Research

Research

Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned pro, our library of educational resources will deepen your understanding of the technology that's changing the world.

November 2025: What It Takes to HODL
November 2025: What It Takes to HODL

Key Takeaways: Bitcoin investors have enjoyed high returns but have also stomached many challenging drawdowns. The ~30% drawdown since early October is in line with the historical average and the ninth meaningful pullback during the latest bull market.[1] Grayscale Research does not believe Bitcoin

The LINK Between Worlds
The LINK Between Worlds

Key Takeaways: Chainlink is the critical connective tissue between crypto and traditional finance — between the on-chain world and the off-chain world. Grayscale believes that Chainlink’s suite of software technologies will be central for many applications of blockchain technology, including tokeniz

Building Block: XRP
Building Block: XRP

OVERVIEW XRP is a digital asset powering the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a blockchain originally designed for cost-efficient cross-border payments but which now has expanded capabilities. XRP was originally launched in 2012 by Ripple, with its primary use case as a bridge currency on XRPL to streamline cros

October 2025: Weathering the Shutdown
October 2025: Weathering the Shutdown

Key Takeaways: The U.S. government shutdown and other macro risks were a source of market volatility in October, but innovation across the digital assets industry continued apace. The month included bipartisan negotiations in the U.S. Senate on market structure legislation, extensive investment in

Market Byte: Here Come the Altcoins
Market Byte: Here Come the Altcoins

Key Takeaways In the coming weeks, investors can anticipate a significant increase in the number of exchange-traded products (ETPs) offering exposure to “altcoins” — crypto assets with a lower market cap than Bitcoin — due to new guidance from U.S. regulators. These crypto assets represent a divers

Building Block: Solana
Building Block: Solana

Overview Solana is a high-performance smart contract blockchain that stands out for the depth and diversity of its on-chain activity. Solana is a component of the Smart Contract Platforms Crypto Sector, along with Ethereum, BNB Chain, Tron, Cardano, Sui, and other networks. Among this group, Solana

Solana: Crypto’s Financial Bazaar
Solana: Crypto’s Financial Bazaar

Key Takeaways: Solana is a smart contract platform blockchain that stands out for the depth and diversity of its on-chain activity. Today it’s the category leader in terms of users, transaction volume, and transaction fees — arguably the three most important measures of blockchain activity. As a fa

Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards
Staking 101: Secure the Blockchain, Earn Rewards

Blockchains secure themselves in one of two ways: Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS). PoW relies on energy and machines, while PoS relies on staking and voting. Bitcoin, the largest crypto asset by market capitalization, utilizes PoW. The majority of other well-known blockchains utilize PoS

September 2025: Cycles Don’t Die of Old Age
September 2025: Cycles Don’t Die of Old Age

Three years after the crypto market bottom there is renewed debate about the state of the “cycle”. But the factors powering adoption—macro demand for scarce digital assets and improved regulatory clarity—remain in place. Crypto trailed other asset classes in September; liquidations in futures accele

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