In the realm of digital assets, the year 2023 marked a significant milestone with a robust performance, and the momentum has seamlessly transcended into 2024. The largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), achieved a remarkable all-time high of $73,750.07 on March 14. However, within a short span of less than a week, it experienced a notable decline of over 17.5%, eventually stabilizing at $66,982.84 on March 21. The resurgence of Bitcoin by more than 7% on March 21 was triggered by the Federal Reserve's announcement of three anticipated interest rate cuts of 25 basis points each throughout 2024.
The current low interest rate environment has proven to be advantageous for high-growth sectors such as technology, consumer discretionary, and the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin, in particular, has exhibited substantial growth, appreciating by 74.5% since the beginning of the year, following a remarkable surge of 157% in 2023. The industry witnessed a pivotal moment on January 10 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved rule changes facilitating the establishment of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), leading to the launch of 11 such ETFs in January.
Looking ahead, a significant event on the horizon is the upcoming Bitcoin halving scheduled for April 2024. During this event, the reward for mining new blocks will be halved, intensifying the challenge for miners to acquire new Bitcoins. Historically, this occurrence has resulted in heightened scarcity, propelling the value of Bitcoin due to a reduced supply in the market.
Several research entities have put forth optimistic projections for Bitcoin's future trajectory. Standard Chartered envisions Bitcoin reaching $100,000 by the conclusion of 2024, while Fundstrat has provided a target range of $116,000 to $137,000 for this year. Hedge fund SkyBridge has set its sights on a valuation of $170,000 by April 2025. Furthermore, VanEck has forecasted a medium-term target of $350,000 for Bitcoin.
In a more detailed analysis, Connors's estimates outline a base-case scenario where Bitcoin is projected to reach $110,000 in 2024 and $140,000 the following year. Conversely, in their best-case scenario, the cryptocurrency could surge to $180,000 in 2024 and an impressive $450,000 in 2025.
Amidst these projections and market dynamics, the spotlight shines on five crypto-oriented stocks that exhibit strong potential for the year 2024. Each of these selections holds either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), signifying favorable investment opportunities in the sector.
NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA): A prominent player in the semiconductor industry, NVIDIA has emerged as a key success story, particularly in 2023. Renowned for its graphic processing units (GPUs), NVDA's stock performance is closely intertwined with the flourishing crypto market. The company's expected earnings growth rate for the current year stands at an impressive 82.3%, with a positive trajectory in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings.
Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN): Providing essential financial infrastructure and technology for the crypto economy, COIN operates both domestically and internationally. With an expected earnings growth rate exceeding 100% for the current year, Coinbase Global facilitates a wide array of financial services within the crypto space, catering to consumer needs and institutional requirements alike.
Block Inc. (SQ): Serving as an online digital and mobile payment platform, Block Inc. is the parent company of Square and Cash App. The platform enables users to engage in various financial transactions, including the buying, selling, and transfer of Bitcoin. With an anticipated earnings growth rate of 68.3% for the current year, Block Inc. continues to drive innovation in the realm of decentralized finance applications.
Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD): Operating a comprehensive financial services platform in the United States, Robinhood Markets offers users the ability to invest in a diverse range of assets, including stocks, exchange-traded funds, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. With a robust expected earnings growth rate surpassing 100% for the current year, Robinhood Markets remains a key player in the evolving landscape of financial services.
CleanSpark Inc. (CLSK): Engaged in Bitcoin mining operations across the Americas, CleanSpark operates data centers powered by low-carbon energy sources. Supporting the infrastructure for Bitcoin mining, CLSK plays a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability of digital asset operations. The company's anticipated earnings growth rate for the current year stands at 89.2%, reflecting a positive outlook for its operations.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve and expand, these selected stocks present compelling investment opportunities for the discerning investor. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and growth potential, these companies are poised to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital assets in the year 2024 and beyond.