Despite the buzz surrounding the crypto market in January, only a few leading cryptocurrencies have seen gains this year. Investors will need to rely on some significant recoveries over the next six months.
My top three picks for cryptocurrencies likely to surge in the latter half of 2025 are Bitcoin (BTC 0.13%), Ethereum (ETH 1.47%), and Tron (TRX 0.62%).
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is an obvious choice, having performed well this year and garnered considerable backing from the Trump administration recently. A major development was the establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in March, which effectively encouraged institutional investors to enhance their Bitcoin strategies.
Additionally, there has been a notable rise in Bitcoin treasury companies aiming to acquire as much Bitcoin as possible, following the approach of Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR). Investors are curious about how high Bitcoin can rise this year, especially since its returns in 2023 and 2024 were in triple digits. Currently, it’s only up 14% for the year and requires a substantial year-end surge to reach the much-discussed $200,000 price.
Ethereum
Even though Ethereum has plummeted over 25% year-to-date, recent changes regarding staking regulations could alter its trajectory. Staking, a method of earning returns on crypto holdings, became contentious after an SEC investigation in early 2023.
When new spot Ethereum ETFs were launched in July 2024, they lacked a staking component, which led to their underperformance. However, the pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration triggered changes at the SEC, suggesting a potential shift in regulations that may permit staking in these ETFs. This could result in a significant influx of funds into Ethereum.
Tron
Tron is the dark horse in this lineup. While it stands among the top 10 cryptocurrencies in market cap, many U.S.-based investors remain unaware of it due to its founder, Justin Sun, who has had multiple regulatory challenges in the U.S.
However, Justin Sun’s recent associations with the Trump crypto empire, including a substantial investment in World Liberty Financial, may change perceptions. His active involvement, including purchasing the new Official Trump meme coin and attending events with Trump family members, suggests he’s forging strong connections. Sun’s ongoing efforts to expand his crypto endeavors include a merger to form a Tron treasury company.
Final Thoughts
If I had to choose among Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Tron, my top pick remains Bitcoin. Its popularity as the leading cryptocurrency is unmatched, and while it may not double in value this year, I still anticipate significant growth in the months ahead.
