What are the latest trends in blockchain & cryptocurrencies in 2024?

In the realm of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, 2024 has seen a complex mix of trends. One notable observation is the significant market pullback, particularly affecting Bitcoin and Ethereum, despite the promising advancements in Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions. The Mt. Gox compensation payments and government-led liquidations have added to the uncertainty surrounding Bitcoin's market stability. However, there are outliers like Toncoin, TRON, and Kaspa, which have bucked the trend, demonstrating resilience in a volatile market. Moreover, the total value locked in public chains has declined, yet Core Chain has achieved significant growth, hinting at potential shifts in investors' preferences. Another significant trend is the increasing frequency and scale of cryptocurrency thefts, with hackers stealing over 13.8 billion dollars in the first half of 2024 alone, double the amount from the same period last year. This raises concerns about the security of blockchain-based assets. Lastly, the cryptocurrency fear and greed index has reached a one-year low, indicating extreme fear in the market. This could be a signal for investors to reevaluate their portfolios and strategies in the current environment. So, in summary, 2024 has been a year of mixed fortunes for blockchain and cryptocurrencies, with both challenges and opportunities abound.