If you talk about the best altcoin to invest in 2018, of course that is ethereum,
even though currently ethereum prices are down but I still believe that in the future ethereum prices will rise again,
so the point is we must remain patient to wait for that

TIM is GPS combined with blockchain. And this changes everything. It exponentially improves the performance of permission-less agents by a new consensus mechanism based on geomining. The dapps become hyperlocal and geo-location aware. This boosts security and experience. The MVP network, at BitPost, provides 100k+tps capabilities for token transactions, smart contracts, IOT array operations scalable to 100M tps by Q4-2018. TIM network is automatically and dynamically managed by swarms and geo-mining for load distribution, fraud detection and network operations. TIM is a two layered blockchain-
-First layer is root blockchain which only stores Merkle hash of second layer. First layer is very light weight (approx. 4 MB data size).
-Second layer (Multigraph) is the one which stores all the transaction data in form of blocks. First layer only references the blocks of second layer. Second layer blocks are partitioned using vertical shard.
Each node (mobile device computer running TIM core engine) in TIM network contains entire root blockchain (first layer) and only a part of the second layer blocks. Assuming there are 10,000 nodes in a network, TIM first creates cluster of nodes based on geolocation using partition technology. So the nodes which belongs to ASIA will be part of ASIA cluster and nodes which belongs to North America will belong to North America cluster. TIM call this clusters as triangles graphs.
The transaction which is originating in North America will participate in triangle of North America only. All blocks mined in North America will be stored in each of the nodes which belong to North America region only. However, all the nodes of North America will have complete root blockchain present but only part of second layer blocks which is mined in North America. Similarly, each Node of Asia Cluster (triangle) will contain entire root blockchain of TIM but only part of second layer blocks which is mined in ASIA. This is called as vertical partition of blocks.
If the data size of entire TIM blockchain is 1 GB, then it will split among these two regions (approx. 500 MB each). So, each node of North America will store root blockchain (4 MB size) and approx. 500 MB of block data. However, in ideal scenario of 1 GB data, TIM will have many triangles (approx. 100). And data will be partitioned (using dynamic vertical partition based of geolocation) to approx. 10 MB block data. So, each node in a given triangle will have 4 MB of root blockchain and 10 MB of partitioned second layer blocks data. This will enable even a mobile device with less memory to become a node of TIM blockchain.
Triangles (cluster of Nodes) Multigraph – Each node in the triangles communicate to each other using DAG (Directed Acyclic graph) topology. Hence, we call these triangles as graphs also. And collection of these triangles is called as Multigraph (which is the second layer of TIM blockchain). Multigraph stores entire blocks split across graph/triangles. So, if we have 100 triangles, Network will look like as below.
It is because of the DAG topology of each triangle, nodes can communicate very fast, achieving speed of 10,000 tx/sec per triangle. And if the 100 partitions are created due to the demand of transactions, then total network capacity will be around 1 million tx/sec.
However, these triangular regions are created by TIM technology on demand of transaction load. If the load increases in a given region, the TIM technology can further split triangle into two parts and there by doubling the speed of that region. TIM network auto adjusts the load based on demand and also merges the region if the demand is less. This is driven by statistical model for load balancing and using geolocation of nodes to understand the transaction load in a given geographical area.

I don't think that buy altcoins in 2018 is good idea. I think about buy for long-term such cryptocurrencies as Holo, Ontology, Nano, Waltonchain. But I am going to buy them by the middle of the next year, because IMHO this downtrend will last that time. If you also want to buy any altcoin right now, I would advice you to use stop loss. Personally right now I prefer to trade through leverage on big cryptocurrencies as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, TRX, which have USD as a basis currency.

IC Wallet will be a blockchain based crypto wallet assigned to working as a custodial for all cryptocurrencies in the Ecosystem. Participants can use the wallet to send, receive, and store cryptocurrencies available in the market with ease and security. The wallets will contain multi signature and cold storage systems to create a secure and reliable environment for all stakeholders. The wallet allows for transfer of tokens from and to the exchange and other wallets. Furthermore, the wallet will be integrated with the IC Digital Bank, allowing users to pay with fiat and settle with crypto and vice versa.
Integrated Wallet & Fund Management
IC wallet is an encrypted blockchain based cryptocurrency wallet. The IC Exchange software is unified with the multi-currency wallet system. Wallet funds are protected via cryptography as well as a multi-signature cold storage which guards market participants’ funds from any external access. All cryptocurrency funds will be automatically managed through the IC Wallet interface. Fiat funds such as Euro or US Dollar can be deposited in the IC Bank and managed manually by the IC Exchange operator or automated through the implementation of payment processing features through the IC Digital Bank interface.
Maximum Security
Multiple layers of security prevent any hacking attempt and ensure that funds always remain safe. The first layer is established through utilizing multiple independent servers. The IC Exchange software is bridged with the IC wallet where all crypto funds will be stored. Recordkeeping procedures will be another layer with continuous reconciliation to prevent hacking from occurring, while maintaining compliance with major regulatory bodies. The client’s assets are further protected by using the IC Digital Bank account to store the fiat currency, and the IC Brokerage account to store the traditional assets. The IC Wallet application will also include a custom dashboard that portrays the total value of all the different assets allocated in the IC Bank (fiat account balances), IC Brokerage (Stocks and commodities portfolios), and cryptocurrency balances.
IC Wallet users who trade crypto against crypto can transfer their assets between IC wallets safely and smoothly on the blockchain through a set of procedures that will verify all legal requirements such as, KYC, AML and multi signature. Crypto traders will be able to trade traditional assets with other individuals (P2P) or through IC Brokerage from markets like NYSE, NASDAQ, CME, etc. As IC Wallets and order requests are entered by the user on IC Exchange, the order matching software will match all the buyers and sellers together depending on the best bid and the best ask orders in order to ensure that the execution of the trade occurs with the best available market price and in an efficient timely manner as the IC Exchange will have an IC Liquidity pool as well as API connections to the top exchanges which will be accessible to all investors.
IC Wallet holders who are wishing to exchange any type of crypto to any type of their preferred fiat currency, are able to do so through requesting the order from the IC Exchange’s platform which will release the order and once completed, directly deposit the fiat fund into the users’ IC Bank. As users enter their wallet address and their trading orders if they are trading crypto/traditional asset pairs, the IC Exchange order book will match the best bid and the best ask orders and connect the users together to complete the transaction, once the order is filled the software will complete the swap and deposit the funds and assets in their respective destination.
The IC Digital Bank is fully integrated and cohesive with the IC Wallet, IC Exchange and IC Brokerage to guarantee the quick and safe movement of funds between clients’ bank accounts. Traditional assets are stored in the IC Brokerage account, fiat will be stored in the IC Bank and cryptocurrencies will be stored in the IC Wallet.

Take a look at SkyChain and Ubex. If we are talking about High risked investments then it is perfect shot. SkyChain team will present a beta soon and Ubex will most likely be listed on Lbank exchnage! Thx to these news both tokens will show a good growth

XRP will. Chartered Standard and Bank of England are behind it

It's hard to make such forecasts and obviously better to invest through professional investment managerscrypto hedge funds that can efficiently manage your capital. Otherwise it's just a gamble like 100% leverage on BitMEX. Fortunately, now anyone can invest in top-tier crypto hedge funds through ELEMENTS (www.elements.cx) Here is why:

Crypto market is highly volatile by nature and most ICO tokens lost around 90% in value in 2018. Approximately 80% of ICOs are scams and over 50% fail within first four months of operations. The return on investment in ICOs is in steady decline because of the incredibly high business, regulatory, and legal risks inherent to this nascent space. Aggressive market manipulation and widespread pump-and-dump schemes increase chances of losing investors’ money.

Despite all these negative factors, retail investors still participate in token sales with no certainty how ICO project will perform and what will the value of its token be. We can observe not a high risk/return ratio here but actually a very high risk/uncertain return correlation. On the risk side of the equation, all ICO investments are exposed to extremely high idiosyncratic (unsystematic) risk as investment is made in a single ICO project with no historical performance and track record.

Investors’ demand is driven primarily by expectations of high return on investments. Investing in liquid digital assets that have well established teams and business models could be an alternative to ICO investments. However, even in this scenario, retail investors can’t efficiently manage their capital as they are not qualified enough to perform token price valuation, fundamental analysis of the blockchain project, technical analysis of the token price movements, and legal and regulatory due diligence.  

Another type of investors are crypto hedge funds that are managed by investment professionals. Generally, top-tier crypto hedge funds with hundreds of millions of US dollars under management have excellent historical performance and track record. Crypto hedge funds that use active portfolio management approach have the ability to deliver impressive returns even during bear market conditions. For example, Pantera Bitcoin Fund's lifetime return was over 10,000% as of the end of July, 2018, net of fees and expenses.

Crypto hedge funds can earn substantial returns leveraging their deep knowledge of market trends, strong investment expertise, and rigorous due diligence. When investing in ICOs, crypto hedge funds have access to exclusive private deals with deepest discounts and can invest in the most promising blockchain projects that are not opened to public. Hedge funds provide their investors with monthly investor reports and perform annual audit to confirm the transparency of hedge fund operations and actual holdings.

Unfortunately, regular investors are not able to invest in crypto hedge funds, at least in the United States. Crypto hedge funds typically require multi-million dollar minimums and are designed for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors.  Under the US securities laws, in the context of a natural person, an accredited investor is an individual who have a net worth of at least $1,000,000, excluding the value of one’s primary residence, or have income at least $200,000 each year for the last two years (or $300,000 combined income if married) and have the expectation to make the same amount this year.

ELEMENTS (www.elements.cx) is the first project that solves this issue using blockchain technology. ELEMENTS offers easy access to top-tier crypto hedge funds worldwide through its native token with $100 nominal value ($75 during PreSale). Each token represents a stake in ELEMENTS capital and its value is linked to the performance of underlying investments, best-in-class crypto hedge funds. Unlike typical ICO tokens, ELEMENTS tokens have a real intrinsic value being secured by a USD capital invested in the most profitable crypto hedge funds worldwide.

More details at www.elements.cx and Bitcointalk [ANN] Thread: https://bt.irlbtc.com/view/4962120.msg45040578#msg45040578

now a lot of different altcoyins. each of them has its own unique idea. I like NEO and STRAT most of all. I'm sure that they will show very good growth