Is Shiba Inu ready for a bull run?

The meme token is still a popular cryptocurrency for speculators to bet on, but its future is questionable.

| More on:
A dog sits on the couch, working on a laptop.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB), the top-performing cryptocurrency in 2021, skyrocketed more than 40,000,000% during the year. Meme-stock mania carried over to digital assets, pushing the prices of some tokens to new heights for no fundamental reason. Profit-seeking investors want a repeat performance this year. 

With Shiba Inu down 30% so far in 2022 (as of 9 March), some speculators might be hoping for a quick bull run that turns things around. Wild price swings are normal when it comes to cryptocurrencies, and, as a result, people are tempted to try and time the market. But this could be a losing game, especially with a cryptocurrency like Shiba Inu, whose future is questionable. 

Here's why. 

Where's the competitive edge? 

Shiba Inu is a token that is compatible with the Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) network, meaning that it has exposure to the Ethereum ecosystem, which includes availability on popular wallets and decentralized applications (dApps). However, Shiba Inu is constrained by the same issues facing the world's second most valuable cryptocurrency. These center around slow transaction processing times and high fees. 

The developers at Shiba Inu have a layer-2 solution in the works, called Shibarium, to help speed up transactions and lower costs. If implemented without any major hiccups, Shiba Inu's network could introduce gaming and metaverse applications, building much-needed utility into the system. 

Solving the scalability issue is probably the most important topic in the crypto world today, with the smartest minds working on the problem. Some are skeptical that Shiba Inu, with its lack of differentiation and resources, could make a huge breakthrough here. Even if it does, there are already popular gaming and metaverse options bringing in capital. 

Nonetheless, the possible introduction of Shibarium, as well as a potential listing on the Robinhood Markets app, could be catalysts that push SHIB's price higher in the near term.  

Arguably, the viability and staying power of a cryptocurrency depend on its potential to create real-world utility. Shiba Inu seriously lags behind other projects, particularly Ethereum, in that space. Developers and users will continue to be attracted to larger and more proven blockchains, potentially leaving Shiba Inu in the dust. 

Ignore the FOMO 

The fear of missing out, or FOMO, is something that investors constantly struggle with, especially in today's digitally connected age. We hear others talk about making money from investing in certain stocks or cryptocurrencies. We then feel the need to jump right in as well. News flash: Copying what everyone else is doing is not a viable investment strategy

The feeling of FOMO is exacerbated in the world of cryptocurrencies, where massive price swings in excess of 20% can happen on any given day. There is no shortage of stories out there about people who became millionaires overnight because of a lucky bet on some digital asset. Like Shiba Inu in 2021, meme tokens definitely encourage this type of behavior.

But as I touched on above, a project like Ethereum could be a much better place to park your capital for the long term. It is already making great strides in introducing various decentralized applications (dApps), like decentralized finance services, which bring in more users. This money inflow leads to more developers working on Ethereum in a virtuous cycle. Can Shiba Inu really compete with this momentum? 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Neil Patel owns Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on International Stock News

Happy man working on his laptop.
International Stock News

Prediction: This artificial intelligence (AI) stock will be the biggest winner of 2025

Artificial intelligence will be one of the biggest growth opportunities this century.

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
International Stock News

Could Warren Buffett's last move as Berkshire Hathaway CEO be buying this beaten-down "Magnificent Seven" stock?

Buffett is a value investor at his core, and he doesn't often buy shares of expensive companies.

Read more »

A woman holds a soldering tool as she sits in front of a computer screen while working on the manufacturing of technology equipment in a laboratory environment.
International Stock News

Prediction: This artificial intelligence (AI) stock will be worth $5 trillion in 3 years

Let's take a closer look at the catalysts that could propel this stock toward that valuation.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
International Stock News

This Artificial Intelligence (AI) chipmaker just got a game-changing boost from Amazon, and Nvidia investors should be paying close attention

Amazon just made a notable investment in Nvidia's top rival.

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
International Stock News

A once-in-a-decade opportunity: Here's why I'm buying Alphabet stock like there's no tomorrow

Alphabet's stock rarely gets this cheap, and right now could be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to scoop up shares at a…

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
International Stock News

Is Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway the smartest investment you can make today?

So, with all the uncertainty, is Berkshire Hathaway the smartest investment you can make today?

Read more »

Warren Buffet
International Stock News

7 ways Warren Buffett changed my investing approach

I'm a big fan of Warren Buffett, and have been for many years.

Read more »

iPhone with the logo and the word Google spelt multiple times in the background.
International Stock News

Down 12% this year, should you buy Alphabet stock?

The Google owner is underperforming the Nasdaq Composite, which has rallied in recent weeks.

Read more »