Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are often considered the gold and silver of the cryptocurrency world. Both have firmly established their dominance and are backed by powerful use cases: Bitcoin as a store of value and "digital gold" and Ethereum as a platform for decentralized applications and smart contracts.

As of now, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) together constitute 65.13% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization, underscoring their dominance and influence in the space. These two assets are often perceived as the bellwethers of the industry, reflecting broader market sentiments and user confidence. 

However, there are inherent risks associated with such a concentration in only two assets, making broader exposure an attractive prospect. 

The Index Coop Large Cap Index (ic21) is an onchain index token that contains the top ten crypto assets as measured by market capitalization. ic21 contains a number of non-EVM assets, such as ADA and SOL, that will be included via new wrapped tokens from 21.co. 

Here are the potential benefits of holding additional tokens along with BTC and ETH:

1. Opportunities for Greater Returns

While BTC and ETH have shown impressive returns over the years, many other cryptocurrencies, often referred to as "altcoins," have experienced even more significant growth percentages in shorter time frames. Projects like Solana (SOL), Binance Coin (BNB), Cardano (ADA), and many others have provided remarkable returns to users, sometimes outpacing BTC and ETH in specific periods. For example, in 2021, the price of Solana went from $1.84 to $259.24, a gain of 13,984.78%.

2. Rapid Technological Innovation

The crypto ecosystem innovates quickly. New projects are continually being launched, offering solutions to problems that BTC and ETH might not address. Whether it's faster transaction times, enhanced privacy features, or unique consensus mechanisms, other projects provide features that could cater to specific market needs.

3. Risk Mitigation

While BTC and ETH are less volatile compared to many digital assets, they are still subject to market fluctuations. By diversifying, users can potentially mitigate some risks. If one asset underperforms, another might outperform, balancing the portfolio's overall performance. Holding a diversified portfolio can be a hedge against such unforeseen developments.

4. Different Use Cases

Beyond BTC's store of value and ETH's smart contracts, other cryptocurrencies serve diverse purposes. Some focus on decentralized finance (DeFi), others on non-fungible tokens (NFTs), supply chain management, or even decentralized internet. Allocating in these various projects allows users to tap into different sectors of the crypto economy.

5. Geographical Diversification

Certain projects are gaining prominence in specific geographical areas. For example, while Bitcoin might be dominant in North America, another coin might be more prevalent in Asia. By diversifying your holdings, you can potentially tap into regional growth trends.

6. Supporting New Ventures

By diversifying, users can support new projects and innovations in the space. This not only potentially drives returns but also encourages the growth and development of the broader crypto ecosystem.

In Conclusion

While the reasons to diversify beyond BTC and ETH are compelling, token holders should remember that with higher potential rewards come higher risks. Many digital assets are more volatile than BTC and ETH. As always, before diversifying, it's crucial to do thorough research, understand the options, and consider your risk tolerance. 

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