Bitcoin has not yet seen a major price rally post-halving, and Ethereum remains stuck in a rut. While crypto volatility continues to be a dominant feature of the market—possibly even more pronounced than before—the Fear & Greed index is firmly in the “paranoid” zone with a score of 37/100.
Despite this cautious environment, retail investors are reentering the market. Alongside this return, an interesting player has emerged: Tron ($TRX), showing strong performance despite the broader market’s struggles.
Retail investors, who were a driving force behind the 2021 bull run, are now returning to crypto even amid ongoing uncertainty. The latest IOSCO report points to a demographic shift, particularly among those under 40, who are increasingly active in crypto trading.
This renewed interest can be partly attributed to a broader growth in crypto investment since the last IOSCO report in 2019. Factors like the fear of missing out (FOMO), low barriers to entry, and social media-driven advice are fueling this surge. However, these same elements also make investors vulnerable to scams and market manipulation, which are common risks in the volatile world of crypto.
One cryptocurrency that has managed to stand out amidst this turbulence is Tron ($TRX). While many major assets like Bitcoin have struggled, Tron has remained resilient, holding steady above the $0.15 mark. It even outperformed Bitcoin in 2024, showing a nearly two-fold increase since late 2023.
Technical indicators suggest that Tron may continue to rise if it can break through resistance levels. A recent token burn by its community, removing over 11 million $TRX from circulation, may also have played a role in bolstering its price.
Tron’s surprising performance is partly linked to its involvement in the stablecoin market. It holds over $60 billion in Tether ($USDT) on-chain, which represents more than a third of the total stablecoin market cap.
This strong position in the stablecoin sector has helped Tron gain a foothold, despite not having the same institutional backing as Bitcoin or Ethereum. It appears that Tron has successfully built a robust user base, particularly among retail investors who appreciate its decentralized features and lower entry barriers.
As the crypto market continues to evolve, the need for better education and clearer regulatory frameworks becomes more pressing. While many investors are enthusiastic about the potential of crypto, they often lack the understanding needed to handle its risks effectively.
A recent incident involving a celebrity investor losing $500K worth of $SUNDOG tokens illustrates the dangers inherent in crypto investing. Although the mistake was quickly addressed by Tron’s founder, Justin Sun, it highlights the ease with which funds can be lost. As more retail investors enter the space, educating them on the risks and strategies needed to succeed in crypto is becoming increasingly vital.