Introduction
The cryptocurrency market experienced a rocky start in 2018, with total market capitalization plunging from $834 billion in January to $276 billion by February 6. Bitcoin fell 18% year-to-date, while Ripple (XRP) dropped 55%. However, amidst this volatility, several cryptocurrencies demonstrated remarkable resilience. Below we analyze the top five performers (with market caps over $1 billion) that defied the broader market trend.
1. VeChain (VET) - Up 160% YTD
Key Features:
- Blockchain platform specializing in supply chain management
- Partnerships with Chinese importers and PwC for authentication services
- Specific solutions for luxury goods, retail, and logistics sectors
Performance Snapshot:
- January 1: $2.29
- All-time high (Jan 22): $9.70
- Current price: $6.43
Why It Stands Out:
VeChain's real-world enterprise adoption gives it an edge over purely speculative tokens. Its ability to verify product authenticity makes it valuable for global trade.
2. NEO - Up 64% YTD
Key Features:
- Often called "China's Ethereum"
- Supports digital assets, smart contracts, and decentralized apps
- Fixed vulnerabilities found in Ethereum's coding
Performance Snapshot:
- January 1: $75.02
- ATH (Jan 15): $198.20
- Current: ~$124.50
👉 Discover how NEO differs from Ethereum
Growth Driver:
NEO's connection to OnChain (developing China's decentralized network architecture) positions it for potential government and corporate adoption.
3. Lisk (LSK) - Up 20% YTD
Key Features:
- Uses sidechains to solve scalability issues
- Partners include Microsoft Azure
- Focused on developer-friendly blockchain apps
Notable Milestones:
- January peak: $42.00
- Current: $25.50
Expert Take:
"Lisk's modular approach allows greater customization than monolithic blockchains." — Blockchain Development Weekly
4. Binance Coin (BNB) - Up 19% YTD
Utility:
- Discounts trading fees on Binance exchange
- Burns 50% of quarterly profits to reduce supply
Market Position:
- Rank: #28
- Market cap: ~$1.1B
Why Traders Hold It:
BNB demonstrates how exchange-native tokens can create loyalty ecosystems while appreciating in value.
5. Ethereum (ETH) - Up 17% YTD
Key Differentiators:
- Dominant platform for ICOs and dApps
- Backed by Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (JP Morgan, Microsoft, Intel)
Price Action:
- Dec 31, 2017: $736.77
- Current: ~$885
Outlook:
ETH remains the most institutionally accepted altcoin, with continuous upgrades improving its scalability.
FAQ Section
Q: Why aren't Bitcoin or Ripple on this list?
A: While dominant in market cap, both underperformed in early 2018 due to regulatory concerns and profit-taking after 2017's massive gains.
Q: What's driving these alts' growth?
A: Three factors:
- Niche utility (e.g., VeChain's supply chain use)
- Strong developer communities
- Lower entry prices vs. "blue chip" cryptos
Q: Are these still good buys today?
A: Perform your own research. Past performance never guarantees future results, especially in volatile crypto markets.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 crypto landscape rewards real-world problem solvers over hype-driven coins. This trend toward utility-based valuation may intensify as institutional investors demand clearer use cases.
👉 Stay updated on emerging crypto stars
All data reflects market conditions as of February 2018. Prices and rankings may have changed since publication.