XTZ (Tezos) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy XTZ Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Tezos (XTZ) price history and market volatility since its inception, analyzing data across bull and bear market cycles. We evaluate the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 XTZ tokens and address the key question: “Should I buy Tezos now?” This analysis aims to help both novice and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Early Market Cycles and Price History Overview (2017 to 2021)

Tezos (XTZ) entered the market in 2017 with an initial trading price of approximately $100.00 USD, reflecting early market enthusiasm for the project’s promise of self-amending blockchain technology and formal verification capabilities for smart contracts.

The following details XTZ price movements during the early bull market phase:

2017

• Opening Price: $100.00
• Closing Price: $4.17
• Highest Price: $100.00
• Lowest Price: $4.17
• Annual Return: -95.83%

2018

• Opening Price: $6.35
• Closing Price: $0.484
• Highest Price: $6.35
• Lowest Price: $0.3924
• Annual Return: -92.38%

2019

• Opening Price: $0.3846
• Closing Price: $1.25
• Highest Price: $1.84
• Lowest Price: $0.3707
• Annual Return: +225.79%

2020

• Opening Price: $1.31
• Closing Price: $2.13
• Highest Price: $4.24
• Lowest Price: $1.31
• Annual Return: +62.89%

2021

• Opening Price: $2.77
• Closing Price: $4.65
• Highest Price: $8.69
• Lowest Price: $2.43
• Annual Return: +68.35%

An investor who purchased 10 XTZ tokens at the early stage of $100 in 2017 would have experienced substantial losses initially, followed by recovery and gains through 2021.

Bear Market Adjustment and Mid-Term Cycles: Risk and Recovery Analysis (2022 to 2024)

During this period, XTZ experienced significant price volatility, marked by a severe correction in 2022 followed by gradual stabilization and recovery.

2022

• Opening Price: $4.21
• Closing Price: $0.7174
• Highest Price: $4.29
• Lowest Price: $0.7174
• Annual Return: -82.97%

2023

• Opening Price: $0.8229
• Closing Price: $1.01
• Highest Price: $1.24
• Lowest Price: $0.6504
• Annual Return: +22.42%

2024

• Opening Price: $0.8719
• Closing Price: $1.44
• Highest Price: $1.76
• Lowest Price: $0.5993
• Annual Return: +65.6%

An investor who purchased 10 XTZ tokens during these recovery phases would have seen meaningful gains in 2023 and 2024.

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy XTZ Now? (2025 to 2026)

In recent years, XTZ has entered a phase of sustained downward pressure, with declining returns and lower valuations compared to previous cycles. Market participants continue to assess whether XTZ remains undervalued or faces structural headwinds.

2025

• Opening Price: $1.26
• Closing Price: $0.544
• Highest Price: $1.26
• Lowest Price: $0.4385
• Annual Return: -56.71%

2026 (Year-to-Date)

• Opening Price: $0.5691
• Closing Price: $0.3667
• Highest Price: $0.5824
• Lowest Price: $0.3667
• Annual Return: -35.56%

An investor who purchased 10 XTZ tokens at the start of 2025 would currently face a loss of approximately 70.9% from their entry point, illustrating the intensifying downward pressure on XTZ valuations in the present market cycle.

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing

Through analysis of XTZ’s historical price movements and return profiles, a clear pattern emerges: the asset has experienced cyclical boom-and-bust dynamics, with particularly severe drawdowns in 2017-2018 and 2022, followed by partial recoveries in 2019-2021 and 2023-2024. However, the persistent decline from 2025 through 2026 suggests the asset currently faces structural headwinds. Prospective investors should carefully weigh whether current valuations represent accumulation opportunities or signal deeper challenges within the Tezos ecosystem.