Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy BCH Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Bitcoin Cash’s historical price movements and market volatility since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 BCH tokens. It addresses the critical question: “Should I buy Bitcoin Cash now?” to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Bull Market Genesis and Early Market Cycle: Historical Price Review (2017 to 2018)

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) was created through a hard fork from the Bitcoin blockchain in 2017, initiated by ViaBTC based on the Bitcoin ABC proposal. According to market records, its earliest trading price was approximately $330.05.

The following represents Bitcoin Cash’s price changes during the early bull market phase:

2017

• Opening Price: $330.05
• Closing Price: $2,284.99
• Highest Price: $2,747.87
• Lowest Price: $330.05
• Annual Return: 592.32%

2018

• Opening Price: $2,534.94
• Closing Price: $162.22
• Highest Price: $2,534.94
• Lowest Price: $80.00
• Annual Return: -93.6%

An investor who purchased 10 BCH during the early bull market phase in 2017 would have experienced significant gains, with potential returns of $1,990.51 if sold at the peak, followed by substantial losses during the 2018 bear market correction, resulting in a loss of $20,058.40.

Bear Market Adjustment and Mid-Term Market Cycle: Return and Risk Analysis (2018 to 2022)

During this period, Bitcoin Cash experienced severe price volatility, undergoing both recovery phases and sharp declines. The market was influenced by broader cryptocurrency sentiment and regulatory developments.

The following illustrates potential returns for investors who purchased 10 BCH during the bear market and consolidation phases:

• 2019: $4,061.80
• 2020: $2,587.20
• 2021: -$713.63
• 2022: $1,523.60

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy Bitcoin Cash Now? (2023 to 2026 to date)

In recent years, Bitcoin Cash has demonstrated notable recovery, with investors debating whether the market has entered a new bull cycle or remains in consolidation mode. The asset has shown renewed strength following the prolonged bear market of 2022.

2023

• Opening Price: $103.68
• Closing Price: $259.55
• Highest Price: $299.36
• Lowest Price: $102.91
• Annual Return: 150.34%

2024

• Opening Price: $232.24
• Closing Price: $470.87
• Highest Price: $685.13
• Lowest Price: $232.24
• Annual Return: 102.75%

2025

• Opening Price: $447.84
• Closing Price: $639.26
• Highest Price: $639.26
• Lowest Price: $272.23
• Annual Return: 42.74%

2026 to date

• Opening Price: $648.91
• Closing Price: $529.10
• Highest Price: $648.91
• Lowest Price: $516.04
• Annual Return: -18.46%

Investors purchasing 10 BCH during this recent recovery period would have realized the following potential returns:

• 2023: $4,254.20
• 2024: $2,968.60
• 2025: $812.60
• 2026 to date: -$1,198.10

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through comprehensive analysis of Bitcoin Cash’s historical prices and potential returns spanning nearly a decade, the data reveals pronounced market cyclicality with significant volatility. The asset experienced exceptional gains during its 2017 inception, followed by devastating losses in 2018, a gradual recovery through 2019-2021, renewed strength in 2023-2024, and recent consolidation in 2025-2026. This historical pattern underscores the importance of disciplined investment timing when considering whether to purchase Bitcoin Cash at current levels.