What Are Bagholders and What It Means to Become One

What Is a Bagholder?

A bagholder refers to an investor who continues to hold a declining or underperforming asset (like a cryptocurrency or stock) despite significant losses.. Instead of selling to cut their losses, bagholders end up holding the “bag” for an extended period potentially until the asset is worthless.

Why Do Bagholders Hodl?

Bagholders often find themselves in this situation due to a combination of optimism and fear. These investors may have bought a cryptocurrency at its peak, motivated by enthusiasm or the fear of missing out (FOMO). 

When prices start to fall, they hold on, convinced (or mostly hoping) that the market will turn around. This emotional attachment (or detachment) to the asset can be strong, leading them to ignore warning signs or market realities.

Meanwhile, some bagholders become weary of conducting market research and staying up-to-date with their portfolio. In this scenario, the investors barely pay attention to the performance of their asset and sometimes even forget they bought it in the first place. 

For other investors, holding a bag can serve as a learning experience. They see it as an opportunity to understand market cycles better, develop a stronger investment strategy, and recognize the importance of managing risk. 

Here’s what to note — “bagholding” is closely related to HODLing, a term used comedically to describe the act of holding onto coins or tokens despite market fluctuations. While HODLing and bagholding both involve holding onto an asset during market downturns, HODLing is generally seen in a positive light, as a strategic choice made with confidence in the asset's future potential. In contrast, bagholding has a negative connotation, suggesting an investor is clinging to a declining or worthless asset out of emotional attachment, often without a rational strategy.