The vast world of cryptos can be segmented into distinct categories, each with its own unique characteristics and purpose.
Primary Categories
We use a combination of four key parameters to generate an aggregate score for each crypto.
Digital Currencies
Digital Currencies stand as the most prevalent type of cryptos. Their primary role is to function as a medium of exchange, a store of value, or a unit of account.
Unique FeatureThey operate in a decentralised manner, free from central authority control, ensuring transactions are peer-to-peer.
Smart Contract Platforms
We use a combination of four key parameters to generate an aggregate score for each crypto.
Unique FeatureThey empower developers to craft decentralised applications (dApps) on their blockchain, leading to a plethora of use-cases beyond mere transactions.
DeFi (Decentralised Finance) Tokens
Cryptos that are intrinsically linked with decentralised finance applications fall under this category.
Unique FeatureDeFi tokens are revolutionising the financial landscape by attempting to replicate traditional financial systems, such as lending and borrowing, on the blockchain in a decentralised fashion.
Utility Tokens
Unlike typical investment assets, Utility Tokens offer users access to a specific product or service within a platform.
Unique FeatureThey are not acquired with the expectation of future profits; instead, they unlock certain functionalities or benefits within their native ecosystem.
Other Categories
Beyond the aforementioned crypto categories, there are other significant types you should be aware of:
Privacy Coins
Privacy Coins are tailored to offer transactions that are both private and untraceable.
Unique FeatureTheir design prioritises user privacy and anonymity, ensuring transactions remain concealed from prying eyes.
Exchange Tokens
These tokens are issued directly by a crypto exchange.
Unique FeatureHolders often enjoy specific benefits on the issuing exchange, including reduced transaction fees or voting rights concerning exchange operations.
Governance Tokens
Governance Tokens empower their holders with voting rights.
Unique FeatureThey grant users the ability to influence changes to a particular protocol, allowing for a more democratic approach to project direction.
Key Parameters
We use a combination of four key parameters to generate an aggregate score for each crypto.
Liquidity
Liquidity gauges how easily a crypto can be traded without causing significant price fluctuations.
How do we measure it?We employ the Amihud Liquidity Measure. This measure is the inverse of the mean of daily Amihud ratios over a set period.
Breaking it downThe Amihud Ratio, calculated as the daily return divided by the dollar volume, inversely relates to liquidity. A lower ratio signals higher liquidity. For instance, a crypto with a low Amihud Ratio can be traded in larger volumes without drastically affecting its price, making it a preferable choice for many traders.
Valuation
This parameter discerns if a crypto is potentially overvalued or undervalued.
How do we measure it?We use the Network Value to Transaction (NVT) ratio, akin to the P/E ratio in stocks.
Breaking it downThe NVT Ratio divides a crypto's market capitalisation by its transacted volume. A high NVT ratio might suggest overvaluation, while a low one could indicate undervaluation.
Security
Security gauges the robustness and safety of a cryptos network.
How do we measure it?The hash rate of mineable cryptos is our metric, representing the computational power used in mining and transaction verification.
Breaking it downA robust hash rate denotes enhanced security, implying that substantial resources would be needed to compromise the blockchain.
Adoption
Adoption evaluates how widely a crypto is accepted and used.
How do we measure it?We look at the number of active addresses.
Breaking it downA rising number of active addresses signifies growing user trust and engagement with the crypto.