How to Invest in a Crypto Coin
Crypto Coin
The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which was launched in 2009. Since then, thousands of others have popped up. Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that function as alternatives to traditional fiat currencies such as the dollar or the euro. These digital assets allow people to send money around the world quickly and at a low cost without being subject to the usual fees charged by banks or other intermediaries. They are also a way to invest, with the potential for significant long-term gains.
Cryptocurrencies are based on a technology called blockchain, which is a decentralised shared ledger that records transactions and verifies them. It updates in real time and is visible to anyone with a crypto wallet. The first step to buying cryptocurrencies is finding one that fits with your investment goals.
Different cryptocurrencies have different uses and advantages, and their prices can change dramatically from day to day. A currency’s price is determined by how much other people are willing to pay for it and how useful they expect it to be in the future. Some currencies, called stablecoins, try to minimize volatility by pegging their value to another factor, such as a fiat currency like the US dollar or a commodity such as gold.
A cryptocurrency’s security depends on advanced coding to verify transactions, keep track of account balances, and protect private keys. A hack or theft could potentially expose you to significant losses. You should carefully research each one you’re considering to make sure it’s legitimate and meets your specific needs.
Most cryptocurrencies are not backed by any physical assets or cash flow, so you have no asset protection in case of a loss. Additionally, many investors and merchants rely on exchanges or other custodians to store their coins. A loss or theft by one of these third parties could result in the loss of your entire investment. Finally, there are few regulations for cryptocurrencies, so you can’t count on regulators to protect your investments.
Unlike stocks, which are backed by the profit and revenue of a company, most cryptocurrencies are unbacked by any hard assets or cash flow. As such, they are speculative investments that can see eye-popping returns in the short term.
Investors buy cryptocurrencies with the intention of selling them for a profit at a later date. They conduct extensive research to select which digital assets to purchase and hold, often focusing on those with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. They typically purchase their crypto on an exchange, store it in a wallet, and monitor the market to spot opportunities to sell. This strategy requires patience as prices can be volatile and may take months or even years to generate significant gains. For this reason, it’s important to choose a reliable broker or robo-advisor that takes into account the unique risks associated with cryptocurrencies. NerdWallet’s ratings of online brokers and robo-advisors consider factors such as account fees and minimums, investment choices, customer support and mobile app capabilities.