What occurred
Right this moment is the primary official buying and selling day for shares, however the third official buying and selling day for cryptocurrencies in 2022. Most high tokens have seen heightened volatility to start out the yr, as traders place their bets on which tokens might outperform this yr.
Most mega-cap cryptocurrency tokens are down right this moment, with Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) buying and selling 2.3% decrease over the previous 24 hours, as of 12:30 p.m. ET.
Out of the highest 20 cryptocurrencies, Chainlink (CRYPTO:LINK) is one in every of solely 4 tokens which have made a optimistic transfer over this identical time-frame. This token appreciated 3.5% over the previous 24 hours.
Traders in smaller-cap tokens corresponding to Cosmos (CRYPTO:ATOM) are having extra luck right this moment. Cosmos has zoomed 10.1% increased over the previous 24 hours in early afternoon buying and selling.

Picture supply: Getty Photos.
So what
To start out the yr, it seems traders are intent on in search of out higher-growth, small-cap tokens moderately than settling for the slow-and-steady development profile of bigger networks corresponding to Ethereum. The top of December marked a interval that might be finest characterised as a defensive rotation into larger-cap tokens to finish the yr. Nevertheless, it seems risk-on sentiment is again to start out the yr, with tech shares main the best way in equities markets right this moment.
Curiously, Chainlink and Cosmos share some similarities traders seem to have homed in on right this moment. Chainlink is a number one oracle community, permitting off-chain knowledge to be built-in with blockchain networks. Cosmos is a community that goals to permit for knowledge between separate blockchains to be bridged. Each crypto platforms are integral items to the interoperability of the blockchain world — the place many traders consider the crypto area is headed.
Ahead-looking traders seem like choosing up on the potential of Chainlink and Cosmos right this moment, wanting previous the extra defensive large-cap tokens looking for development.
Now what
It is nonetheless very early within the yr to make any type of predictions as to which tokens are prone to outperform in 2022. Nevertheless, early indications are that traders are in search of out particular tokens with the power to permit for elevated use circumstances amongst a number of blockchains, and people permitting for integration with real-world knowledge sources. This can be a development I’ve had my eye on, and is one I stay bullish on transferring ahead. Chainlink and Cosmos are two tokens excessive on my watch listing proper now.
That mentioned, Ethereum’s ecosystem is huge, each when it comes to measurement and significance to the burgeoning utility aspect of the crypto world. Traders would do nicely to contemplate every of those tokens as a part of a well-diversified crypto portfolio. Nevertheless, right this moment, fortune favors the risk-takers on the lookout for near-term development catalysts within the crypto market.
This text represents the opinion of the author, who could disagree with the “official” advice place of a Motley Idiot premium advisory service. We’re motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one in every of our personal — helps us all suppose critically about investing and make selections that assist us change into smarter, happier, and richer.