A study analyzing the top 10 cryptocurrency trades of 2017 by return on investment (ROI) revealed an average return exceeding 136,000% per trade.
According to data shared by the Crypto Finance Conference (CFC) on July 27, the highest-performing cryptocurrencies of 2017 delivered staggering returns, with IOTA (MIOTA) leading the pack at 614,934% ROI.
Top Performers of 2017
IOTA (MIOTA) – 614,934% ROI
- A cryptocurrency platform focused on the Internet of Things (IoT), utilizing the Tangle system instead of traditional blockchain.
- Operates on a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG), enabling parallel transaction processing.
- Projected to support 75 billion connected devices by 2025.
Nxt (NXT) – 500,000% ROI
- A decentralized blockchain ecosystem for crowdfunding, governance, and digital asset trading.
Ethereum (ETH) – 141,000% ROI
- Co-founded by Vitalik Buterin, envisioned as the "world computer" for decentralized applications.
Key Takeaways from the Study
Andrea-Franco Stöhr, CEO and co-founder of CFC, highlighted:
"None of the top 10 projects yielded less than 6,000% ROI, a return unimaginable in traditional markets. These results underscore the disruptive potential of cryptocurrencies and their real-world applicability. The success of infrastructure projects suggests investors should focus on foundational technologies reshaping the internet over the next decade."
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Investor Insights
- Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and early Coinbase investor, emphasized investing in infrastructure projects—the "picks and shovels" of the crypto industry.
- Long-term growth hinges on scalable, secure, and interoperable blockchain solutions.
FAQ
Q: What made IOTA’s returns so high in 2017?
A: Its unique DAG-based protocol and IoT focus attracted massive speculative interest.
Q: Are such returns still possible today?
A: While unlikely, emerging Web3 and DeFi projects may offer high-growth opportunities.
Q: Why did Ethereum rank third despite its popularity?
A: Earlier-stage projects like IOTA and Nxt had smaller market caps, amplifying ROI percentages.
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Conclusion
The 2017 bull run demonstrated crypto’s capacity for exponential gains, driven by innovation and market sentiment. Investors today should balance high-risk assets with foundational blockchain projects poised for long-term adoption.