Filecoin (FIL) Historical Price & Returns Analysis: Should I Buy FIL Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Filecoin’s historical price movements and market fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 FIL tokens. It addresses the critical question: “Should I buy Filecoin now?” to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

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

Filecoin is a token built on the IPFS protocol, designed to incentivize miners by rewarding them for contributing idle hard drive storage capacity. The project utilizes a novel proof-of-work algorithm where miners receive FIL rewards proportional to their storage capacity contributions. According to CoinMarketCap records, FIL’s early trading price was approximately $15.00 in 2017.

Below is Filecoin’s price performance during its early bull market phases:

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 in 2017 and held until today would have potential returns of -$134.69.

Bear Market Adjustments & Mid-Cycle Corrections: Risk and Return Analysis (2022 to 2024)

During this period, Filecoin experienced significant price volatility and a pronounced downtrend, reflecting broader cryptocurrency market pressures and sector-specific challenges.

Below are the potential returns for an investor purchasing 10 FIL tokens during bear market or consolidation phases:

• 2022: -$286.69
• 2023: -$19.16
• 2024: -$40.92

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 to face significant headwinds, displaying continued weakness as the cryptocurrency market navigates macroeconomic uncertainties and sector consolidation.

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: $1.53
• Highest Price: $1.53
• Lowest Price: $1.46
• Annual Return: 5.01%

Potential returns for an investor purchasing 10 FIL tokens during this recent period are as follows:

• 2025: -$35.56
• 2026 (to date): +$0.73

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets & Investment Timing Analysis

Through analysis of Filecoin’s historical price performance and potential returns from 2017 to 2026, the data reveals a pronounced long-term decline trajectory. Investors who entered at various points have faced significant challenges, with returns ranging from substantial losses in bear market periods to modest gains during recovery phases. Current price levels represent a fraction of historical highs, requiring investors to carefully evaluate whether present valuations offer genuine opportunity or signal continued structural weakness in the project’s market position.