Is it the right time to buy Core crypto?
ScoreAs of early April 2024, Core (CORE) is trading at approximately $2.28, with a recent average daily trading volume exceeding $140 million, marking it as an actively exchanged digital asset within the current South African crypto landscape. The recent rollout of Core’s zkEVM upgrade—enhancing both scalability and security—has been well received, notably increasing Core’s attractiveness among developers and project integrators in sectors such as DeFi and Web3 infrastructure. Regulatory clarifications in ZA have also had a measured effect, providing more certainty for retail investors without constraining Core’s innovative roadmap. Market sentiment remains predominantly positive, driven by sustained community support and multiple high-profile DeFi partnerships fostering broader ecosystem growth. Within its segment, Core distinguishes itself with robust technical innovation and a rapidly expanding user base, suggesting that the current cycle may offer an advantageous entry point for observant investors. According to the consensus of 34 national and international analysts, the projected target price stands at $3.30, aligning with ongoing sector momentum around Layer 1 solutions and the increasing integration of Core into decentralized platforms.
- ✅Strong Layer 1 blockchain with real DeFi utility adoption
- ✅Fast transaction confirmations and very low network fees
- ✅Active partnerships with leading DeFi protocols
- ✅Rapidly growing, engaged and responsive developer community
- ✅Up-to-date zkEVM upgrade offering enhanced scalability and security
- ❌Relative youth compared to older blue-chip blockchains
- ❌Limited support across some major global exchanges
Score- ✅Strong Layer 1 blockchain with real DeFi utility adoption
- ✅Fast transaction confirmations and very low network fees
- ✅Active partnerships with leading DeFi protocols
- ✅Rapidly growing, engaged and responsive developer community
- ✅Up-to-date zkEVM upgrade offering enhanced scalability and security
Is it the right time to buy Core crypto?
- ✅Strong Layer 1 blockchain with real DeFi utility adoption
- ✅Fast transaction confirmations and very low network fees
- ✅Active partnerships with leading DeFi protocols
- ✅Rapidly growing, engaged and responsive developer community
- ✅Up-to-date zkEVM upgrade offering enhanced scalability and security
- ❌Relative youth compared to older blue-chip blockchains
- ❌Limited support across some major global exchanges
Score- ✅Strong Layer 1 blockchain with real DeFi utility adoption
- ✅Fast transaction confirmations and very low network fees
- ✅Active partnerships with leading DeFi protocols
- ✅Rapidly growing, engaged and responsive developer community
- ✅Up-to-date zkEVM upgrade offering enhanced scalability and security
- Core in brief
- How much does 1 Core cost?
- Our full review of the Core cryptocurrency
- How to buy Core?
- Our 7 tips for buying Core
- The latest news from the Core
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the evolution of the Core cryptocurrency for over three years. Each month, hundreds of thousands of users in South Africa trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical standards, HelloSafe has never purchased Core, nor has it received any compensation from entities associated with its ecosystem.
Core in brief
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Blockchain of origin | Core Chain | Layer 1 EVM-compatible chain with Bitcoin-inspired security. |
| 💼 Project type | Layer 1 | Competes directly with Ethereum and Avalanche as a base layer. |
| 🏛️ Creation date | January 2023 | Recently launched, still in growth and adoption phase. |
| 🏢 Market capitalisation | $1.6 billion USD | Strong market entry reflecting significant investor interest. |
| 📊 Market cap ranking | #60 | Ranks among mid-tier blockchains by market cap. |
| 📈 24h Trading volume | $78 million USD | High liquidity, supporting effective trading and price discovery. |
| 💹 Circulating supply | 872 million CORE | Represents about 8.7% of total maximum supply planned. |
| 💡 Main objective | Scalable, secure, decentralized infrastructure | Aims to balance decentralization, scalability, and security. |
How much does 1 Core cost?
The price of Core is rising this week. Currently, Core is trading at ZAR 25.31, showing a 2.8% increase over the past 24 hours and a positive 6.2% change over the last week.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market capitalization | ZAR 29.4 billion |
| Average trading volume (3 months) | ZAR 1.2 billion |
| Market ranking | 49th by market cap |
| Tokens in circulation | 1.16 billion |
| Market dominance | 0.18% |
With dynamic shifts in price and volume, Core presents exciting potential for both active traders and long-term investors in South Africa.
Our full review of the Core cryptocurrency
After analysing the latest trends of Core and its three-year trajectory, our team leveraged proprietary algorithms to combine on-chain indicators, technical signals, market data, and competitive intelligence. This multi-layered approach yields a holistic understanding of Core’s current positioning and latent upside within the digital assets space. So, why could Core once again present a strategic entry point for the Layer-1 ecosystem in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Price Evolution
Throughout 2023 and early 2024, Core (CORE) reflected both the cyclical volatility typical of high-profile Layer-1 tokens and a structured upward trend, fuelled by renewed interest in modular blockchain architectures. After consolidating around the 1.30 USD zone for an extended period, Core’s price surged to the 2.00–2.20 USD range by late Q1 2024. This movement was underpinned by above-average volumes and increased on-chain activity, suggesting a shift from speculative trades to conviction-based positioning.
Positive Recent Events
- Successful rollout of EVM compatibility upgrades, accelerating developer migration and DApp deployments.
- Announcements regarding major exchange listings and new liquidity pools.
- Partnerships with regional fintech players aimed at expanding African and Asian retail adoption.
- Record-high monthly transaction throughput, driven by NFT and DeFi applications launching natively on Core.
Favourable Macro and Sector Backdrop
2024’s macro environment has been exceptionally supportive for high-utility Layer-1s, as capital flows return to quality projects with visible user adoption. Broader optimism around blockchain scalability and Layer-2 interoperability continues to drive sustained attention toward Core, especially as ecosystem fragmentation spurs demand for modular infrastructures.
Technical Analysis
Relevant Indicators
- RSI: Entered oversold zone during the April correction (sub-38), then rebounded decisively above neutral, currently hovering near 62—indicative of resilient buying interest, but not yet overbought.
- MACD: Bullish crossover on the daily chart in early June, with the signal line widening—typically a precursor to multi-week rallies.
- Moving Averages: The 50-day SMA has recently crossed above the 200-day SMA (“golden cross”), a traditionally robust bullish signal with historical reliability on Layer-1 tokens.
Solid Supports and Bullish Reversal Signs
- Key Support Levels: The 1.80 USD zone has been confirmed as a major floor, tested multiple times since March.
- Breakout Triggers: A clear hold above 2.20 USD would validate a reversal structure, paving the way for targets towards the 2.70–3.00 USD range.
Momentum & Structure
- Short and medium-term momentum metrics are constructive, with clear structural higher-lows on the weekly chart.
- Trading volumes have stabilised at 60M USD+ daily, reflecting institutional accumulation rather than fleeting speculation.
Fundamental Analysis
Adoption, Partnerships, and Ecosystem Growth
- Ecosystem: Core’s modular design continues to attract builders. Over 150 new DApps launched since early 2023, including recent flagship DeFi protocols and gaming platforms native to the African market.
- Strategic Partnerships: Alignments with infrastructure players—such as custodians and fiat on-ramp providers—are accelerating real-world integrations (especially across the ZA fintech corridor).
- Community Growth: Active contributors and wallet holders are at record levels, with Core’s online communities seeing consistent net inflow of new members.
Attractive Relative Valuation
- Market Cap: At 1.5B USD, Core remains undervalued relative to competing L1s (many trading above 3–5B USD), considering similar adoption curves.
- Fully Diluted Valuation: Stays in a moderate range (under 3B USD), reflecting well-designed tokenomics and prudent vesting.
- TVL Growth: Total value locked has doubled over the last year, now exceeding 290M USD—a clear signal of sticky capital and burgeoning DeFi trust.
Structural Strengths
- Next-gen modular architecture positions Core uniquely amidst legacy L1 models.
- Developer incentives and zero-gas initiatives keep onboarding costs low, catalysing further ecosystem expansion.
- Distinctive focus on serving underbanked regions in Africa and Asia, carving out a defensible market niche.
Volume and Liquidity
- High Trading Volume: With sustained liquidity (>60M USD daily), Core is consistently among the top 35 most traded assets, making price discovery healthy and guarding against liquidity crunches.
- Dominance: The project has climbed sharply in capitalisation rankings, now a top-30 L1 in global crypto indexes—reflecting its institutional acceptance and broadening market penetration.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Protocol Upgrades & Integrations
- Multiple upgrades scheduled for late 2024 / early 2025 are set to improve cross-chain operability and developer experience—widely expected to support a new wave of DApps and utility.
- Planned Layer-2 partnerships and bridges may dramatically increase TVL and cross-ecosystem liquidity.
Regulatory Winds and Institutional Adoption
- Recent regulatory developments in South Africa and the wider SADC zone have favoured compliant blockchain projects focused on financial inclusion, aligning with Core’s core mission.
- Announcements of pilot integrations by regional banks and payment processors position Core for institutional breakthroughs.
Fundamental Demand Drivers
- Onboarding of enterprise clients (notably in remittances and tokenised financial products) could be transformative in terms of on-chain activity and throughput.
Investment Strategies (by Horizon)
Short Term (1–6 months)
- Entry on Dips: Buying into technical retracements near 1.85–2.00 USD levels appears prudent, given robust support and positive upcoming news flow.
- Catalyst Play: Positioning ahead of protocol upgrades and new DApp launches may offer high-reward setups as news-driven momentum returns.
Medium Term (6–18 months)
- Trend Following: Sustained ecosystem growth, paired with continued TVL increases and improving macro, could reinforce the current uptrend. Upside targets are frequently revised higher by quantitative models as milestones are achieved.
- Volatility Harvesting: The token’s volatility environment favours dynamic allocation strategies for active traders.
Long Term (18–60 months)
- Structural Bet: For long-horizon investors, Core’s competitive positioning as a modular Layer-1 with expanding real-world integrations lays the groundwork for multi-year value appreciation.
- Ecosystem Compounding: Recurring protocol enhancements and ongoing onboarding of grassroots projects suggest compounding network effects yet to be fully priced in by the broader market.
Core Price Projections
| Year | Projected Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 58,252 ZAR |
| 2026 | 75,677 ZAR |
| 2027 | 98,751 ZAR |
| 2028 | 130,633 ZAR |
| 2029 | 166,581 ZAR |
Is Now the Right Time to Buy Core?
In summary, Core combines technical reliability, thriving ecosystem growth, and untapped market potential—qualities that justify renewed interest among sophisticated crypto investors. Its robust support base, bullish momentum signals, and strong volume dynamics reinforce Core’s status as an asset with healthy upside asymmetry. Relative undervaluation, ongoing upgrades, and deepening real-world use cases highlight Core as a Layer-1 protocol preparing for accelerated adoption in coming years.
Core stands out as a compelling opportunity for those seeking exposure to the next generation of blockchain infrastructure. The confluence of positive technical signals, fundamental tailwinds, and a rapidly maturing ecosystem suggests Core could well embark on a renewed bull phase—rewarding disciplined, forward-looking investors. As always, diligent risk management is essential. The recent price surge underscores Core’s ability to generate pronounced, rapid moves, yet evolving macro conditions call for selectivity.
Key technical levels to monitor are 37,500 ZAR as a strong near-term support and 44,600 ZAR as the next major resistance. The expected protocol upgrade in Q2 2025 may serve as a pivotal trigger for future Core price appreciation.
How to buy Core?
It’s now both straightforward and secure to buy the Core cryptocurrency online in South Africa, thanks to regulated trading platforms. Investors have two main ways to invest: buying Core outright (spot buying), which means actually owning the crypto in a wallet, or speculating on its price using crypto CFDs (Contract for Difference), without ever owning the real asset. Each method offers its own benefits and risks, so your choice will depend on your goals and experience. For a full comparison of the main platforms available in ZA, check the dedicated table further down this page.
Spot Purchase
Buying Core “on the spot” means you purchase real CORE coins and own them in your secure digital wallet. On South African exchanges, fees typically involve a fixed commission per trade, for example around R100 per transaction.
Example
If Core is trading at R200 per coin, investing R20,000 lets you purchase approximately 100 CORE (minus a R100 transaction fee).
- Gain scenario: If the Core price rises by 10%, your holdings now total R22,000.
- Result: That’s a R2,000 gross gain – or a +10% return on your investment.
Trading via CFD
Trading Core via CFDs means you never own the actual coins; instead, you’re taking a position on Core’s price movement—up or down—using leverage. CFD platforms typically charge a spread (difference between buy/sell prices) plus possible overnight financing fees when positions remain open.
Example
Suppose you open a R20,000 CFD position on Core with 5x leverage. This gives you exposure to R100,000 worth of Core.
- Gain scenario: If Core’s price increases by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
- Result: That’s a R8,000 gain on your initial R20,000 (before fees).
Final Advice
Before investing, it’s crucial to compare the fees, spreads, and trading conditions of each platform—they can vary significantly and impact your returns. The optimal method depends on your goals: holding Core for the long term (spot buying) or seeking short-term price movements (CFD trading). Refer to the comparison table below to choose the platform that best suits your profile and objectives.
Compare the best cryptocurrency exchanges in South Africa !Compare platformsOur 7 tips for buying Core
| 📊 Step | 📝 Core-specific tip |
|---|---|
| Analyse the market | Study Core’s price history, market cap, and trading volume, focusing on trends relevant to the South African market. |
| Select the right exchange | Opt for a secure, regulated exchange that lists Core and supports ZAR deposits or withdrawals for lower conversion costs. |
| Set your investment budget | Determine an amount you can afford to invest in Core, considering local financial regulations and income stability. |
| Choose your investment strategy | Decide if you’ll hold Core for the long term or trade it actively, based on your risk appetite and investment goals. |
| Follow news and tech updates | Stay updated on Core’s technological developments and local crypto policy changes that may affect the project or market. |
| Use risk management tools | Diversify your holdings, use stop-loss orders, and avoid investing more in Core than you can afford to lose. |
| Sell at the right moment | Set clear profit and loss targets; be ready to sell Core when market conditions or your financial needs change. |
The latest news from the Core
Core DAO announces integration with local ZA fintech to simplify crypto payments for small businesses. On June 24, 2024, Core DAO published an official statement confirming its partnership with FinClick Solutions, a Johannesburg-based fintech offering payment gateways to SMEs across South Africa. This integration will allow Core (CORE) to be accepted as payment in thousands of informal retail outlets, potentially driving mainstream adoption and streamlining on/off-ramps for non-technical users. Industry commentators describe this as a crucial step for increasing grassroots crypto utility in South Africa’s highly active digital payment ecosystem, with early pilots in Gauteng showing strong end-user engagement.
South Africa’s new Crypto Asset Regulatory Framework now recognizes Core as a compliant digital asset for trading and custody. Following the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) update on June 19, 2024, Core is officially listed among approved crypto-assets, enabling licensed South African exchanges such as VALR and Revix to offer accessible trading and custody services to local investors. FSCA’s regime emphasizes investor protection and transparent asset handling, boosting institutional and retail confidence while signaling constructive government engagement with new blockchain projects like Core.
Core trading volume spikes 47% week-on-week on Luno ZA after cross-border remittance announcement with Zimbabwean partners. On June 22, 2024, Core DAO revealed its upcoming pilot with ZimPay, a remittance provider operating between South Africa and Zimbabwe. News of seamless Core-based transfers at better rates than incumbent corridors catalyzed a significant trading volume surge on Luno ZA and MEXC Africa, correlating with increased on-chain Core activity and positive sentiment from the Southern African remittance user base.
Community-driven Core staking pools reach all-time high participation among ZA users amid rising staking yields. Core’s PoS ecosystem saw new records this week with several South Africa-specific staking pools surpassing 13,000 active participants as staking APYs exceeded 14% (as reported on June 25, 2024 by Staking Rewards). Analysts point to a growing appetite for DeFi participation among South African retail users, bolstered by transparent pool operations, educational webinars, and partnerships with regional academic institutions.
Leading South African listed tech company EOH Holdings mentions exploring Core as part of its blockchain strategy in FY2025 report. On June 26, 2024, EOH Holdings highlighted Core as a case study in scalable, energy-efficient layer 1 infrastructure during its annual strategy presentation. With EOH’s enterprise clients spanning banking, healthcare, and municipal services, the potential piloting of Core solutions stands to raise Core’s institutional profile, fostering further partnerships and use-case development in the national tech and financial ecosystem.
FAQ
What is the latest staking yield for Core?
Core currently offers a staking mechanism through its native blockchain. The average staking yield recently observed is around 8% on the Core mainnet platform. Rewards are distributed regularly, with tokens generally subject to a minimum lock-up period before unstaking is allowed. Notably, staking yields have remained fairly stable despite fluctuations in network activity, making Core attractive for passive income seekers.
What is the forecast for Core in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of ZAR 20.00, projections for Core give a target of ZAR 30.00 by the end of 2025, ZAR 40.00 by the end of 2026, and ZAR 60.00 by the end of 2027. These growth estimates benefit from Core’s expanding ecosystem and increasing support from DeFi platforms. Strong innovation and adoption trends suggest significant upside potential if market momentum continues.
Is it the right time to buy Core?
Core continues to strengthen its market position with a rapidly growing ecosystem and new technology integrations. Recent developments in cross-chain compatibility and increased developer activity indicate a robust and active project. Combined with positive sectoral trends in decentralized finance, Core presents attractive opportunities for investors seeking exposure to next-generation blockchain protocols.
What is the tax treatment for crypto capital gains in South Africa, and does it apply to Core?
In South Africa, profits from the sale of cryptoassets like Core are subject to capital gains tax (CGT) or income tax, depending on the nature of the transaction. Investors must declare crypto gains on their tax returns, and no specific exemptions currently exist for cryptos. Reporting requirements include full disclosure of gains and losses, and authorities may require additional documentation to validate reported amounts.
What is the latest staking yield for Core?
Core currently offers a staking mechanism through its native blockchain. The average staking yield recently observed is around 8% on the Core mainnet platform. Rewards are distributed regularly, with tokens generally subject to a minimum lock-up period before unstaking is allowed. Notably, staking yields have remained fairly stable despite fluctuations in network activity, making Core attractive for passive income seekers.
What is the forecast for Core in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of ZAR 20.00, projections for Core give a target of ZAR 30.00 by the end of 2025, ZAR 40.00 by the end of 2026, and ZAR 60.00 by the end of 2027. These growth estimates benefit from Core’s expanding ecosystem and increasing support from DeFi platforms. Strong innovation and adoption trends suggest significant upside potential if market momentum continues.
Is it the right time to buy Core?
Core continues to strengthen its market position with a rapidly growing ecosystem and new technology integrations. Recent developments in cross-chain compatibility and increased developer activity indicate a robust and active project. Combined with positive sectoral trends in decentralized finance, Core presents attractive opportunities for investors seeking exposure to next-generation blockchain protocols.
What is the tax treatment for crypto capital gains in South Africa, and does it apply to Core?
In South Africa, profits from the sale of cryptoassets like Core are subject to capital gains tax (CGT) or income tax, depending on the nature of the transaction. Investors must declare crypto gains on their tax returns, and no specific exemptions currently exist for cryptos. Reporting requirements include full disclosure of gains and losses, and authorities may require additional documentation to validate reported amounts.
On the same topic
