Trade
Basic
Futures
Futures
Hundreds of contracts settled in USDT or BTC
TradFi
Gold
Trade global traditional assets with USDT in one place
Options
Hot
Trade European-style vanilla options
Unified Account
Maximize your capital efficiency
Demo Trading
Futures Kickoff
Get prepared for your futures trading
Futures Events
Participate in events to win generous rewards
Demo Trading
Use virtual funds to experience risk-free trading
Earn
Launch
CandyDrop
Collect candies to earn airdrops
Launchpool
Quick staking, earn potential new tokens
HODLer Airdrop
Hold GT and get massive airdrops for free
Launchpad
Be early to the next big token project
Alpha Points
Trade on-chain assets and enjoy airdrop rewards!
Futures Points
Earn futures points and claim airdrop rewards
Investment
Simple Earn
Earn interests with idle tokens
Auto-Invest
Auto-invest on a regular basis
Dual Investment
Buy low and sell high to take profits from price fluctuations
Soft Staking
Earn rewards with flexible staking
Crypto Loan
0 Fees
Pledge one crypto to borrow another
Lending Center
One-stop lending hub
VIP Wealth Hub
Customized wealth management empowers your assets growth
Private Wealth Management
Customized asset management to grow your digital assets
Quant Fund
Top asset management team helps you profit without hassle
Staking
Stake cryptos to earn in PoS products
Smart Leverage
New
No forced liquidation before maturity, worry-free leveraged gains
GUSD Minting
Use USDT/USDC to mint GUSD for treasury-level yields
More
Ethereum (ETH) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy Ethereum Now?
Abstract
This article comprehensively reviews Ethereum’s historical prices and market volatility since its inception, combines data from bull and bear market phases, evaluates potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ETH, and addresses the critical question “Should I buy Ethereum now?” to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.
Early Market Cycles and Price History (2016 to 2017)
Ethereum’s early trading prices began around $10.3 in 2016. Below is a detailed breakdown of Ethereum’s price movements during the initial bull market phase:
2016
2017
An investor who purchased 10 ETH during the early bull market phase in 2016-2017 would have achieved potential returns of $20,905.73 if sold today.
Bear Market Correction and Mid-Period Cycles: Risk and Return Analysis (2018 to 2020)
During this period, Ethereum’s price experienced significant volatility, marked by a severe correction in 2018 followed by recovery and substantial gains in 2019-2020.
2018
2019
2020
Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ETH during this period:
Secondary Bull Market and Recent Cycles: Expansion Phase (2021 to 2024)
Ethereum entered a new bull market phase with significant price appreciation, followed by market corrections and subsequent recovery.
2021
2022
2023
2024
Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ETH during this period:
Latest Market Cycle: Should I Buy Ethereum Now? (2025 to 2026)
Recent market data shows Ethereum facing downward pressure with declining annual returns and negative cumulative returns for investors entering at current price levels.
2025
2026 (Year-to-Date)
Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ETH during the recent period:
Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis
Through analysis of Ethereum’s historical prices and potential returns spanning from 2016 to 2026, the data reveals volatile market cycles characterized by exceptional bull phases followed by significant corrections. The latest market cycle (2025-2026) presents negative returns, suggesting investors should exercise caution regarding current entry points. Understanding these historical patterns is essential for evaluating whether now represents an appropriate time to establish or increase Ethereum positions.