What's the Difference Between Tokens and Altcoins?
Cryptocurrencies may be making their way into the mainstream, but that does not mean they are not confusing – even to people with experience in the space. Between their inherently technical nature, multiple varieties and sub-varieties, and endless terminology, cryptocurrency (defined here as digital or virtual currencies that are encrypted using cryptography, powered by the immutable digital ledger known as the blockchain) represents a whole, complex world. In cryptocurrency, the word ‘coin’ is an umbrella term encompassing tokens and altcoins, both of which are fixtures in the ecosystem. Let’s examine the difference.
Altcoins
Altcoins (short for alternative cryptocurrency coins) are coins that represent an alternative to Bitcoin, the most popular and recognizable cryptocurrency. All altcoins possess their own blockchain, independent from their source code, that records all transactions of their native coins.
Many altcoins are variants, or forks, of Bitcoin that leverage that cryptocurrency’s open-source protocol as the basis. Changes to Bitcoin’s code yield coins with different, distinctive features from the original – examples include Namecoin (the first altcoin, created in April 2011 as a decentralized, open-source information registration and transfer system), Litecoin, and Peercoin.
Forking from Bitcoin’s open-source code is not a requirement for an altcoin. Some prominent coins like Ethereum and Ripple are altcoins but have created their own blockchain and protocol instead, with their own subsequent forks.
Tokens
Tokens represent tradeable, interchangeable assets or utilities on top of the blockchain – anything from loyalty points to other cryptocurrencies. They are far easier to create than altcoins because they do not require elements of coding to alter a protocol or create a brand new blockchain. Tokens are designed by following a template on a blockchain (like Ethereum or Waves) and governed by self-executing computer codes called smart contracts. Once created, they are distributed to holders via Initial Coin Offerings (or ICOs), a popular means of crowdfunding without taking on venture capital money (and ceding control of your company with it). Using a template has the added benefit standardizing an interface for interoperability between different tokens – an ERC-20 standard on the Ethereum blockchain is used by 40-plus tokens, which means holders can store these different types of standardized tokens in a single coin wallet, something not possible with coins of different standards.
Structural differences are the main differentiator between altcoins and tokens. Both may be cryptocurrencies, but altcoins are distinct entities on separate blockchains while tokens operate as blockchain-based assets created via template. Each one occupies its own space in the vibrant, dynamic cryptocurrency ecosystem – maybe the next Bitcoin is just around the corner.
BCH.X in downward trend: 10-day moving average broke below 50-day moving average on October 11, 2025
The 10-day moving average for BCH.X crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 11, 2025. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In of 30 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 10, 2025. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on BCH.X as a result. In of 154 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for BCH.X turned negative on October 10, 2025. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 71 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In of the 71 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at .
BCH.X moved below its 50-day moving average on October 10, 2025 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BCH.X declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Aroon Indicator for BCH.X entered a downward trend on October 14, 2025. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where BCH.X's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, of 32 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BCH.X advanced for three days, in of 413 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
BCH.X may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Market Cap
High and low price notable news
Volume
Fundamental Analysis Ratings
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
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