Pinpointing Ethereum’s biggest rival is tricky, as it depends on what you’re prioritizing. While Bitcoin dominates as a store of value, several contenders challenge Ethereum’s dominance in smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps).
Solana, though not listed, is a strong contender, boasting significantly faster transaction speeds than Ethereum. However, it’s had its share of network outages, raising concerns about scalability and reliability. This highlights the trade-off between speed and decentralization.
Cardano focuses on a robust, peer-reviewed academic approach to blockchain development. This results in slower innovation compared to some rivals, but arguably offers greater long-term stability and security. It’s a good choice for those prioritizing rigorous development processes.
The enterprise solutions like IBM Blockchain and Microsoft Azure Blockchain cater to a different market segment, offering permissioned, enterprise-grade solutions rather than fully decentralized public networks. Their strengths lie in integration with existing business infrastructure. Similarly, Ripple focuses heavily on cross-border payments and isn’t a direct smart contract competitor.
Velas, AERGO Enterprise, and Tangle represent a diverse range of approaches to blockchain technology, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses, often targeting niche markets or specific applications. They are less established than the others, carrying higher risk but potentially higher reward for early adopters.
Ultimately, Ethereum’s biggest “rival” is a moving target, as the landscape shifts rapidly. No single blockchain completely overshadows Ethereum, and the best choice depends on your individual investment strategy and risk tolerance.
How much is $1000 in Ethereum 5 years ago?
Whoa, imagine dropping $1000 into ETH back in 2019! According to CoinMarketCap’s historical data, that grand would be worth a whopping $11,049 today. That’s over 10x your initial investment! Talk about a moon shot!
Interestingly, if you’d timed it just a bit differently and invested in 2024, that same $1000 would only be worth $784 now. This perfectly illustrates the insane volatility of the crypto market. One year can make or break you.
The key takeaway here is that early adoption in crypto can be incredibly lucrative, but it’s a high-risk, high-reward game. It’s also crucial to remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. Do your own research before jumping in!
Does Ethereum have competition?
Ethereum faces stiff competition, and dismissing it as a mere “monopoly” is foolish. Avalanche, with its superior throughput and innovative subnet architecture, allows for highly customizable, low-fee, and fast blockchains. This scalability advantage is a significant threat to Ethereum’s dominance, especially for applications demanding high transaction speeds.
Then there’s Polkadot, a fascinating project leveraging its unique relay chain to connect a multitude of parachains. This heterogeneous approach allows for specialized blockchains, each optimized for different use cases, all communicating seamlessly. This interoperability aspect is a crucial differentiator, potentially attracting developers seeking a more modular and adaptable ecosystem than Ethereum’s monolithic structure.
Finally, we have Cardano, a project emphasizing a rigorous, research-driven approach. Its focus on formal verification and peer-reviewed academic research aims for a more secure and robust platform. This is a powerful narrative, appealing to developers and investors prioritizing security and long-term sustainability. The key here is its potential to attract those prioritizing provably secure smart contracts.
The competitive landscape is far from static. Consider these key aspects when evaluating these competitors:
- Scalability: Avalanche clearly wins here with its subnets, offering significantly higher TPS than Ethereum.
- Interoperability: Polkadot’s parachain model provides superior interoperability capabilities.
- Security & Auditability: Cardano’s rigorous approach positions it as a strong contender in this area.
- Developer Experience: While Ethereum still holds a significant edge in developer tools and community size, this is rapidly changing.
Ultimately, Ethereum’s future dominance isn’t guaranteed. These competitors represent significant challenges and offer compelling alternatives, forcing Ethereum to constantly innovate and adapt to remain competitive. The smart money is watching carefully.
Which crypto will replace Ethereum?
The question of which cryptocurrency will supplant Ethereum is a complex one, lacking a definitive answer. However, Solana frequently emerges as a strong contender, particularly within the Decentralized Finance (DeFi), gaming, and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) sectors. Solana’s architecture aims to directly address Ethereum’s scalability limitations, a common pain point hindering broader adoption. Ethereum’s transaction speeds and high gas fees often make it impractical for certain applications, particularly those requiring high throughput, like real-time gaming or large-scale NFT marketplaces.
Solana employs a unique Proof-of-History (PoH) consensus mechanism, combined with Proof-of-Stake (PoS), to achieve significantly faster transaction processing than Ethereum’s PoS. This enhanced speed and lower transaction costs are key to attracting developers and users seeking a more efficient and cost-effective platform. While Solana’s impressive performance metrics are alluring, it’s crucial to acknowledge the ongoing debate surrounding its network stability and centralization concerns, which some critics argue undermines its decentralized ethos.
It’s important to note that Solana isn’t alone in its ambition. Many so-called “third-generation” cryptocurrencies are built around the central theme of improving upon the scalability and throughput limitations of earlier platforms like Ethereum. These projects often explore various technological innovations, from novel consensus mechanisms to sharding techniques, all in pursuit of building faster, more efficient blockchain networks. Each project faces its own unique set of challenges, and the ultimate “Ethereum killer” remains to be seen. The cryptocurrency landscape is dynamic, with continuous innovation and evolution, making predictions uncertain. Careful research and due diligence are crucial before investing in any cryptocurrency, especially those aiming to disrupt established players.
The competition for dominance in the blockchain space is fierce, and while Solana presents a compelling alternative with its focus on speed and scalability, the outcome of this technological battle remains to be determined. Other contenders also offer unique solutions, and the market may well see a multi-chain future rather than a single dominant platform.
Which crypto will beat Ethereum?
Cardano (ADA) is frequently touted as a potential “Ethereum killer,” primarily due to its purported scalability advantages. While Ethereum currently dominates the smart contract space, Cardano’s blockchain architecture, built using a layered approach with distinct settlement and computation layers, aims to offer significantly improved transaction throughput and lower fees. This is achieved through Ouroboros, its proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, designed for enhanced energy efficiency compared to Ethereum’s previous proof-of-work system (though Ethereum has since transitioned to proof-of-stake).
However, declaring a definitive “winner” is premature. While Cardano boasts impressive theoretical capabilities, real-world adoption and developer activity remain crucial factors. Ethereum, despite its past scalability challenges, enjoys a substantial first-mover advantage, a vast developer ecosystem, and a mature DeFi landscape. The success of Cardano will depend on its ability to attract developers and build a robust and diverse range of decentralized applications (dApps).
Key differences to consider: Cardano emphasizes peer-reviewed research and a rigorous development process, aiming for a more robust and less error-prone platform. Ethereum, on the other hand, has evolved organically through rapid iteration and community contributions. This difference in approach dictates different strengths and weaknesses, making direct comparison complex. Ultimately, the “Ethereum killer” narrative is a simplification of a multifaceted competition.
Beyond scalability: The competition between Ethereum and Cardano also involves other factors, including smart contract functionality, developer tools, community engagement, and the overall ease of use for developers and end-users. The future landscape of smart contract platforms might involve both Ethereum and Cardano, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Is it worth putting $100 in Ethereum?
Absolutely! $100 is a fantastic starting point for Ethereum. Think of it as a long-term investment, not a get-rich-quick scheme. Ethereum’s underlying technology, the blockchain, is revolutionary. It powers decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, driving innovation across various sectors.
Why $100 is enough:
- Fractional Ownership: Most exchanges let you buy even tiny amounts of ETH, making it accessible to everyone.
- Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Instead of investing all $100 at once, consider DCA. Invest smaller amounts regularly (e.g., $25/month) to mitigate risk associated with price volatility.
- Learning Experience: This small investment allows you to familiarize yourself with the crypto ecosystem, different exchanges, wallets, and the overall process. It’s like a hands-on course!
Beyond the Investment:
- Explore DeFi: Ethereum is the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi). Learn about lending, borrowing, staking, and yield farming – opportunities to earn passive income (though with inherent risks).
- NFTs and the Metaverse: Ethereum is heavily involved in NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and the metaverse, offering potential for both investment and engagement.
- Gas Fees: Be aware of gas fees (transaction costs on the Ethereum network). These can fluctuate and impact your profitability. Research low-cost times to trade.
Disclaimer: Crypto investments are inherently risky. Do your own research (DYOR) and only invest what you can afford to lose.
Which crypto will boom in 2025?
Predicting which crypto will “boom” in 2025 is inherently speculative; market forces are complex and influenced by numerous unpredictable factors. However, analyzing current market capitalization and price offers a glimpse into potential candidates. The following list presents top contenders, but remember this is not financial advice:
Ethereum (ETH): Holding a dominant market cap, Ethereum’s position as the leading smart contract platform remains strong. Further development, including scaling solutions like sharding and advancements in layer-2 technologies, could significantly enhance its capabilities and potentially drive price increases. However, competition from other smart contract platforms is a factor to consider.
Binance Coin (BNB): BNB’s utility within the Binance ecosystem, coupled with Binance’s substantial influence on the crypto market, gives it considerable potential. However, its value is heavily tied to Binance’s success and regulatory scrutiny.
Solana (SOL): Solana’s focus on speed and scalability positions it as a strong contender. However, network outages in the past highlight the challenges of balancing high throughput with network stability. Its future success depends on consistent network reliability and continued development.
Ripple (XRP): XRP’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC casts considerable uncertainty on its future. While a positive resolution could drive significant price appreciation, a negative outcome could severely impact its value. Its price remains highly sensitive to regulatory developments.
Important Note: Market capitalization and current price are snapshots in time and do not guarantee future performance. Consider diversification, thorough research, and your personal risk tolerance before investing in any cryptocurrency. The crypto market is volatile and inherently risky.
What if I invested $1,000 in Bitcoin in 2010?
Investing $1,000 in Bitcoin in 2010 would have yielded a return exceeding $88 billion today, a truly staggering gain. This is based on Bitcoin’s price of roughly $0.00099 in late 2009. This means your initial investment would have bought you approximately 1,010,101 Bitcoins. At Bitcoin’s current price, that initial investment would be worth far more than the initially estimated figure. Remember, this calculation ignores transaction fees and assumes holding the Bitcoin throughout the period.
The 2015 example cited, showing a $1,000 investment becoming $368,194, highlights the significant yet comparatively smaller gains compared to a 2010 investment. This underscores the importance of early entry in appreciating asset classes like Bitcoin. However, the cryptocurrency market’s volatility also demands caution; substantial gains can be quickly eroded.
It’s crucial to understand that Bitcoin’s price trajectory has been extraordinarily volatile. While this illustrates the potential for massive returns, it also showcases the immense risk involved. Past performance is not indicative of future results; the price could experience significant corrections at any time.
Furthermore, tax implications on such substantial gains would be considerable. Anyone contemplating such investments needs to understand and plan for these tax liabilities.
This hypothetical scenario should not be interpreted as financial advice. Any investment decision should be made after conducting thorough due diligence and considering your personal risk tolerance.
What is the best competitor to Ethereum?
Ethereum has several competitors, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s not about finding a single “best” competitor, as the ideal choice depends on your priorities.
Cardano (ADA) focuses on sustainability and academic rigor in its design. It aims to be more energy-efficient than Ethereum and uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, which is considered more environmentally friendly. However, its transaction speeds are generally slower than Ethereum’s.
Solana (SOL) prioritizes speed and low transaction costs. It boasts incredibly fast transaction processing speeds, making it attractive for certain applications. However, it’s had past network instability issues, raising concerns about its long-term reliability.
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is known for its low transaction fees. This makes it a popular choice for users who are sensitive to cost, particularly for smaller transactions. However, its centralized nature, stemming from its association with Binance, raises concerns about decentralization and security compared to truly decentralized networks.
Polkadot (DOT) emphasizes interoperability, aiming to connect different blockchains. This allows different blockchains to communicate and share data, potentially leading to a more interconnected crypto ecosystem. However, it is a relatively complex system and its adoption is still developing.
Ultimately, the “best” competitor depends on your needs. Do you prioritize speed, low fees, sustainability, or interoperability? Research each platform thoroughly before investing.
Which penny crypto has 1000x potential?
Speculating on a 1000x return from any cryptocurrency, especially penny cryptos, is extremely risky. No one can reliably predict such dramatic price increases. The listed coins – Solaxy, Bitcoin Bull, Mind of Pepe, Best Wallet, Meme Index, Catslap, Dogecoin, TRON, Cardano, and XRP – represent a diverse range of projects, each with its own inherent risks and potential rewards, but none are guaranteed a 1000x return.
Factors affecting potential growth (but not guaranteeing it):
- Market Sentiment and Hype: Meme coins like Mind of Pepe and Catslap are highly susceptible to short-lived hype cycles, which can lead to rapid price increases followed by equally rapid crashes. Their value is largely driven by speculation, not fundamental utility.
- Technology and Adoption: Projects like Cardano and TRON have more established ecosystems and technological foundations. Their potential for growth is tied to wider adoption and development of their platforms. However, even successful projects rarely see 1000x gains.
- Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory environment significantly impacts cryptocurrency prices. Unfavorable regulations can severely hinder growth, while positive developments can fuel increases. All listed coins are subject to evolving regulations.
- Competition: The cryptocurrency market is highly competitive. New projects constantly emerge, challenging existing ones. A coin’s ability to differentiate itself and maintain a competitive edge is crucial for long-term success.
- Team and Development: The competence and experience of the development team behind a project is a significant factor. A strong team increases the likelihood of successful execution of the project roadmap.
Disclaimer: Investing in penny cryptocurrencies carries an extremely high level of risk. The potential for substantial losses is significant. Always conduct thorough due diligence before investing in any cryptocurrency and only invest what you can afford to lose. This information is not financial advice.
Specific Considerations (brief overview):
- Dogecoin (DOGE): A long-established meme coin with significant brand recognition but limited fundamental value proposition.
- TRON (TRX): A blockchain platform aiming for decentralized applications (dApps), competing with Ethereum.
- Cardano (ADA): A proof-of-stake blockchain known for its focus on scalability and sustainability.
- XRP (XRP): A cryptocurrency associated with Ripple, a payment processing company, facing significant regulatory challenges.
The remaining coins (Solaxy, Bitcoin Bull, Mind of Pepe, Best Wallet, Meme Index, Catslap) are relatively newer and less established, requiring significantly more in-depth research before consideration.
Who can beat Ethereum?
Ethereum’s dominance isn’t guaranteed. While its established network effect and robust decentralized nature are significant strengths, challengers like Solana, Cardano, and Polkadot present compelling alternatives targeting specific weaknesses.
Speed and Transaction Costs: Solana, with its unique proof-of-history consensus mechanism, boasts significantly faster transaction speeds and lower fees than Ethereum. Cardano, utilizing Ouroboros, also aims for improved scalability and efficiency. Polkadot’s parachain architecture allows for parallel processing, potentially handling a much higher transaction volume. However, achieving true decentralization at this scale presents ongoing challenges for all three.
Ethereum’s Advantages: Ethereum’s strength lies in its established ecosystem. It boasts the largest developer community and the most mature DeFi applications. This network effect is a powerful barrier to entry. Moreover, Ethereum’s ongoing transition to proof-of-stake (with the successful Merge) significantly improves its energy efficiency, addressing a major criticism.
Key Considerations:
- Scalability: Layer-2 solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum are crucial for Ethereum’s continued competitiveness, addressing scalability limitations without sacrificing decentralization.
- Security: While the Merge enhanced security, the decentralization of any blockchain remains a complex ongoing challenge. Attacks and vulnerabilities are possible, regardless of the underlying technology.
- Development Focus: Each competitor focuses on different aspects of blockchain technology. Solana prioritizes speed, Cardano emphasizes formal verification, and Polkadot focuses on interoperability. Ethereum’s more generalized approach allows it to adapt and evolve, but also might make it less efficient in specific niche applications.
Ultimately: No single competitor definitively “beats” Ethereum. The blockchain landscape is dynamic, and success depends on a complex interplay of technology, community, and market adoption. Ethereum’s current dominance is not a guarantee of future success.
What will ETH be worth in 2030?
Predicting the future price of any cryptocurrency is inherently speculative, but let’s explore a potential scenario for Ethereum (ETH) by 2030. One projection estimates ETH to reach $22,000 by then, a 487% increase from current prices and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.8%. This substantial growth is predicated on Ethereum’s central role within the evolving decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
Ethereum’s Key Role in DeFi: This projection hinges on the continued adoption and success of Ethereum as the leading platform for DeFi applications. The vast majority of decentralized applications (dApps) are built on Ethereum, leveraging its smart contract functionality and robust network. Future developments, such as scaling solutions like sharding, could significantly increase transaction speeds and reduce fees, further bolstering its appeal.
Factors Influencing the Projection: Several factors contribute to this bullish forecast. Increased institutional investment, wider regulatory clarity (though still a significant uncertainty), and the ongoing development and integration of innovative DeFi protocols are all key drivers. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential downsides, including increased competition from other layer-1 blockchains and unforeseen technological hurdles.
Important Disclaimer: A 37.8% CAGR is extremely ambitious. Cryptocurrency markets are notoriously volatile, and achieving this level of growth is far from guaranteed. This prediction should be considered just one perspective among many, and investors should conduct their own thorough research before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Beyond the Price: Focusing solely on price overlooks the broader significance of Ethereum. Its underlying technology—the blockchain—is transforming numerous industries, potentially impacting everything from supply chain management to digital identity verification. The long-term value proposition of Ethereum might extend beyond its token price.
Risk Assessment: Investing in cryptocurrencies, including ETH, carries substantial risk. Market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and technological disruption all present significant challenges. Diversification is crucial for mitigating risk. Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
How much is $1 dollar in Bitcoin 10 years ago?
In late 2009, a single dollar bought you a whopping 1,009.03 Bitcoin. The price was around $0.00099 per BTC. Think about that for a second. You could’ve been a Bitcoin millionaire with a relatively small investment. The lack of readily available pricing data from that era makes precise calculations challenging; July 2010 is when we start to see more consistent records. This early period highlights the immense growth potential Bitcoin possessed, and the missed opportunities for early adopters who didn’t fully grasp its transformative nature. It’s crucial to remember that early Bitcoin markets were incredibly illiquid, meaning even finding someone to trade with could be difficult. This price volatility, combined with the technological novelty and the regulatory uncertainty, made the early days of Bitcoin a wild ride. Anyone holding onto their Bitcoin through the subsequent years has witnessed astronomical returns, demonstrating the transformative power of early adoption in the cryptocurrency space.
What would $1000 invested in Apple in 2000 be worth today?
Imagine investing $1,000 in Apple stock in the year 2000. That seemingly modest sum would be worth nearly $215,000 today, a staggering 21,500% return! This illustrates the potential for explosive growth in the tech sector, a potential mirrored, though perhaps less dramatically, in the crypto world.
For comparison, the same $1,000 invested in the S&P 500 over the same period would yield around $7,600. This highlights the inherent risk and reward dynamic of individual stock picking, a dynamic significantly amplified within the cryptocurrency market.
Cryptocurrency parallels: While Apple’s growth is undeniable, the volatility inherent in the crypto market offers both higher potential returns and substantially greater risk. Consider these points:
- Early Adoption: Investing in Bitcoin in its early days would have yielded returns far exceeding even Apple’s performance. Identifying such “early movers” in crypto requires significant research and a tolerance for high risk.
- Diversification: Just as investing solely in Apple wouldn’t be advisable, relying on a single cryptocurrency is incredibly risky. A diversified portfolio across different projects and asset classes is crucial to mitigate losses.
- Technological Disruption: Both Apple and Bitcoin represent disruptive technologies, albeit in different sectors. Understanding the potential for similar disruptive technologies within the crypto ecosystem is paramount for successful investment.
Key Differences & Considerations:
- Regulation: Apple operates within a well-established regulatory framework. Cryptocurrencies are still navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape globally.
- Market Maturity: Apple is a mature, publicly traded company with a long history. The cryptocurrency market is significantly younger and more volatile.
- Technological Risk: While Apple faces technological challenges, the cryptocurrency space is constantly evolving, with newer technologies potentially rendering older projects obsolete.
The Bottom Line: While the Apple example showcases the power of long-term investment in tech, the crypto market presents a vastly different landscape with both unparalleled potential and significantly amplified risks. Thorough research, diversification, and risk management are non-negotiable.
Can Ethereum reach $100,000?
Ethereum reaching $100,000 is highly improbable in the foreseeable future. The current market capitalization would require a level of adoption and overall crypto market growth that’s currently unsustainable. Such a valuation implies a massive increase in network utility and a significant shift in global economic paradigms, neither of which are predicted in the short to mid-term.
Analyzing Ethereum’s historical price action and applying various technical indicators doesn’t support a trajectory to $100,000 before 2030. Significant breakthroughs in scalability, such as the full rollout and widespread adoption of sharding, are crucial factors that would need to precede any such dramatic price increase. Even then, the correlation between technological advancements and price appreciation is not guaranteed.
Furthermore, macroeconomic factors play a pivotal role. Regulatory uncertainty, global economic conditions, and the potential emergence of competing blockchain technologies all exert considerable influence on the price of Ethereum. A sustained bull market across all asset classes would be a necessary prerequisite, but not sufficient, condition for such exponential growth.
While not impossible, a price of $100,000 for ETH is a highly speculative scenario demanding a confluence of positive factors that are currently unlikely to materialize before the end of the decade. It’s far more realistic to consider more moderate price targets based on reasoned assessments of technological progress, market adoption, and macroeconomic trends.
Is Solana going to replace Ethereum?
Solana’s low transaction fees and blazing-fast speeds undeniably present compelling advantages over Ethereum for specific applications, particularly those demanding high throughput and low latency, such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and gaming. However, proclaiming it as Ethereum’s successor is premature.
Significant hurdles remain before Solana can genuinely challenge Ethereum’s dominance. These include:
- Security concerns: Solana has experienced network outages and vulnerabilities, raising questions about its long-term reliability and resilience compared to Ethereum’s battle-tested infrastructure.
- Ecosystem maturity: While Solana’s ecosystem is rapidly growing, it still lags significantly behind Ethereum’s in terms of developer activity, decentralized applications (dApps), and overall community size. Ethereum benefits from a massive network effect.
- Decentralization debates: Concerns persist regarding Solana’s degree of decentralization, with some arguing its architecture is more centralized than Ethereum’s, potentially impacting its resistance to censorship and attacks.
Instead of a winner-takes-all scenario, the crypto landscape is increasingly pointing towards a multi-chain future. Solana’s strengths position it to thrive in this environment, carving a niche for itself in the high-performance sector. Its success will depend on continued development addressing its vulnerabilities and fostering further ecosystem growth, rather than directly competing with Ethereum’s established position as the leading smart contract platform.
Consider these points for a more nuanced understanding:
- Tokenomics: Comparing SOL and ETH’s tokenomics, including inflation rates, staking mechanisms, and overall utility within their respective ecosystems, reveals important differences influencing long-term value.
- Scalability solutions: Ethereum’s ongoing transition to proof-of-stake (PoS) and layer-2 scaling solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum are directly addressing its scalability limitations, mitigating some of Solana’s perceived advantages.
- Developer tooling: The maturity and breadth of Ethereum’s developer tools and resources remain a significant competitive advantage, attracting a wider pool of talent and accelerating innovation.
Which small crypto will explode in 2025?
Predicting which small crypto will “explode” is impossible, but some analysts speculate about potential growth. It’s important to remember that this is highly speculative and risky. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Dogecoin (DOGE): While already relatively large, some believe it could still see significant price increases based on its strong community and meme-driven popularity. However, its inherent volatility makes it a high-risk investment.
Cardano (ADA): Cardano is a “smart contract” platform aiming to improve scalability and sustainability compared to some competitors. Its relatively large market cap indicates a degree of established market presence, making significant price surges less likely than smaller cryptos.
Avalanche (AVAX): Another smart contract platform known for its speed and low transaction fees. Its potential for growth hinges on adoption by developers and users.
Shiba Inu (SHIB): A meme coin, similar to Dogecoin, its future price is heavily reliant on community hype and trends. It carries extremely high risk.
Important Note: The provided market capitalization and price are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Always conduct your own thorough research before investing in any cryptocurrency. Consider your risk tolerance and only invest what you can afford to lose. Never invest based solely on speculation or predictions.
