In 2021, the cryptoverse was anchored by numerous high-profile investments and milestones, driving it into a multi-trillion-dollar industry.

As the pioneer cryptocurrency, the industry’s growth was centered around Bitcoin. Now, with 2021 winding down, let’s take at what on-chain data says about Bitcoin’s year.

Bitcoin Gains in 2021

Entering 2021 on the pedestal of a major milestone, Bitcoin continued the uptrend throughout the year. Starting the year at $29.4k, Bitcoin touched $40k for the first time ever in January, then dropped under $30k in the same month.

The trend continued, and Bitcoin broke above $50k in February and $60k in March. From a high of $63.5k in April, an extended bearish trend saw Bitcoin drop down under $30K by July.

Bitcoin January – June Price Chart: Tradingview

In the next three months, a steady uptrend ensured Bitcoin set a new ATH at $68.8k on November 10. However, those gains will be lost again in the ensuing weeks, as Bitcoin dipped below $45k. 

July – November Price Chart

While the volatility of Bitcoin continued to raise eyebrows, Bitcoin ends the year with gains of over 70%. Compared to its 300% gains in 2021, it can be said that Bitcoin underperformed. However, there are some strong points for Bitcoin in 2022.

On The Flipside

• While Bitcoin performed outstandingly well in 2021, it is down by more than 30% from its November 10 all-time high 

• As a result, 3.48 million BTC or 18.34% of the circulating supply is currently at loss.

More Investors Have Turned to HODLing

Unlike the previous trends where investors would short Bitcoin – buy at lower prices and sell higher – in 2021, the number of long-term holders has increased significantly.

According to on-chain data, from week 1 to 52, long-term holders added 1.846 million BTC to their holdings. At week 52, their holding totals at 13.33 million BTC – a 16% increase year-to-date.

On the other hand, short-term holder supply has declined by 1.428 million BTC in 2021. This category now holds a total of 3.01 million BTC – representing a 32% year-to-date. 

The Bitcoin held outside exchange reserves (Sovereign Supply) is currently at an all-time high of 13.34 million BTC.

As long-term holders increased, so did the amount held in futures. Year-to-date, the Open Futures Interest increased by 97% – it now stands at $9.57 billion. However, the futures trading volume of Bitcoin declined by 16% to $36.7 Billion/day.

2021 Decisive Moments for Bitcoin

The outstanding performance of Bitcoin in 2021 was driven by breakthroughs and adoption of the crypto. Some of the key moments for the world’s largest cryptocurrency in 2021 are;

• The launch of the first Bitcoin ETF: after years of wait, the green light of the ProShares Bitcoin ETF in October sparked a rally that drove the price of Bitcoin above the $68k mark.
• Bitcoin Becomes a Legal Tender: On September 7, El Salvador officially adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, making an impression that Bitcoin can indeed stand as a means of exchange.
• 20,000 New Bitcoin ATMs installed in 2021: as Bitcoin drives for mainstream adoption, there was an acceleration in the installation of  Bitcoin ATMs globally.
• Bitcoin Gets First Update in Four Years: the long wait for Taproot was worth it. The upgrade allowed Bitcoin to perform more complex transactions, opening up the network to the possibility of smart contracts.
• China’s Crackdown on Bitcoin and Mining: while it led to a major downtrend and reduction in the hash of Bitcoin. It proved the resilience of Bitcoin as it bounced back from both downtrends.
• Massive Adoption from Institutional Investors: in 2021, more institutional investors turned to Bitcoin, acknowledging the asset as a good hedge against inflation.

2021 Decisive Moments for Bitcoin

Following China’s ban on mining, approximately 53% of miners were shut off almost overnight. In July, the hash rate of Bitcoin dropped below 68 Ehash/s – its lowest point since September 2019.

However, the miners sought out other locations – the great mining migration. As a result, the mining hash rate recovered quickly, reaching an ATHs at 182 EH/s. It now finishes 2021 up by 27% from January. In addition, the aggregate miner revenue has risen by 58% year-to-date.

Why You Should Care?

Although Bitcoin is ending 2021 on a low, the world’s largest crypto reached some significant milestones in the year that could act as a pedestal for greater achievements.