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Cryptocurrency guide: How cryptocurrency actually works?

Dec 16, 2024
5 min read
Table of Contents
  • 1. Bitcoin Bull Run: A New Era of Optimism
  • 2. Understanding Cryptocurrency Security and Accessibility
  • 3. The Realities of Cryptocurrency Investment
  • 4. Understanding NFTs and Their Value

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Cryptocurrency guide, cryptocurrencies are digital tokens, they are a type of digital currency that allows people to make payments directly to each other through an online system.
 


Bitcoin Bull Run: A New Era of Optimism


The bull run is back! Bitcoin is soaring, and the only question is: how much higher can we go? As we explore predictions from both bulls and bears, it’s clear that cycle top forecasts are becoming more extravagant.

In classic bull market fashion, the higher BTC climbs, the more controversial it feels to take profits. Who wouldn’t want to hold out for a million-dollar Bitcoin? While bears may seem smart, it’s the bulls making money.

A decade ago, Bitcoin could be bought for $375. If you had predicted it would reach $100,000, you might have been laughed at. Yet, here we are, and believers are smiling.

Crypto has repeatedly defied skepticism, and this time may be no different. However, lasting success in trading requires a solid risk management strategy. Protecting your capital should come first, with profit-making as a secondary goal. This mindset fosters cautious price targets, enabling you to realize gains without succumbing to market volatility.
 


Understanding Cryptocurrency Security and Accessibility


If someone tried to hack into a computer to alter their copy of the ledger, it wouldn't work. The system detects discrepancies; if 99.9% of the copies agree while one does not, tampering is evident. This organization builds trust in the system.

People are attracted to open, traceable transactions rather than fragmented records. While it may seem complex, many find it simplifies processes.

Many areas worldwide have internet access but lack traditional banking services, which require extensive paperwork. Cryptocurrencies excel here, as they eliminate the need for banks. Everything is recorded on a decentralized ledger, enabling almost instant international payments.

Additionally, cryptocurrencies remove concerns about spending limits, exchange rates, and interest rates, with transaction fees often very low.

The term "cryptocurrency" reflects that these digital currencies are secured by cryptography, with blockchain technology as a prime example. It's crucial to note that blockchain is not Bitcoin; it's a secure ledger that accurately records transactions, much like a massive, accessible spreadsheet that ensures transparency and security.
 


The Realities of Cryptocurrency Investment


The only thing you absolutely should buy is one of these hats—it's the best purchase I've ever made! Now, onto the serious stuff: I've invested 40% in Ethereum, 20% in Polygon, 20% in Cardano, 10% in Cartesi, and 10% in Litecoin. This portfolio has seen its ups and downs, often with less consistency than a site like Wish.com.

Currently, crypto is in a peculiar state, which brings us to its challenges. One major issue is volatility. Many people struggle to take crypto seriously because its value fluctuates so dramatically. Unlike established markets like gold, the worth of these digital currencies is largely speculative and heavily influenced by news. A positive article can send prices soaring, while a single tweet from someone like Elon Musk can cause a significant drop.

Another challenge is acceptance as a payment method. While you can book vacations or donate to organizations like Wikipedia using crypto, many companies remain inconsistent. Big names like Microsoft, Tesla, and Burger King have alternated between accepting Bitcoin and then retracting that acceptance.

Lastly, there are environmental concerns. The security of cryptocurrencies relies on verifying transactions across numerous computers, which consumes a lot of electricity. Critics argue this creates inefficiencies. However, it's worth noting that traditional banking also has a hefty energy footprint, and newer cryptocurrencies are being developed with more efficient technologies. With time, we may find better solutions to these energy challenges.
 


Understanding NFTs and Their Value


Even though many NFTs look and behave similarly—often just as JPEG images—there's a notable distinction between buying an NFT and acquiring rights to something. Purchasing rights to a service or product is legitimate because it allows you to create merchandise or sell licenses. In contrast, with an NFT, the original owner retains all reproduction rights. Essentially, owning an NFT only proves you have some form of ownership over that asset via the blockchain.

Surprisingly, this notion of ownership holds significant value. For instance, an NFT of the Gucci Ghost sold for $3, and Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter, sold his first tweet as an NFT for $2.9 million. Just five words! And then there's the NFT of a compilation of one artist's works that fetched an astonishing $69 million. This purchase merely grants the buyer digital ownership of a JPEG image.
 



When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange) and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss. 

Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice. Trading cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets is restricted for all UK retail clients. 
 

Written by
Frances Wang
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Table of Contents
  • 1. Bitcoin Bull Run: A New Era of Optimism
  • 2. Understanding Cryptocurrency Security and Accessibility
  • 3. The Realities of Cryptocurrency Investment
  • 4. Understanding NFTs and Their Value

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