Checking in with crypto-adjacent stocks
There isn’t a week that goes by
without Bitcoin dominating the headlines. But, unless you’re a trader or
engaged in cryptocurrencies, you’ve probably never heard of it.
So, what exactly is Bitcoin, and why should you be concerned? Many see it as the future of finance, but it could have a negative impact on the money you have.
What Exactly is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a type of money that’s entirely digital, frequently referred to as “cryptocurrency.” Bitcoin is essentially a computer program that allows people to exchange value with one another directly.
The Blockchain is the technology that underpins Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s popularity is due to blockchain technology. Blockchain is a system for producing, storing, and managing digital open, secure, and distributed digital transactions.
How is Bitcoin Different From Traditional Currency?
Decentralized — any government or central bank does not control the currency supply.
Bitcoins and Bitcoin bills are only available in digital form. The currency is entirely digital, and it is tracked by blockchains, which are constantly growing collections of records that provide a complete history of each Bitcoin. (Imagine being able to look up every time a ten-dollar bill changed hands using the serial number on the bill.)
“Pseudo-Anonymous” — Bitcoins are associated with a wallet ID rather than your personal information, but this does not make them completely anonymous.
Bitcoin was created in 2008 by a mysterious figure known only as “Satoshi Nakamoto.” This person wrote a paper explaining how Bitcoins could work, and it was traded and mined a year later.
The lack of middlemen and banks with high fees are a few of the reasons why people are drawn to Bitcoins. Because it is entirely online, transactions are conducted using your wallet ID (more on that later), not your name or other personal information, unless you provide it.
What Motivates People to Purchase Bitcoin?
Why do I need bitcoins if I can buy everything with my credit card?
Bitcoin is a brand-new type of money. Some believe that the value of bitcoins will rise over time as more people and businesses adopt the technology. Bitcoins are purchased as a form of investment. In fact, in the last 12 months, the value of one bitcoin has risen from $500 to $16,000.
Some people are dissatisfied with their current financial institutions and banks. They prefer to pay in bitcoins.
Bitcoins can also be used to pay for services and products while remaining anonymous.
How Can You Buy/Sell Bitcoin?
Users may purchase and sell bitcoins using multiple currencies on several cryptocurrency markets (online websites or applications) known as “cryptocurrency exchanges.” You can buy bitcoins with your local currency and start trading bitcoin in a similar fashion to stocks.
When you create an account, you are given a digital address, which you use to buy, sell, and pay in bitcoins.
A list of some of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges is provided here:
- Binance
- Coinbase
- Kraken
- eToro
- Crypto.com
- Coinmama
- Bisq
- Robinhood
- Station de Commerce
- Gemini
What is the Best Place for Me To Store My Bitcoin?
Bitcoins are kept in a “digital wallet,” an online account similar to a bank account. Digital wallets are used to buy and sell bitcoins and transfer bitcoins from one account (address) to another as a payment or transaction. These wallets are kept on a server or in the cloud.
How Can You Buy and Sell Stocks That Are Involved in Bitcoin?
With a high influx of retail and institutional traders and fintech companies stepping into the crypto world, bitcoin prices are soaring. Adjacent to this are publicly traded companies having some exposure to the cryptocurrency value chain. You can play safer in the crypto space with semiconductors, payments, and brokerage companies.
A few stocks that fall into the category of "Bitcoin-adjacent" are included in the following list:
These public companies benefit and win over bitcoin as scarce digital currency might hedge against a weakening USD. PayPal, a renowned payment processor, allows customers to buy, hold as well as sell cryptocurrencies. Earlier, the gaming processors of Nvidia were used to mine cryptocurrency. NVDA indicated restarting the production of GPUs for crypto mining. Through Square, users can buy and sell bitcoin via cash mobile payment application. Canaan is a computer-based business known for inventing ASIC-powered bitcoin mining machines. To buy CAN stock, use brokerage accounts like Sofi Investor J.P Morgan. You can “purchase now or later” to buy the stock at your desired price.
Remember to optimize your portfolio by tracking your stock!
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Investing in Bitcoin
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries risks, but it can also yield rewards for investors. The bitcoin market is highly volatile, and any investor who wishes to invest in it must have a thorough understanding of it. So, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of investing in bitcoin.
The Benefits of Investing in Bitcoin in 2021
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High Return On Investment (ROI)
Bitcoin opens up new possibilities for people who want to make a good living in a short amount of time. However, because market prices fluctuate from time to time, you must keep an eye on the market to maximize your potential returns.
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Bitcoin Has a Useful Business Function
Bitcoin has several features, such as multi-signature authorization, to help businesses improve their security and transparency.
On the other hand, the number of merchants and businesses that accept Bitcoins is rapidly increasing. Individuals will be able to buy goods and services online without delay as a result of this.
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Bitcoin Is a Transparent Currency
Another essential feature of Bitcoin is its transparency. This asset is much more than just a means of payment.
Bitcoin, as previously stated, uses Blockchain technology to verify each transaction. And because the transaction details are permanently stored on the Blockchain, everyone has access to them at any time.
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Bitcoin Is Highly Liquid And Accessible
Bitcoin is very liquid and accessible is one of the most significant advantages of investing in it. Bitcoin is known as the most liquid investment asset, and this helps traders buy Bitcoin for a short time and hold it for a long time.
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Bitcoin Is A Decentralized Currency
Bitcoin is a decentralized currency because it eliminates the need for physical boundaries such as central authority. This currency empowers you to manage your finances.
The Risks Of Investing in Bitcoin in 2021
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Bitcoin Is Not Energy Efficient
It is inefficient in terms of energy usage. Bitcoin’s dark side is is requires high-power usage.
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Bitcoin Investing Is Not Regulated
Another disadvantage of Bitcoin investment is that any financial system does not regulate it. Scams have sprung up as a result of this. Government-issued currencies, unlike Bitcoin, are governed by the central authority.
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Bitcoin Has Limited Use
Only a small number of businesses and retailers accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Thus, Bitcoin use is minimal, and it entirely depends upon internet availability.
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Bitcoin Value Is Highly Volatile
High volatility is another prime feature of Bitcoin. It has a significant impact on the money you have invested.
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Bitcoin Poses Security Concerns
The the rising popularity of Bitcoin has sparked security worries throughout the globe. You can lose all of your Bitcoins if you don’t maintain your digital wallet safe and lose your private keys, and you won’t be able to bring a lawsuit against it.