1H2021 Digital Asset Observations
This report recaps the most impactful headlines from the first half of 2021. We then review year-to-date digital asset performance and analyze on-chain data to get a sense of where we are in the crypto market cycle.
Battle of the Headlines
Bitcoin’s Environmental Impact
In the first half of 2021 crypto reentered the mainstream, frequently intersecting with the zeitgeist’s most controversial characters like Elon Musk as well as new ones like Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. These intersections dominated headlines which in turn influenced the performance of digital assets.
Elon Musk, who has skirted the line between protagonist and antagonist ever so carefully began the year as the former – having announced the addition of bitcoin to Tesla’s balance sheet and the acceptance of bitcoin for EV purchases. He also went so far as to give the company’s CFO, Zach Kirkhorn, the secondary title of “Master of Coin” for his role in overseeing Tesla’s adoption of Bitcoin. However, this quickly changed when Elon reversed course – selling 10% of Tesla’s bitcoin position and halting bitcoin EV purchases. His reasoning? Environmental concerns around Bitcoin’s energy consumption. Elon would also note their motivation to test market liquidity.
The following we...Unlock this article by joining our Community!
An FSI Pro, or FSI Crypto subscription is required in order to access this content.
*Free trial available only on a monthly plan
Already a member?
We accept crypto via BitPay for yearly subscriptions.
Choose one of our yearly plans to save nearly 15%Webinars
We host over 12 LIVE webinars per year with our research team and high-profile special guests. Incredible value and market insights!
WEEKLY
COMING SOON
Fireside Chats
Weekly interviews with our research heads about market opportunities and important updates.
WEEKDAYS
Tom Lee's First Word
The best market research out there -- on a near-daily basis.
ON MARKET EVENTS
Tom Lee's Intraday Word
These are released periodically after crucial market developments.
DAILY
Daily Technical Strategy
Daily commentary on market trends and short term opportunities.
WEEKLY
Wall Street Whispers
Exclusive insights based on discussions with institutional clients.
WEEKLY
Quantitative Strategy
Quantitative market research utilizing industry-leading analytical methods.
WEEKLY
US Policy
Weekly update on developments in Washington DC and how they may impact Wall Street.
WEEKLY
Weekly Roadmap
Weekly summary of market events and updates on our key theses.
EARNINGS SEASON
Earnings Daily
A multi-faceted update of earnings developments.
UPDATED BI-WEEKLY
Signal From Noise
Highlights timely market themes and sectors with corresponding stocks, cutting through the day-to-day market “noise” for a distinct perspective.
UPDATED QUARTERLY
Granny Shots
Thematic investment stock picks that aim to outperform the S&P 500.
UPDATED MONTHLY
Brian’s Dunks
Single stock pics that are poised to outperform the index by leveraging sector outperformance and earning revisions strategies.
UPDATED MONTHLY
FSI Sector Allocation
A sector allocation strategy that is designed to outperform the S&P 500 while taking minimal risk.
UPDATED MONTHLY
Factor Strategy
List of ETFs based on quantitative models that should outperform the S&P 500 on a monthly basis.
UPDATED MONTHLY
Newton's Upticks
Technically derived, intermediate-term picks of attractive risk/reward opportunities from the S&P 500.
FSI Academy
Thematic investment stock picks that aim to outperform the S&P 500.
Community Questions
We gather your inquiries and answer them in the most scalable way. Hear directly from our research principals!
Community Interviews
Get questions answered directly by our research heads and guest speakers.
Get access to all the macro research on FS Insight
First Month Free!
Webinars
Ongoing webinars exploring crypto opportunities, in depth research, and exclusive research offerings from our team of analysts and leading cryptocurrency firms.
WEEKLY
Crypto Comments
Digestible videos expanding on important market events and metrics that are shaping cryptocurrency markets.
DAILY
Crypto Market Update
Stay on top of the crypto markets with macro commentary, technical analysis, and the most relevant news.
INTRA MONTH
Crypto First Word from Tom Lee
Hear directly from Tom Lee about important cryptocurrency developments.
WEEKLY
Crypto Technical Strategy
From Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana to other coins, our Head of Technical Strategy highlights important price movement to help give you an edge.
WEEKLY
Crypto Strategy
A must-read summarizing our key thoughts about the crypto market, price action, and developing trends.
WEEKLY
Funding Fridays
Are you looking for investment opportunities in the crypto space? We explore early-stage crypto opportunities in this note about where the smart money is being invested!
WEEKLY
COMING SOON
Crypto Events
Never miss another conference, a high-impact software update, or an event that could be market-moving!
NTRA-MONTH
Deep Research Reports
Our consulting business delivers incredible deep research reports to highlight the economics and viability of exciting crypto projects.
WEEKLY
Crypto Strategy
Keep track of bitcoin sentiment to plan your digital assets strategy.
FSI Academy
Our main goal is to make you a better investor! This series will guide you through key financial concepts and topics in an understandable way.
Community Questions
We gather your inquiries and answer them in the most scalable way. Hear directly from our research principals!
Community Interviews
Get questions answered directly by our research heads and guest speakers.
Get access to all the Crypto research on FS Insight
First Month Free!
Webinars
We host over 12 LIVE webinars per year with our research team and high-profile special guests. Incredible value and market insights!
WEEKLY
COMING SOON
Fireside Chats
Weekly interviews with our research heads about market opportunities and important updates.
WEEKDAYS
Tom Lee's First Word
The best market research out there -- on a near-daily basis.
ON MARKET EVENTS
Tom Lee's Intraday Word
These are released periodically after crucial market developments.
DAILY
Daily Technical Strategy
Daily commentary on market trends and short term opportunities.
WEEKLY
Wall Street Whispers
Exclusive insights based on discussions with institutional clients.
WEEKLY
Quantitative Strategy
Quantitative market research utilizing industry-leading analytical methods.
WEEKLY
US Policy
Weekly update on developments in Washington DC and how they may impact Wall Street.
WEEKLY
Weekly Roadmap
Weekly summary of market events and updates on our key theses.
EARNINGS SEASON
Earnings Daily
A multi-faceted update of earnings developments.
UPDATED BI-WEEKLY
Signal From Noise
Highlights timely market themes and sectors with corresponding stocks, cutting through the day-to-day market “noise” for a distinct perspective.
UPDATED QUARTERLY
Granny Shots
Thematic investment stock picks that aim to outperform the S&P 500.
UPDATED MONTHLY
Brian’s Dunks
Single stock pics that are poised to outperform the index by leveraging sector outperformance and earning revisions strategies.
UPDATED MONTHLY
FSI Sector Allocation
A sector allocation strategy that is designed to outperform the S&P 500 while taking minimal risk.
UPDATED MONTHLY
Factor Strategy
List of ETFs based on quantitative models that should outperform the S&P 500 on a monthly basis.
UPDATED MONTHLY
Newton's Upticks
Technically derived, intermediate-term picks of attractive risk/reward opportunities from the S&P 500.
FSI Academy
Thematic investment stock picks that aim to outperform the S&P 500.
Community Questions
We gather your inquiries and answer them in the most scalable way. Hear directly from our research principals!
Community Interviews
Get questions answered directly by our research heads and guest speakers.
Get access to all the macro research on FS Insight
First Month Free!
Webinars
Ongoing webinars exploring crypto opportunities, in depth research, and exclusive research offerings from our team of analysts and leading cryptocurrency firms.
WEEKLY
Crypto Comments
Digestible videos expanding on important market events and metrics that are shaping cryptocurrency markets.
DAILY
Crypto Market Update
Stay on top of the crypto markets with macro commentary, technical analysis, and the most relevant news.
INTRA MONTH
Crypto First Word from Tom Lee
Hear directly from Tom Lee about important cryptocurrency developments.
WEEKLY
Crypto Technical Strategy
From Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana to other coins, our Head of Technical Strategy highlights important price movement to help give you an edge.
WEEKLY
Crypto Strategy
A must-read summarizing our key thoughts about the crypto market, price action, and developing trends.
WEEKLY
Funding Fridays
Are you looking for investment opportunities in the crypto space? We explore early-stage crypto opportunities in this note about where the smart money is being invested!
WEEKLY
COMING SOON
Crypto Events
Never miss another conference, a high-impact software update, or an event that could be market-moving!
NTRA-MONTH
Deep Research Reports
Our consulting business delivers incredible deep research reports to highlight the economics and viability of exciting crypto projects.
WEEKLY
Crypto Strategy
Keep track of bitcoin sentiment to plan your digital assets strategy.
FSI Academy
Our main goal is to make you a better investor! This series will guide you through key financial concepts and topics in an understandable way.
Community Questions
We gather your inquiries and answer them in the most scalable way. Hear directly from our research principals!
Community Interviews
Get questions answered directly by our research heads and guest speakers.
Get access to all the Crypto research on FS Insight
First Month Free!
Reports you may have missed
BUYERS ON STRIKE Last week, we discussed our immediate-term cautious approach to the crypto market, highlighting recent geopolitical tensions, tax-related selling, negative fiscal flows, and the persistent rise in real yields as reasons for a more risk-averse positioning (albeit relative, as holding 7.5% in cash and the rest in crypto is hardly considered risk-averse in most circles). This uncertainty has persisted into this week, evidenced by what we consider an...
Fiscal Dominance, Flows from China, Plus Some Thoughts on Global Conflict (Core Strategy Rebalance)
WHAT BTC SHRUGGING OFF CPI SAYS ABOUT CURRENT FISCAL SITUATION The most significant piece of macro data this week was the CPI. Headline CPI registered at 3.5%, surpassing the anticipated 3.4%, while core CPI remained steady from last month at 3.8%, also above the expected 3.7%. This increase was largely attributed to rising costs in auto insurance and shelter. Consequently, interest rates saw a sharp rise, with the 10-year Treasury...
Articles Read 1/1
🎁 Unlock 1 extra article by joining our Community!
You’ve reached your limit of 1 free monthly articles. Please enter your email to unlock 1 more articles.
Already have an account? Sign In 470e8a-b84e0e-0a7774-c7a3fb-761084
Already have an account? Sign In 470e8a-b84e0e-0a7774-c7a3fb-761084
