These are the worst 3 cryptos to own in 2022, so far

Only 10 of the top-100 tokens by market cap are well into the green in 2022.

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.

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

2022 hasn't been the best of years for crypto investors.

Although a few top-altcoins have managed to wildly outperform.

Overall, however, the digital assets have been hit by many of the same headwinds that have pressured other risk assets, like high growth tech shares. Namely fast rising inflation numbers and soaring geopolitical uncertainty.

In fact, 17 of the top-100 cryptos by market cap are down more than 40% this calendar year.

Even the biggest players, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) are in the red. Bitcoin is down 8% this year while Ethereum has lost 14%.

But those aren't close to the worst performers.

Here are the 3 worst tokens (out of the top 100) to have bought on 1 January and held onto through today.

This crypto is down 50% in 2022

The third worst performing crypto of 2022 to date is Loopring (CRYPTO: LRC), down 50% since 1 January.

That's despite gaining 5% over the past 24 hours to currently be worth US$1.03. At the current price, Loopring has a market cap of US$1.4 billion, making it the 75th biggest token in virtual circulation.

Loopring launched with an initial coin offering (ICO) in 2017.

So, what is Loopring?

According to CoinMarketCap, it's an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency token, "an open protocol designed for the building of decentralised crypto exchanges… [combining] elements of centralised and decentralised cryptocurrency exchanges to create a protocol that will enjoy their unique advantages and eliminate inefficiencies."

Loopring reached an all-time high of $3.83 on 10 November. It's down 73% since that record.

2022's second worst altcoin performer

Moving on, our runner up for worst crypto to own in 2022 is Algorand (CRYPTO: ALGO).

Algorand is also gaining today, up 3.5% to 80 US cents. But that still leaves the crypto's price down a painful 54% year-to-date.

At the current price, Algorand comes in as the 30th biggest token with a total market valuation of US$5.4 billion.

Launched in June 2019, Algorand, CoinMarketCap tells us, is "a self-sustaining, decentralised, blockchain-based network that supports a wide range of applications. These systems are secure, scalable and efficient".

Algorand hit its record high of US$3.28 on 21 June 2019, not long after launching. The crypto is down 75% from that high.

The worst performing crypto in 2022 is down 59%

The crypto that would have lost you the most money had you bought it on 1 January and held on through today is – drum roll please – Curve DAO Token (CRYPTO: CRV).

Like much of the crypto market today, Curve is enjoying a boost, up 4% to US$2.57. But that's hardly enough to erase the previous losses, leaving Curve down 59% in 2022.

At the current price, Curve has a market cap of US$1.2 billion, placing it at number 90 on the top-100 list.

Curve launched in January 2020 and works in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space. According to CoinMarketCap, it's a "decentralised exchange for stablecoins that uses an automated market maker (AMM) to manage liquidity".

The crypto reached an all-time high of US$60.50 on 14 August 2020. It's now down a gut wrenching 96% from that high.

Invest with care.

Should you invest $1,000 in Bitcoin.ℏ right now?

Before you buy Bitcoin.ℏ shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Bitcoin.ℏ wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

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

More on Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin coins in a pile.
Cryptocurrencies

What's happening with the Bitcoin price amid the Trump tariff market panic?

You may have heard Bitcoin referred to as ‘digital gold’. But is it really a haven asset?

Read more »

A graphic picture of gold Bitcoins with the Bitcoin symbol lying on a desk with arrows shooting higher and one arrow lifting off the flat surface pointing to the sky.
ETFs

Dip your toes into cryptocurrency with these 2 ASX ETFs

Interested in cryptocurrency?

Read more »

Bitcoin symbol with a rising green arrow.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin surges: How to invest through the ASX

Wanting to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency? Check out these two options.

Read more »

Bitcoin coins in a pile.
Cryptocurrencies

Here's what owning Bitcoin for 7 years has taught me

Bitcoin has been a fantastic investment for me, but not without its pitfalls.

Read more »

A woman holds a bitcoin token in her hand as she smiles at the camera in the background.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price surges on Donald Trump's cryptocurrency strategic reserve update

The Bitcoin price hit all-time highs of US$109,115 on the day Trump was sworn into office.

Read more »

Bitcoin coin with a rising arrow.
Cryptocurrencies

The Bitcoin price soared 120% in 2024. Could it repeat that performance in 2025?

Bitcoin soared by 150% in 2023 and 120% in 2024, so many crypto investors are expecting it to once again…

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Cryptocurrencies

Why Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin just surged

Today's CPI report turns out to mean a great deal to crypto investors.

Read more »

Bitcoin coin with a rising arrow.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin price smashes new record highs as market value tops US$2.1 trillion

Bitcoin just soared to new all-time highs. But why?

Read more »