The surging interest, adoption, and financial commitment in cryptocurrency, often referred to as crypto, have piqued the interest of many investors looking to enter the market. This introductory guide will introduce cryptocurrency as a type of asset and walk you through the fundamentals of investing in it. Discover what crypto entails, the various forms available, factors to ponder before diving in, and insights to aid you in determining its suitability for your investment portfolio. Should you opt to commence investing in crypto, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step roadmap to kickstart your journey.
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that operates similarly to cash, serving as a means of purchasing goods and services. Additionally, it functions as an investment opportunity, offering the potential for financial gains like other investment assets. However, it is important to note that cryptocurrency is characterized by significant volatility, with prices experiencing large fluctuations over time.
Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they are not issued, regulated, or backed by a central authority such as a government entity. Instead, units of cryptocurrency, referred to as coins or tokens, are generated digitally through a validation process facilitated by blockchain technology. This innovative technology, also known as distributed ledger technology, creates a secure and encrypted record of each virtual coin’s value and associated transactions. These records are distributed and interconnected across a network of participants or computers accessing the blockchain. In theory, the blockchain can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. The blockchain system prioritizes security, transparency, speed, and accuracy in its operations.
Varieties of Cryptocurrencies
The term “cryptocurrency” encompasses a wide array of virtual currencies utilizing blockchain technology, with over 2.4 million identified as of April 2024, according to CoinMarketCap.com. Bitcoin stands out as one of the earliest and most recognizable cryptocurrencies, with all other coin-based alternatives collectively termed “altcoins.”
In recent years, numerous cryptocurrencies have gained significant prominence, accruing substantial market value and cultivating extensive user and investor bases.
Top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization in USD:
As of April 2024:
Predicting the most successful coins within the crypto ecosystem is challenging given its novelty and the youthfulness of many cryptocurrencies. Despite their prominence, these coins carry inherent risks, as evidenced by the significant fluctuations experienced in their value. It is imperative for potential investors to thoroughly research each cryptocurrency before committing capital and assess whether the investment aligns with their objectives.
How to Begin Investing in Cryptocurrency
Are you contemplating investing in cryptocurrency? While Bitcoin may be the most recognized virtual currency, there are already thousands of cryptocurrencies in existence.
Investing in cryptocurrency can manifest in various ways, ranging from direct acquisition of crypto coins to investment in crypto funds and enterprises. To directly invest in crypto coins, you can purchase cryptocurrency via crypto exchanges or apps, or through specific broker-dealers. Learn more about how you can participate in one of the most recent and innovative asset classes available.
KEY POINTS
Cryptocurrency refers to virtual currency secured by blockchain technology.
Types of Cryptocurrency Investment Opportunities
When considering cryptocurrency investment, the common notion might be to purchase and hold one or more crypto coins. Directly acquiring cryptocurrency is indeed a prevalent method to incorporate crypto exposure into your investment portfolio. However, in the realm of cryptocurrency investing, you have several options to explore:
Direct Purchase of Cryptocurrency: Opt to directly procure and secure one or more cryptocurrencies. Your selection spans from well-established digital currencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin to relatively obscure coins that have recently emerged.
Investment in Cryptocurrency Companies: Explore investment opportunities in companies with partial or complete focus on cryptocurrency. This category encompasses cryptocurrency mining firms, manufacturers of mining hardware, platforms like Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) and PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL) that support cryptocurrency, and various others with varying degrees of crypto involvement. You can also invest in companies like MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR), which holds significant amounts of cryptocurrency on its balance sheets.
Investment in Cryptocurrency-Focused Funds: If selecting among individual cryptocurrency companies seems daunting, consider investing in a cryptocurrency-focused fund. Options include exchange-traded funds (ETFs), such as index funds and futures funds, alongside an array of cryptocurrency investment trusts. In January 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the inaugural Bitcoin Spot ETFs. These funds hold bitcoin and offer shares to investors based on bitcoin spot prices.
Investment in a Cryptocurrency Roth IRA: For those seeking to invest in cryptocurrency while benefiting from the tax advantages provided by an individual retirement account (IRA), exploring a cryptocurrency Roth IRA could be worthwhile. Engaging the services of a crypto IRA provider can also facilitate more secure storage for your cryptocurrency holdings.
Engagement in Cryptocurrency Mining or Validation: An alternative avenue to invest in cryptocurrency is by engaging in mining or serving as a validator in a crypto network. Cryptocurrency miners and validators have the opportunity to earn rewards in crypto, which they can hold as investments or exchange for another currency.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Cryptocurrency
Before delving into cryptocurrency investments, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent volatility of this asset class, characterized by significant price fluctuations over short periods. Such volatility may deter risk-averse individuals, highlighting the importance of diligent research to steer clear of potential scams amid evolving regulatory frameworks.
Additionally, it’s prudent to reflect on your investment objectives when considering crypto ventures. Whether driven by a desire to capitalize on trends or guided by a well-thought-out strategy, clarity regarding your motives and expectations is paramount. Recognize that investing entails inherent risks, and avoid the misconception of risk-free wealth accumulation. Approach cryptocurrency investment with caution, focusing on long-term prospects and readiness to endure market volatility.
Maintaining a long-term perspective is imperative when navigating the unpredictable crypto landscape. Emotional reactions, such as succumbing to fear of missing out during price surges or panic-selling amid downturns, can undermine investment outcomes. Adopting a disciplined approach and avoiding emotional-driven decisions are essential strategies for managing investments in highly volatile assets like cryptocurrencies.
Is Cryptocurrency Worth Investing In?
Determining whether cryptocurrency is a suitable investment hinges on various factors. Your risk tolerance, both financially and psychologically, along with your investment horizon and portfolio diversification, are pivotal considerations. The volatile nature of crypto implies that coin values can fluctuate rapidly and significantly.
Availability for trading doesn’t inherently equate to suitability for your investment strategy. It’s essential to recognize that all investments entail the risk of financial loss.
How to Purchase Cryptocurrency Through an Exchange
If you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrency directly, utilizing a cryptocurrency exchange is the way to go. Here’s a guide on how to acquire cryptocurrency via an exchange:
Select a cryptocurrency exchange to utilize. Opt for a reputable and well-established exchange that offers a wide range of currencies.
Create an account on the chosen cryptocurrency exchange. During registration, you’ll be required to provide personal details and undergo identity verification.
Deposit fiat money into your exchange account. Prior to purchasing any crypto, you must first deposit another currency, such as U.S. dollars, into your exchange account.
Determine which cryptocurrency you wish to purchase. Whether you’re interested in one or multiple cryptocurrencies, conduct thorough research to aid in your decision-making process.
Initiate a buy order for the selected cryptocurrency. Follow the exchange’s procedures to submit and finalize a buy order for one or more cryptocurrencies.
Securely store your cryptocurrency in a digital wallet. Upon completion of your purchase, the necessary information to access your cryptocurrency is stored in a digital wallet. This wallet can be either hosted by the cryptocurrency exchange or an independent wallet provider.
Benefits of Investing in Cryptocurrency
Downsides of Investing in Cryptocurrency
Securing Your Cryptocurrency Investments
Ensuring the security of your cryptocurrency investments is a critical aspect of this type of financial endeavor. Here are some recommendations to help safeguard your assets:
Key Considerations Before Investing in Cryptocurrency
Investing in cryptocurrency carries inherent risks, with prices being significantly more volatile compared to traditional assets like stocks. Regulatory changes may also impact future cryptocurrency prices, potentially rendering them worthless if they become illegal.
Despite the risks, many investors are attracted to the potential gains offered by cryptocurrency investments. Prior to investing, thorough research on each digital coin is essential. Additionally, be mindful of transaction fees, which can vary widely among different cryptocurrencies.
The cryptocurrency landscape is rapidly evolving, necessitating attention to new developments that could impact your investments. Understanding the tax implications of cryptocurrency usage is also crucial for investors, particularly when making purchases or selling their holdings.
Given the risky nature of cryptocurrency investments, it’s imperative not to invest more money than you can afford to lose.
Is Cryptocurrency Investment Suitable for You?
Investing in cryptocurrency may not be suitable for conservative investors due to the high volatility of cryptocurrency prices. However, if you are comfortable with greater investment risk, investing in one or more cryptocurrencies may align with your investment objectives.
How to Invest in Bitcoin?
Investing in Bitcoin can be done directly through major cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. Alternatively, investors can gain exposure to Bitcoin by purchasing shares in companies heavily involved in Bitcoin, such as Bitcoin mining firms. Another option is investing in Bitcoin-focused funds, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
What is the Minimum Investment Required for Cryptocurrency?
Investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies can be done with minimal funds. For example, using the Coinbase platform, investors can purchase cryptocurrency with as little as two units of their local currency.
How to Get Started with Cryptocurrency Investment in 2024
Are you considering delving into cryptocurrency investment? Familiarizing yourself with the process of purchasing and storing digital assets is essential. With a multitude of exchanges available, similar to traditional investment platforms, creating an account is a straightforward process. However, it is recommended to conduct thorough research on each cryptocurrency before committing any funds. For beginners seeking guidance on how to begin, here are five steps to follow:
Step 1: Selecting the Cryptocurrency for Investment
Just as you would assess the risks and financial stability of a company before purchasing its stock, it’s essential to thoroughly understand and evaluate the distinctive characteristics of each cryptocurrency under consideration for investment. You might opt to invest in one or multiple cryptocurrencies.
Assessing cryptocurrencies can pose challenges as they have increasingly become susceptible to fraudulent activities, such as pump-and-dump schemes. These risks may lead you to wonder how to invest in cryptocurrency while avoiding falling prey to scams. To steer clear of pump-and-dump schemes, it’s advisable to refrain from investing in smaller or newer cryptos that are aggressively promoted on social media platforms. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the investment risks associated with a particular cryptocurrency is crucial, as social media influencers may not always have your best interests at heart.
While investing through a large, reputable platform may potentially mitigate your exposure to fraud and cybersecurity risks, it’s important to recognize that the lack of regulation across the entire industry makes it impossible to entirely eliminate such risks. For instance, in 2022, revelations emerged about FTX, previously deemed a reputable platform, being operated by malicious actors who misused clients’ funds. On November 2, 2023, its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was convicted of fraud and money laundering. Subsequently, on March 28, 2024, Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the court.
Step 2: Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange
To acquire cryptocurrency, you’ll need to utilize an exchange or investment platform like Coinbase, Gemini, or Kraken. When choosing an exchange, several factors should be taken into account, including security measures, fee structures, trading volume, minimum investment thresholds, and the variety of cryptocurrencies offered for purchase on the platform.
Step 3: Explore Storage and Digital Wallet Options
Since cryptocurrency exists solely in digital form, it’s essential to have a secure digital storage solution for your coins. One option is to store them on the same platform where you conduct your investments, a choice preferred by many new cryptocurrency investors. However, it’s crucial to select a platform that offers robust custody services and security measures against hackers and online threats, along with financial insurance coverage.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to store your cryptocurrency on mainstream platforms, you’ll need a cryptocurrency wallet. These wallets store the private keys necessary to access your crypto holdings by unlocking the digital identity associated with your ownership, recorded on the blockchain. There are two types of digital wallets: “hot” wallets, accessible via the internet and known for their convenience, and “cold” wallets, physical storage devices similar to USB drives, which keep your cryptocurrency keys completely offline and are typically more secure. Utilizing a wallet adds an additional layer of protection to your cryptocurrency holdings.
Step 4: Determine Your Investment Amount
The decision of how much to invest in cryptocurrency, like any other investment, hinges on various factors such as your financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment strategy. Additionally, consider any minimum investment thresholds and transaction fees associated with different crypto exchanges.
For cryptocurrencies with high individual coin values, many exchanges offer the option to invest on a dollar basis rather than purchasing whole coins. This allows you to invest in assets like Bitcoin without needing a substantial initial investment. Instead of focusing on the number of coins, concentrate on the total amount of money you’re comfortable investing. Always adhere to the principle of investing only what you can afford to lose. As a guideline, Stash recommends allocating no more than 2% of your overall portfolio to any single cryptocurrency to mitigate specific risks associated with crypto investments.
Step 5: Monitor Your Investments
Investing in cryptocurrency presents a distinctive opportunity as it can serve both as a means of purchasing goods and as a long-term investment. The approach you take to managing your crypto assets will be influenced by your investment strategy and objectives. You might find it beneficial to adopt the Stash Way, a methodology centered on consistent investing, diversification, and a long-term investment horizon.
Alternative Investments to Explore
If you’re not quite prepared to venture into cryptocurrency, there are alternative investments worth considering. For instance, certain Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) provide opportunities to engage with the crypto market indirectly, without directly holding cryptocurrency or its derivatives. Typically, these ETFs invest in companies that have exposure to or involvement in activities related to crypto markets, such as mining or holding significant positions in cryptocurrency on their balance sheets. These investment options offer a way to participate in the evolving crypto landscape without fully committing to cryptocurrency investments.
In Conclusion
There are various avenues for investing in cryptocurrency, offering numerous choices for interested investors. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the extreme volatility of crypto prices and the associated risks, as price swings can lead to significant gains or losses within short timeframes.
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FAQ
What should I consider before purchasing cryptocurrency?
Investing in cryptocurrency involves risks, so it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Digital currencies are highly volatile and subject to minimal regulation. Additionally, the future development of this emerging form of currency remains uncertain.
What factors should I prioritize when selecting a cryptocurrency to invest in?
Each cryptocurrency has its own unique characteristics, so the ideal choice depends on your individual situation. However, novice investors may find it beneficial to focus on well-established currencies with a track record of performance and readily available information about their operations.
As a beginner, how much should I invest in cryptocurrency?
It’s essential to only invest an amount that you can afford to lose. To mitigate the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments, it’s recommended to limit your exposure by holding no more than 2% of your total investment portfolio in any single crypto asset.
How can newcomers begin investing in cryptocurrency?
To embark on your cryptocurrency investment journey, follow these five steps:
Select which cryptocurrency to invest in.
Pick a trustworthy cryptocurrency exchange.
Explore various storage and digital wallet solutions.
Determine the amount you want to invest.
Stay informed and prudently manage your investments.
