Though crypto markets have experienced a recent slump, many believe they will eventually return to their former glory. Previous deep market declines have often led to strong recoveries; however, due to rising interest rates and inflation remaining high this could be different; therefore investors should exercise caution when making any decisions to invest in crypto currencies.
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that employ cryptography to secure transactions. Cryptos have grown popular due to their decentralized nature, enabling fast transfer without bank fees or restrictions; some people even use cryptocurrencies to bypass capital controls in authoritarian countries by bypassing capital controls with these virtual coins; they’ve become an oasis for those seeking privacy; some even believe they could replace trust with technology and make finance run more efficiently without middlemen.
Some prominent people, like Bill Gates and Al Gore, view cryptocurrency as an effective and secure alternative to fiat currencies like USD. Meanwhile, others like Nobel Prize winners Paul Krugman and Robert Shiller see them as Ponzi schemes or as ways for criminals to launder their funds. Regardless, cryptocurrency’s future remains unknown for now.
The value of cryptocurrency depends on supply and demand. At present, Bitcoin holds a market cap of over $70 billion while altcoins, or alternative cryptocurrencies, such as Ether or Monero have far lower market caps and far less liquidity on traditional exchanges than their market leader Bitcoin. They often feature limited functionality with exorbitant fees being charged at every turn.
Cryptos have also been associated with fraud, terrorism and money laundering activities; their markets can also be highly volatile – up to four times greater than stocks or gold.
Finally, cryptocurrency values can be affected by regulatory changes and other factors that alter its liquidity. For example, if a crypto company declares bankruptcy or faces legal action, its value could plummet quickly. Likewise, companies handling cryptocurrency could be breached and lose funds; as well as taxes laws changing regarding them in the near future.
All this volatility makes crypto investments risky investments for most people. Although profitable, investors should understand their own risk tolerance before taking the plunge. To learn how to minimize risks when buying cryptos safely, please refer to our guide on buying cryptocurrency safely.