Cryptocurrency investments can be a lucrative endeavor. Many people are looking to get involved in the market nowadays because of the high potential returns.
So, before you deal with crypto, it’s necessary to understand how the market works. Here’s a brief overview of the mechanism of crypto and some things to keep in mind before investing:
What Is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a popular digital asset that utilizes cryptography for the security of its transactions and to control new units. It’s a technique that allows someone to protect information by converting it into an unreadable format. In other words, it’s a way to keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Investors buy cryptocurrency, hoping that their value will appreciate over time. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies aren’t regulated by a central bank.
How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
When you buy cryptocurrency, you are essentially purchasing a digital key that gives you access to a specific amount of digital currency. These keys are stored in digital wallets.
A public ledger called blockchain records all crypto transactions. A network of computers maintains this ledger and verifies the legitimacy of transactions.
Investing In Cryptocurrency
If you’re planning to invest in cryptocurrency, there are nine things you need to know:
1. The Price Of Crypto Is Volatile
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that cryptocurrency’s price is highly volatile. That means it can go up or down in value quickly and without warning.
For example, the price of Chainlink (LINK) and other cryptos can increase in a span of just a few months. Conversely, it can also drop significantly in a short period. As a result, it’s essential to do your due diligence before investing and always be prepared for a price drop.
Most people invest in cryptocurrency for the long term. However, keep in mind that price fluctuations can occur at any time.
2. Cryptocurrency Is Unregulated
Another thing you need to note is that cryptocurrency is unregulated. It means that no government or financial institution oversees or regulates the crypto market.
Likewise, you can have a protection tool if things go wrong. For example, if you purchase cryptocurrency and it later disappears due to a hack, you likely won’t be able to get your money back. So, protect your data from any possible cybercrime threats before investing in any cryptocurrency.
There are tools like two-factor authentication that can help you do this. You may also consider using hardware wallets or ‘cold wallets’ to keep your keys secure. Two-factor authentication is a process that requires two forms of identification, usually a username and password, to log in. Furthermore, cold wallets are encrypted physical devices that aren’t connected to the internet, making them less vulnerable to hacks.
3. Cryptocurrency Is Anonymous
One advantage of cryptocurrency is its anonymity, so you don’t have to provide your personal information when you purchase or sell it.
While this can be helpful for privacy reasons, it also means that cryptocurrency is often used for unlawful activities like money laundering and drug trafficking. As a result, governments may crackdown on the future cryptocurrency market.
4. Cryptocurrency Is Decentralized
Cryptocurrency is decentralized, which means no entity or financial institution controls it. Transactions are verified by a network of computers rather than a central authority.
It makes cryptocurrency immune to manipulation or censorship. It also means that no one person or organization can decide the future of the cryptocurrency market.
5. Cryptocurrency Is Digital
One of the key things you need to remember is that cryptocurrency is digital. It exists only in the digital world and cannot be used physically.
It also means that you can only use it to purchase items or services available online. Likewise, cryptocurrency isn’t yet accepted by most brick-and-mortar stores.
6. Cryptocurrency Is Divisible
Another thing you need to know about cryptocurrency is that it’s divisible. You can purchase a fraction of a cryptocurrency rather than buying the whole thing. For example, you can buy 0.001 cryptos rather than buy a whole of them.
It can be helpful if you can’t afford a whole cryptocurrency. However, it’s important to remember that the price of each cryptocurrency is constantly changing. So, the specific crypto’s price may be different tomorrow.
7. Cryptocurrency Is Stored In A Digital Wallet
To purchase or sell cryptocurrency, you’ll need a digital wallet. It’s a software program where you store your digital keys and access your cryptocurrency.
There are different types of digital wallets, and it’s essential to choose one that’s safe and secure. An ideal digital wallet has a backup system if your device is lost or destroyed.
8. Cryptocurrency Can Be Mined
You don’t have to purchase it from exchange to acquire cryptocurrency because you can also mine it. Mining is the verification of transactions on the blockchain and adding them to the public ledger. It helps keep track of all the activity on the blockchain and makes sure everything is working correctly.
It’s important to note that mining is a competitive process. You’ll need to have special hardware and software and join a mining pool to have a chance of earning cryptocurrency.
9. Cryptocurrency Is Sold On Cryptocurrency Exchanges
The final thing to understand is that cryptocurrency is sold on crypto exchanges. A cryptocurrency exchange is a website where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies.
One of the benefits of using a cryptocurrency exchange is that you can buy and sell cryptocurrency at the current market price. However, it’s essential to be aware that many different cryptocurrency exchanges exist. And some exchanges might be more reputable than others.
In choosing an exchange, note the following:
- The country where the exchange is based
- The fees that the exchange charges
- The type of cryptocurrencies that are available for purchase or sale
- The available customer support
- The security features of the exchange
What Drives Cryptocurrency Prices?
Several factors can affect the price of cryptocurrencies. Some of the most important factors include:
- Supply and demand: The price of cryptocurrencies is determined by supply and demand. When demand increases, the price goes up. When demand decreases, the price goes down.
- Media attention: News and events that generate media attention can influence cryptocurrency prices. For example, if a major retailer starts accepting specific crypto payments, the price of that crypto is likely to go up.
- Technology: The development of new technologies can positively or negatively impact cryptocurrencies’ prices. For example, releasing a new blockchain protocol could boost prices, while a security breach could lead to a decline.
- Government regulation: Government regulation can significantly impact the price of cryptocurrencies. For example, if a state decides to ban specific cryptos, the price will likely decrease.
Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency is a novel and exciting technology changing how people interact with the world market. While there are some risks associated with cryptocurrency, there are also many benefits.
It’s a rule of thumb to do your research before investing in cryptocurrency. Be sure to understand what cryptocurrency is, and how it works. Then, you can make a knowledgeable investment decision.
