fell over 8-9%, despite strong performance last year. The U.S. real estate market saw modest single-digit gains. Overall, the S&P 500 rallied significantly, increasing 16.5% in a boon for US equities.
In forex, the US dollar’s weakening in 2023 created opportunities for traders using the currency. The Sri Lankan rupee provided the biggest returns against the dollar at 18.5%, followed by the Colombian peso at 15.7%.
Schoeman believes the tech rally could continue through 2024 as AI expands. However, crypto markets remain intrinsically volatile. Geopolitical tensions and climate change impacts could also heighten market unpredictability going forward.
The report provides an insightful overview of investment asset performance halfway through 2023. While the future is uncertain, it appears opportunities abound this year for investors in tech stocks and digital currencies searching for strong returns after a difficult 2022.
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