Filecoin (FIL) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy FIL Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Filecoin’s historical price movements and market volatility since its inception, analyzing data across bull and bear market phases. We evaluate the potential returns for investors who purchased 10 FIL tokens and address the critical question: “Should I buy Filecoin now?” This analysis aims to help both novice and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and assess growth potential.

Bull Market Origins and Early Market Cycles: Historical Price Review (2017 to 2021)

Filecoin is a token built on the IPFS protocol, operating as an incentive mechanism that rewards miners for contributing unused hard drive storage capacity. The platform employs a novel proof-of-work algorithm where miners receive FIL rewards proportional to their storage capacity. According to market records, Filecoin’s early trading price started at approximately $15.00 in 2017.

The following reflects Filecoin’s price performance during its initial market phase:

2017

• Opening Price: $15.00
• Closing Price: $20.47
• Highest Price: $24.60
• Lowest Price: $10.14
• Annual Return: 36.47%

2018

• Opening Price: $26.42
• Closing Price: $3.72
• Highest Price: $26.56
• Lowest Price: $3.10
• Annual Return: -85.90%

2019

• Opening Price: $3.51
• Closing Price: $6.44
• Highest Price: $10.04
• Lowest Price: $3.51
• Annual Return: 83.31%

2020

• Opening Price: $6.71
• Closing Price: $21.41
• Highest Price: $38.54
• Lowest Price: $5.39
• Annual Return: 218.84%

2021

• Opening Price: $23.42
• Closing Price: $35.75
• Highest Price: $182.86
• Lowest Price: $22.24
• Annual Return: 52.65%

An investor who purchased 10 FIL tokens during the early bull market phase and held until today would have experienced a potential return of -224.99 USD (based on 2021 entry data).

Bear Market Correction and Medium-Term Cycles: Risk and Return Analysis (2022 to 2024)

During this period, Filecoin experienced significant price corrections, reflecting broader cryptocurrency market headwinds and sector-specific challenges.

The following shows potential returns for investors who purchased 10 FIL tokens during bear market or consolidation phases:

• 2022: -292.79 USD
• 2023: -25.26 USD
• 2024: -47.02 USD

2022

• Opening Price: $30.20
• Closing Price: $3.11
• Highest Price: $30.39
• Lowest Price: $2.96
• Annual Return: -89.71%

2023

• Opening Price: $3.45
• Closing Price: $6.92
• Highest Price: $8.46
• Lowest Price: $3.11
• Annual Return: 100.66%

2024

• Opening Price: $5.62
• Closing Price: $5.91
• Highest Price: $10.68
• Lowest Price: $3.34
• Annual Return: 5.12%

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

In recent years, Filecoin has continued its downward trajectory, with no clear signs of entering a new bull market. The token remains in a prolonged bear market phase characterized by sustained price pressure.

2025

• Opening Price: $5.09
• Closing Price: $1.49
• Highest Price: $5.09
• Lowest Price: $1.28
• Annual Return: -70.63%

2026 (to Date)

• Opening Price: $1.46
• Closing Price: $0.9207
• Highest Price: $1.46
• Lowest Price: $0.9207
• Annual Return: -36.85%

Potential returns for investors who purchased 10 FIL tokens during this period:

• 2025: -41.66 USD
• 2026 (to Date): -5.37 USD

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through comprehensive analysis of Filecoin’s historical prices and potential returns since 2017, the data reveals a pronounced long-term downtrend. The token experienced an exceptional bull run in 2020 with 218.84% annual returns, followed by a severe bear market in 2022 and continued weakness through 2026. Investors who purchased at various entry points have predominantly experienced negative returns, with cumulative losses ranging from -5.37 USD to -292.79 USD per 10-token investment depending on entry timing. The current market environment suggests caution, as FIL has not demonstrated characteristics typical of early-stage bull market formation.