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 upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on November 21, 2025
BCH.X moved above its 50-day moving average on November 21, 2025 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In of 77 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 21, 2025. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BCH.X as a result. In of 152 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BCH.X just turned positive on November 21, 2025. Looking at past instances where BCH.X's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in of 70 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The 10-day moving average for BCH.X crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 25, 2025. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 31 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
Following a +1 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 .
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
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 .
BCH.X broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 21, 2025. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for BCH.X entered a downward trend on November 24, 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.
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Fundamental Analysis Ratings
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
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