Optimism (OP) Historical Price and Returns Analysis: Should I Buy OP Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Optimism’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 OP tokens. By analyzing price trends across multiple market cycles, this study addresses the critical question: “Should I buy OP now?” to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Early Market Cycles and Historical Price Review (2022 to 2024)

Optimism, a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum designed to deliver low-cost and high-speed transactions, began trading with an early price of approximately $1.50 according to market records. OP serves as the native governance token of the Optimism ecosystem, enabling community participation in protocol governance.

The following outlines Optimism’s price performance during its early market cycles:

2022

  • Opening Price: $1.50
  • Closing Price: $0.9224
  • Highest Price: $1.91
  • Lowest Price: $0.5088
  • Annual Return: -38.51%

2023

  • Opening Price: $1.26
  • Closing Price: $3.71
  • Highest Price: $3.71
  • Lowest Price: $1.09
  • Annual Return: +193.76%

An investor who purchased 10 OP tokens in 2022 at the early stage would have achieved potential cumulative returns of -13.194 tokens (equivalent value) by end of 2023.

Bear Market Adjustment and Mid-Period Cycles: Risk and Return Analysis (2024)

During 2024, OP experienced significant price volatility, reflecting broader market sentiment and Layer 2 ecosystem developments.

2024

  • Opening Price: $3.17
  • Closing Price: $2.09
  • Highest Price: $4.54
  • Lowest Price: $1.31
  • Annual Return: -34.02%

Investors holding 10 OP tokens from earlier purchases faced potential cumulative returns of -29.9 tokens by the end of 2024, indicating substantial pullback from 2023 peaks.

Recent Market Cycles: Should I Buy OP Now? (2025 to 2026)

In recent periods, OP has entered a pronounced downtrend, raising critical questions about market positioning and investment timing.

2025

  • Opening Price: $1.78
  • Closing Price: $0.3194
  • Highest Price: $1.78
  • Lowest Price: $0.2722
  • Annual Return: -82.07%

2026 (to date)

  • Opening Price: $0.3158
  • Closing Price: $0.1806
  • Highest Price: $0.3235
  • Lowest Price: $0.1806
  • Annual Return: -42.81%

Investors purchasing 10 OP tokens during these recent periods face challenging returns:

  • 2025: -16.011 tokens (equivalent value)
  • 2026 (to date): -1.352 tokens (equivalent value)

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

Through comprehensive analysis of Optimism’s historical price performance across multiple market cycles from 2022 to 2026, the data reveals a sustained downtrend following the 2023 bull run peak. The token has declined from its $3.71 high to current levels around $0.18, representing significant capital erosion for investors. This analysis provides essential context for evaluating whether current price levels present accumulation opportunities or continued downside risk, ultimately informing the critical decision: “Should I buy OP now?”

OP-0,22%
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