Are we currently in a crypto winter?

It’s tricky to say for sure if we’re in a crypto winter, because we haven’t had many of them yet. But most people think we are, especially since 2025.

What is a crypto winter? It’s a period of prolonged bear market in the cryptocurrency market, characterized by:

Lower Prices: Cryptocurrency prices fall significantly and stay low for an extended time.
Reduced Trading Volume: Fewer people are buying and selling crypto.
Decreased Funding: Venture capital investment in crypto projects slows down.
Layoffs: Cryptocurrency companies may reduce their workforce.
Negative Sentiment: General public and media focus on negative aspects of crypto.

Why do crypto winters happen? There are many possible causes, including:

Market Speculation: Crypto markets are highly volatile and driven by speculation, leading to bubbles and crashes.
Regulatory Uncertainty: Lack of clear regulations can cause uncertainty and investor hesitation.
Macroeconomic Factors: Events like inflation, recessions, and geopolitical instability affect investor confidence and risk appetite.
Security Breaches and Scams: Negative events erode trust and damage the market.

How long do crypto winters last? It varies. Past “winters” have lasted for different amounts of time, making it hard to predict the current situation’s duration.

What should you do during a crypto winter? This is personal advice and not financial advice, but some common suggestions include diversifying your investments (don’t put all your eggs in one basket!), doing thorough research before investing in any project, and only investing what you can afford to lose.

Will crypto recover from a crash?

Absolutely! Crypto’s seen major dips before, and each time it’s bounced back stronger. This time’s different though – the underlying tech is maturing rapidly. Blockchain adoption is exploding across various sectors, from supply chain management to DeFi lending. We’re talking real-world utility beyond speculation, driving long-term growth.

Think about it: the sheer innovation in Layer-2 scaling solutions like Polygon and Arbitrum is tackling previous limitations, making transactions faster and cheaper. The institutional investment is also increasing, with more and more established players entering the space – hedge funds, pension funds, even nations are exploring CBDCs (central bank digital currencies).

While short-term volatility is inevitable, the fundamental drivers for crypto’s growth are robust. The narrative has shifted from just a speculative asset to a disruptive technology with transformative potential. That’s what makes this recovery different, and far more promising.

What is the best way to beat a crypto winter?

Crypto winter is a period of low prices and reduced trading volume. It’s scary, but normal. Think of it like a market correction; it happens in all markets, not just crypto. Don’t panic-sell! Holding your investments through this period is crucial. The market *will* recover eventually.

During a crypto winter, focus on education. Use the downtime to learn more about blockchain technology, different cryptocurrencies, and investing strategies. This will help you make more informed decisions when the market rebounds.

Diversify your portfolio. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Investing in a variety of cryptocurrencies can reduce your risk. Consider researching different projects and their underlying technology before investing.

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is a great strategy to use during a bear market. DCA involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of the price. This helps to mitigate risk and smooth out volatility.

Avoid impulsive decisions based on hype or fear. Stick to your investment plan and don’t let emotions dictate your actions.

Remember, the crypto market is volatile. Be prepared for ups and downs, and don’t expect to get rich quickly. Long-term investment is often the best approach.

Stay informed. Keep up-to-date with news and developments in the cryptocurrency market through reputable sources. This will help you to anticipate market trends and make better investment decisions.

What is the 30 day rule in crypto?

The 30-day rule in crypto, specifically for US taxpayers, isn’t about *avoiding* taxes; it’s about strategically *managing* them. It centers around the concept of a “wash sale,” a situation where you sell a cryptocurrency at a loss, then repurchase (substantially identical) assets within 30 days. This action disallows you from deducting that loss on your tax return.

What constitutes a “wash sale”? It’s not just buying the *exact same* coin. The IRS considers assets “substantially identical” if they have similar economic characteristics. This could include buying a different token on the same blockchain, or a similar altcoin with a comparable market capitalization and use case. Careful consideration of your portfolio is essential.

Why the 30-day waiting period? This period allows the IRS to prevent taxpayers from artificially inflating losses for tax benefits. By waiting at least 30 days, you’re demonstrating a genuine disposition of the asset, and the loss becomes legitimate for deduction.

Strategies to navigate the 30-day rule:

Careful planning: Before selling at a loss, meticulously plan your repurchase strategy, ensuring the 30-day period is observed.
Diversification: Investing in a diverse portfolio can help mitigate the impact of wash sales. Losses on one asset might be offset by gains in others, reducing the need for aggressive tax strategies.
Tax-loss harvesting: This sophisticated strategy involves strategically selling losing assets to offset gains, but requires careful planning to avoid wash sales and should be undertaken with professional tax advice.

Important Note: Tax laws are complex and change. Consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor specializing in cryptocurrency taxation for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice.

What are the major predictions for crypto?

Bitcoin’s trajectory in 2025 points towards significant milestones. Analysts predict a price surge exceeding $150,000 in the first half of the year, potentially reaching or surpassing $185,000 by the fourth quarter. This bullish outlook is fueled by several factors, including increasing institutional adoption, the maturation of the Bitcoin ecosystem, and the potential for further regulatory clarity (though this remains a key uncertainty).

Beyond price, the growth of Bitcoin Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) in the US is expected to be explosive. A collective Asset Under Management (AUM) exceeding $250 billion is projected for 2025, signaling a massive influx of institutional capital into the Bitcoin market. This is indicative of a broader trend of institutional investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation and diversification tool within their portfolios.

Furthermore, despite its volatility, Bitcoin is anticipated to remain a top performer on a risk-adjusted basis. This means that despite the inherent risks associated with cryptocurrencies, the potential returns are likely to outweigh the risks for long-term investors. This prediction hinges on the continued evolution of Bitcoin’s underlying technology and its increasing integration into the global financial system. However, macro-economic factors, regulatory changes and unexpected market events remain crucial variables that could significantly impact these predictions.

It’s crucial to remember that these are predictions, not guarantees. Crypto markets are notoriously volatile, and unforeseen events can drastically alter the market landscape. Thorough due diligence and a diversified investment strategy are paramount for any investor considering exposure to Bitcoin.

How long do crypto winters last?

Imagine the crypto market as a rollercoaster. A “crypto winter” is when that rollercoaster plummets, and stays down for a while. It’s a period of falling prices across most cryptocurrencies.

How long does it last? Nobody knows for sure. It could be a few months, or even several years. Think of it like a really long bear market (a period of falling prices in the stock market). During a crypto winter, it’s not just the price that drops – trading activity slows down massively. Fewer people are buying and selling, and the overall interest in cryptocurrency decreases.

What causes a crypto winter? There isn’t one single cause. It’s usually a combination of factors like: regulatory uncertainty (governments making new rules about crypto), negative news stories (scams or hacks), and general market downturns (when the overall economy isn’t doing well, people are less likely to invest in risky assets like crypto).

What happens during a crypto winter? Expect lower prices, less trading volume, and fewer new projects launching. Some projects even fail completely. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all bad. It’s a time for developers to work on improving their technology and for investors to potentially buy cryptocurrencies at lower prices in anticipation of a future bull market (the opposite of a bear market, when prices rise).

Important Note: Crypto winters are a normal part of the crypto market cycle. They’re periods of consolidation, where the market adjusts before the next potential boom. Just like any investment, cryptocurrencies are risky, and you could lose money.

How do you predict which crypto will go up?

Predicting which crypto will go up is really hard, even for experts! There’s no guaranteed way, but here are some things people look at:

Market Sentiment: Basically, how people *feel* about crypto overall. If everyone’s optimistic, prices tend to go up. If there’s a lot of fear, prices might fall. You can get a sense of this from news articles, social media, and even just talking to other people interested in crypto.
Competition: Just like with anything else, if there are lots of similar cryptocurrencies, it’s harder for one to stand out and increase in value. A project needs a unique selling proposition (USP) – what makes it better than others?
Tokenomics: This refers to the economic design of the cryptocurrency itself. Things like the total number of coins, how new coins are created (or “mined”), and how transaction fees are handled can significantly impact its price. For example, a limited supply of coins can increase their value over time (think of gold).
Liquidity: This means how easily you can buy or sell a cryptocurrency. If there’s low liquidity (not many people buying or selling), the price can be very volatile – it can swing wildly up and down. High liquidity means more stability.
Technical Analysis (TA): This involves studying charts and graphs of the cryptocurrency’s price and trading volume to identify patterns and predict future price movements. It’s complicated and requires learning a lot about different indicators and chart patterns. Many people use this, but it’s not foolproof.
Adoption and Use Cases: The more people and businesses use a cryptocurrency, the higher the demand and potentially the price. Real-world applications are key.
Team and Development: A strong development team that’s transparent and actively improving the cryptocurrency is a positive sign. Look for regular updates and community engagement.

Example: Dogecoin. Dogecoin’s initial rise wasn’t based on strong fundamentals but mostly on social media hype and community support. This illustrates how unpredictable the crypto market can be.

Important Note: Never invest more money than you can afford to lose. Cryptocurrency is extremely risky. Always do your own research (DYOR) before investing in *anything*.

What is the wash rule in crypto?

The wash sale rule is a sneaky little tax trap designed to stop you from gaming the system. Basically, Uncle Sam doesn’t want you artificially inflating your losses to lower your tax bill. So, if you sell a crypto (or a substantially similar one – think different tokens on the same blockchain representing essentially the same asset) at a loss and then buy it back (or something practically the same) within 30 days before or after the sale, the IRS will disallow that loss. They’ll add it to the cost basis of your new crypto, meaning your future gains will be taxed higher.

This applies to all crypto assets, not just Bitcoin. Think Ethereum vs. a wrapped Ethereum version. It’s important to track your transactions meticulously, and if you’re trading frequently, consider using tax software specifically designed for crypto to help avoid accidental wash sales. The IRS is getting more sophisticated in their crypto tracking. Ignoring this rule can lead to significant penalties and audits.

The 30-day window is crucial. Plan your trades accordingly. A simple way to avoid a wash sale is to wait 31 days before buying back any crypto you’ve sold at a loss. Consider diversifying to minimize the chances of this happening frequently. It’s worth having a clear strategy to avoid running into this problem repeatedly.

Remember, tax laws are complex and frequently change. Always consult with a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.

How long does a crypto winter last?

The duration of a crypto winter is unpredictable, a rollercoaster ride ranging from a few months to a grueling several years. Think of the 2018 Bitcoin crash – that chill lasted nearly three years! Brutal, I know. But the most recent dip? A relatively short 13 months, November 2025 to December 2025. That’s a much quicker recovery than most predicted!

Key Factors Influencing Duration: Macroeconomic conditions play a HUGE role. Think inflation, recession fears, regulatory changes – these all heavily influence investor sentiment and market volatility. Also, technological advancements and adoption rates are key. New, innovative projects and wider acceptance can shorten a winter significantly. Remember, a crypto winter isn’t just about price drops; it’s also about decreased trading volume and overall market interest.

What to look for during a crypto winter: This isn’t just a time to panic sell! It’s often a period where strong projects consolidate, and those with solid fundamentals emerge even stronger. This is the time to do your research, identify promising projects (that have weathered similar storms), and potentially accumulate assets at discounted prices. Just be prepared for the long game; patience is your greatest ally.

Don’t get discouraged: Past performance is NOT indicative of future results, but history shows us that crypto markets have always recovered from these dips. Each winter presents both challenges and opportunities. It’s about adapting, learning, and strategically navigating the market’s fluctuations. This is where the true crypto enthusiasts separate themselves!

When should you pull out of crypto?

Honestly, there’s no magic answer to when to sell. It’s entirely dependent on your risk tolerance and investment goals. DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) is your friend for buying, but selling is more nuanced. If you’re looking for quick profits, take some off the table when you’ve hit your target percentage gain – maybe 20%, 50%, whatever your risk profile allows. Consider setting a trailing stop-loss to automatically sell if the price drops a certain percentage from its peak, protecting your profits.

However, if you believe in the long-term potential of a project – its blockchain technology, team, and use case are strong – then hodling (holding onto your crypto) through market fluctuations might be the better strategy. Remember, crypto is volatile; short-term dips are normal. Analyzing on-chain metrics like active addresses and transaction volume can offer clues about a project’s health and potential future growth. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal financial situation and risk appetite. Don’t follow hype; trust your research.

What is the golden rule of crypto?

The golden rule? Follow the liquidity. It’s not about hype or Twitter influencers; it’s about where the real money is moving. Liquidity reveals the market’s *true* momentum, showing where demand is strongest and where supply is drying up.

Think of it like this:

High liquidity means easy buying and selling. Price movements are smoother, less volatile. This is where you want to be, especially during market uncertainty. Plenty of buyers and sellers means you can get in and out easily.
Low liquidity means it’s hard to buy or sell. Price swings are wild, and you could get trapped. Slippage (the difference between the expected and actual price of a trade) becomes a serious risk.

How do you find liquidity? Look at:

Trading volume: Higher volume usually indicates higher liquidity. Check charts on exchanges.
Order book depth: A deep order book (lots of buy and sell orders at various price points) shows significant liquidity.
Market capitalization: While not a direct measure of liquidity, higher market cap coins usually have more liquid markets.
Exchange listings: The more reputable exchanges a coin is listed on, the more likely it has good liquidity.

Ignoring liquidity is a recipe for disaster. Chasing the next “moon” coin with low liquidity can leave you holding the bag if you can’t sell when you need to.

What to expect from crypto in 2025?

2025 will see blockchain’s continued, aggressive integration into mainstream finance. Forget flashy meme coins; the real action’s in utility. Expect significantly faster, cheaper cross-border transactions, finally disrupting the archaic SWIFT system. Transparency will become a game-changer, increasing accountability and reducing fraud. This isn’t just incremental improvement; we’re talking paradigm shifts.

Key areas to watch:

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Several major economies will likely have launched or be deeply involved in pilot programs for CBDCs. This will fundamentally alter how we interact with fiat currency.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi will be more mature, though still volatile. Look for increased institutional adoption alongside improvements in scalability and security. Think sophisticated derivatives and lending protocols with significantly reduced risks.
Security Token Offerings (STOs): STOs will gain traction, offering a more regulated and investor-friendly path to fractional ownership of real-world assets like real estate and art.

Beyond the immediate:

Increased Regulation: Expect clearer regulatory frameworks in most major jurisdictions. This will create a more stable and attractive environment for institutional investors, though it might stifle some aspects of decentralization.
Interoperability: Solutions enabling seamless communication between different blockchains will become increasingly crucial, further enhancing the utility of the ecosystem.
Layer-2 scaling solutions: Expect significant advancements, allowing for dramatically increased transaction throughput on leading blockchains like Ethereum, thus making them more accessible and practical for everyday use.

In short: 2025 will be about practical applications, not speculative hype. The winners will be those building real-world solutions, not chasing the next pump-and-dump.

Will crypto survive a recession?

While a recession might hit traditional markets hard, dismissing crypto’s resilience is short-sighted. Historically, crypto has shown a degree of decoupling from traditional markets; although correlated at times, its price movements aren’t always a direct reflection of stock market performance. This presents opportunities for diversification during economic downturns.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the volatility inherent in crypto. A recession could exacerbate this, leading to significant price drops. Not all crypto projects are created equal; those with strong fundamentals, active development, and real-world utility are likely to fare better than memecoins or projects lacking a solid roadmap.

Diversification within the crypto space itself is key. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Consider allocating your investments across different asset classes, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and promising altcoins with established use cases (e.g., DeFi protocols, NFTs in established marketplaces).

Furthermore, a recession could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny of the crypto market. This is a double-edged sword; while it could create challenges, it might also bring greater legitimacy and stability to the industry in the long run. Staying informed about regulatory developments is therefore paramount.

Ultimately, a recession poses risks to all asset classes, including crypto. However, for those with a long-term outlook, understanding the nuances of the market, diversifying investments wisely, and staying informed about regulatory changes, crypto can offer both hedging potential and growth opportunities even in a challenging economic environment. It’s not a guaranteed safe haven, but a potentially lucrative arena for strategic investors.

Which crypto can give 1000x in 2025?

Predicting a 1000x return in crypto is highly speculative and extremely risky. No one can reliably predict such gains. The provided list (BTC Bull Token, MIND of Pepe, Best Wallet Token, SUBBD) comprises largely unknown, recently launched, or soon-to-be-launched projects. These often represent high-risk, high-reward scenarios with significantly elevated chances of failure. Their association with popular coins (BTC, ETH, BNB) during their purchase methods is a common marketing tactic, not an indicator of future performance.

Investing in such projects involves substantial risk tolerance and a deep understanding of the potential for complete loss. Due diligence is paramount. Research the team, the whitepaper (if available), the tokenomics, and the market conditions extensively before considering any investment. Be aware of potential scams and rug pulls prevalent in this sector.

Consider the inherent volatility of the crypto market. While a 1000x return is theoretically possible, the probability is extremely low, and even established, larger-cap cryptocurrencies rarely experience such exponential growth. Diversification across a portfolio of established and potentially less risky assets is crucial to mitigating losses.

Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. The listed coins lack a track record, making any projection of future returns purely conjecture. Proceed with extreme caution and only invest what you can afford to lose completely.

Which crypto is likely to boom?

Predicting the future of cryptocurrency is inherently speculative, but analyzing past performance can offer some insight. While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, examining top performers can highlight potential candidates for future growth.

Top-performing cryptocurrencies in 2025 (hypothetical): This is a purely speculative projection based on current trends and should not be taken as financial advice.

XRP: XRP’s performance is often tied to the legal battles surrounding Ripple. A positive resolution could significantly boost its price. However, regulatory uncertainty remains a major risk factor. Consider researching the ongoing legal proceedings before investing.
Tether (USDT): Tether’s stability is often touted as a key advantage, but concerns about its backing and overall market transparency persist. Its performance is more likely to be correlated with market stability than significant growth.
Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum’s position as a leading smart contract platform is undeniable. Its continued development and adoption in DeFi and NFTs could drive substantial growth. However, scaling challenges and competition from other layer-1 blockchains remain.
Dai (DAI): Dai’s status as a decentralized, stablecoin makes it less volatile than other cryptocurrencies. Its value is pegged to the US dollar, which mitigates risk but also limits potential for significant gains.

Important Considerations:

Diversification: Never invest all your funds in a single cryptocurrency.
Risk Tolerance: Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
Due Diligence: Thoroughly research any cryptocurrency before investing. Understand its underlying technology, use cases, and potential risks.
Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is constantly evolving. Stay informed about potential changes that could impact your investments.

The cryptocurrency market is dynamic and unpredictable. Any investment decisions should be made after careful consideration of your own financial situation and risk tolerance. This information is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.

What is the most accurate predictor for crypto?

Forget crystal balls; the most accurate predictor for crypto isn’t some mystical guru, it’s data-driven AI. Khedr et al. (2021) nailed it: Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTMs) are currently leading the pack. Their ability to capture long-term dependencies in price data – those subtle trends often missed by simpler models – makes them particularly effective. Think of it like this: LSTMs remember the past, unlike other methods that quickly forget previous price action. This “memory” allows them to better predict future movements, particularly helpful in identifying emerging trends before they become obvious to everyone else. However, it’s crucial to remember that even the best models are not perfect. Market sentiment, regulatory changes, and unforeseen events can still significantly impact price, making any prediction inherently uncertain. Furthermore, parameter tuning and data quality are critical for successful LSTM implementation; garbage in, garbage out applies strongly here. Don’t solely rely on any single prediction model – always diversify your strategies and risk management.

What causes crypto winter?

Crypto winters are complex events stemming from a confluence of factors, rarely attributable to a single cause. While regulatory uncertainty and crackdowns are significant contributors, directly impacting trading volume and liquidity by restricting access to exchanges or banning crypto outright, they’re often only one piece of the puzzle.

Key Drivers of Crypto Winters:

Regulatory Scrutiny and Crackdowns: Governments worldwide are grappling with the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Harsh regulatory actions, whether targeted at specific projects or the broader industry, trigger sell-offs and reduced investor confidence. This is particularly impactful in regions with significant crypto adoption.
Market Manipulation and Scams: Large-scale fraud, rug pulls, and manipulative trading practices erode trust and lead to significant price drops. The lack of robust regulatory oversight in some areas exacerbates this vulnerability.
Macroeconomic Factors: Broader economic downturns, such as recessions or inflation spikes, often negatively correlate with crypto market performance. Investors tend to flee riskier assets like cryptocurrencies in favor of perceived safer havens like gold or government bonds during periods of economic uncertainty.
Technological Limitations and Scaling Issues: Network congestion, high transaction fees, and scalability challenges can hinder the usability and adoption of certain cryptocurrencies. These issues can negatively impact user experience and investor sentiment.
Over-Leveraged Positions: High levels of leverage amplify both gains and losses. During market downturns, forced liquidations of leveraged positions can trigger cascading sell-offs, exacerbating price declines.
Bearish Sentiment and FOMO Reversal: Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) spread rapidly in the crypto space, often fueled by negative news cycles or social media sentiment. The opposite of Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), a reversal to a fear-driven selling frenzy, significantly contributes to sell-off pressure.

Understanding the Interplay:

Often, these factors interact synergistically. For example, a macroeconomic downturn might amplify the impact of a regulatory crackdown, leading to a more severe crypto winter.
The severity and duration of crypto winters vary. Some are relatively short-lived corrections, while others can last for extended periods.
The recovery from a crypto winter usually involves a period of consolidation and renewed investor confidence, often fueled by technological advancements and positive regulatory developments (or lack thereof).

Should I move my crypto to a cold wallet?

Hot vs. cold wallets is a crucial security decision. It hinges entirely on your risk tolerance and trading frequency. Frequent trading demands a hot wallet’s accessibility; the convenience outweighs the inherent security risk. Think of it as your active trading account – readily available, but vulnerable.

Hot wallets offer quick access but are susceptible to hacking, malware, and phishing scams. Consider them suitable for smaller amounts frequently used for transactions. Software wallets (e.g., MetaMask) and exchange wallets are common examples. Always prioritize reputable providers with robust security measures.

Cold wallets, conversely, prioritize security over convenience. They’re offline devices designed for long-term storage of larger holdings. They’re the equivalent of a bank vault for your crypto. Hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger, Trezor) are the gold standard, offering superior security through offline storage and tamper-evident designs. Paper wallets, while cheaper, pose risks if mishandled or compromised.

Consider these factors:

Amount of Crypto: Large holdings demand cold storage.
Trading Frequency: High frequency trading necessitates hot wallet convenience.
Technical Proficiency: Hardware wallets require more technical understanding than software wallets.
Security Priorities: High security trumps convenience for long-term holdings.

A diversified approach is often best. Use a hot wallet for active trading and a cold wallet for your long-term, substantial holdings. Never keep all your eggs in one basket, especially when it comes to cryptocurrency.

Security best practices for both types:

Strong, unique passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Regular software updates.
Beware of phishing attempts.
Secure your devices from malware.

Is wash sale illegal?

Nah, wash sales aren’t illegal, but they’re a total tax trap for crypto bros. Basically, if you sell a crypto at a loss and buy it back (or a substantially similar one) within 30 days, the IRS won’t let you deduct that loss from your gains that year. Think of it as the government saying, “You’re just trying to game the system!”

The good news? That loss isn’t gone forever. You can add it to the cost basis of your new crypto, reducing your future taxable gains. This is called a “basis adjustment.” So, while you can’t deduct the loss immediately, it’ll lower your taxes later. It’s like a delayed gratification tax strategy, but it can be super helpful for long-term holders.

Substantially similar is key here. It’s not just about the same coin. Think about different ETFs tracking the same index, or even similar altcoins. The IRS can be pretty broad in their interpretation, so tread carefully. Do your research!

Pro-tip: If you’re planning on selling at a loss, wait more than 30 days before buying back in. This lets you claim the loss immediately, which is obviously better for your tax bill that year. However, carefully consider your long-term strategy and the potential impact on your overall investment thesis before making this decision.