Ripple is the biggest winner of 2017 cryptocurrency ranking

To the surprise of many, 2017 was the year cryptocurrencies catapulted into mainstream consciousness. Bitcoin’s value grew by more than 1,000% in 2017, but that wasn’t enough to even place it among the 10 best-performing cryptoassets of the year.

At its highest point Sunday, Ripple XRP skyrocketed 36,000% to become the world’s best-performing digital asset. The cryptocurrency charted an impressive path in the final three weeks of the year, gaining more than 800% when comparing the closing price between Dec. 7 and 31.  Ripple was co-founded by Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb in 2012 with an aim to set up as a inter-bank payments.

Ripple ended the year as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of more than $85 billion. The XRP token only recently overtook Ethereum as the world’s no. 2 digital asset.

When it comes to yearly gains, ether was no slouch. The market’s favorite ICO platform rose more than 9,000% for the year, placing it among the top gainers.

Cryptocurrency NEM also put up enormous gains, rising nearly 30,000%. Lesser known Ardor gained nearly 17,000% and Stellar rose more than 14,400%.

Bitcoin’s year-end growth amounted to 1,300%. At its highest point, it was up 20 times over Jan. 1 levels. Bitcoin’s performance may seem lackluster compared to its newer, shinier, brethren, but it’s worth putting its gains in context. After all, the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 27% last year. Meanwhile, more established markets in Asia, Europe and the United States gained between 7% and 36%.

It’s difficult to imagine cryptoassets delivering another year of crazy gains in 2018.