How Does Investing In Cryptocurrency Work?
Tags: beginners, investment, programming
Published: 2024-01-12 12:35:45

In recent years, more people have become interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, especially when the market is doing well. Each investor has unique needs, and it's crucial to consider these before diving into the world of cryptocurrency. However, for newcomers, navigating the cryptocurrency space can be a bit overwhelming.

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First things first, as a new investor, it's essential to know your investment options in the crypto world. For example, hedge funds and pension funds can't directly invest in cryptocurrencies due to agreements with their investors. This means that certain investors may not have access to cryptocurrencies through these investment channels.

Some investors choose not to invest in crypto directly for various reasons. Cryptocurrency is known for its high volatility, and the value of tokens depends on what other investors think they're worth. A change in sentiment can quickly wipe out the value of any cryptocurrency.

Others might avoid crypto due to stress related to market volatility, a lack of resources for buying or trading cryptos, or a preference for more stable investments like stocks and ETFs that offer some exposure to cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the uncertainty around cryptocurrency regulation is a concern, as new laws could significantly impact their values.


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Ultimately, it's crucial for new investors to research the projects associated with the coins in their crypto portfolio. Following Warren Buffett's advice, it's wise not to invest in things you don't fully understand. Some investors might be hesitant because blockchain technology, the backbone of cryptocurrencies, can be complex and challenging to grasp.

Options for Investing in Cryptocurrency Markets
If any of these concerns are on your mind, there are various options and alternatives for investing. 

## Check out these popular ways to enhance your exposure to crypto:

1. Engage in cryptocurrency CFD trading with online brokers.
2. Purchase cryptocurrencies directly through exchanges.
3. Invest in companies that have exposure to cryptocurrencies.
4. Explore cryptocurrency and blockchain-focused funds for investment.

## 1. Engage in cryptocurrency CFD trading with online brokers

With Contracts for Difference (CFDs), you can predict the movement of cryptocurrency prices without actually owning them. A key advantage is the flexibility to trade in either direction go long (buy) if you expect prices to rise or go short (sell) if you anticipate a decline.
It's crucial to grasp that CFDs involve leverage. When trading crypto CFDs, you don't have to put down the entire value of the position; instead, you deposit a margin.

Keep in mind that this leverage can swing both ways, resulting in either a profit or a loss. If you're new to CFDs, you can practice on a risk-free demo account before venturing into real money trading.

## 2. Purchase cryptocurrencies directly through exchanges

If you choose to directly buy and hold cryptocurrency, you've got various options, ranging from well-known ones like Ethereum or Bitcoin to recently launched altcoins. You can purchase crypto with your credit or debit card on centralized crypto exchanges.
When you're buying the actual cryptocurrency, you'll need to use related services like crypto wallets and exchanges to safeguard your investment. Making a profit relies on the cryptocurrencies increasing in value.

For crypto newbies, it's crucial to check if the chosen crypto exchange allows purchases in U.S. dollars or Euros, especially for your first investment. Some exchanges only offer crypto-to-crypto trades.

Using crypto exchanges to buy crypto typically comes with higher fees. Each exchange has its own fee structure, so it's important for investors to research and understand them before putting money into their accounts. Pay attention to fees for deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and crypto trades, which can be either a percentage or a flat fee. Some exchanges may also have minimum deposit and transfer amounts.

Over the years, centralized crypto exchanges have faced hacking incidents, leading to customer fund losses. While some funds were recovered, the risk still exists. Other considerations include the exchange's liquidity and fee structures. Most crypto exchanges operate in a legal grey area without a central office.

## 3. Invest in companies that have exposure to cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are relatively new, and their unpredictable history makes many investors tread cautiously. The reality is that investing in crypto comes with high volatility and speculation. Nonetheless, for those intrigued by cryptocurrency but unwilling to directly own it, there are alternative investment avenues.

If you'd rather not directly purchase cryptocurrencies, a straightforward approach is to invest in stocks of companies linked to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. These are often referred to as "cryptocurrency stocks" and can be categorized into several groups:

**1. Public Companies Holding Cryptocurrency:** Notable examples include MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Tesla (TSLA), known for their significant Bitcoin holdings.

**2. Crypto Exchanges:** Coinbase (COIN) is a major player, listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

**3. Cryptocurrency Miners:** RIOT Blockchain (RIOT) is a company specializing in Bitcoin mining.

**4. Financial Services Firms:** Consider investing in CME Group (CME), recognized for establishing the first bitcoin futures market, or Robinhood (HOOD), an online trading platform for stocks and crypto.

**5. Payment Processors:** Square (SQ) and PayPal (PYPL) allow users to buy and store cryptocurrencies, while Visa (V) and Mastercard (MA) handle payments for various crypto-related credit and debit cards.

**6. Tech Companies:** NVIDIA (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are crucial microchip producers for blockchain hardware. VMWare (VMW) is a leading cloud computing company with blockchain-focused businesses. DocuSign Inc (DOCU), a platform facilitating electronic signings and agreements, employs blockchain technology for identity security and contract evidence.

For trading convenience, platforms like CAPEX offer the opportunity to trade shares of these companies as a single CFD product with the Blockchain Future ThematiX. The allocation of each share's weight (percentage) in ThematiX is determined by their Market Capitalization. This ThematiX includes shares from various companies, such as IBM (4%), NVIDIA (21%), CME (3%), Square (4%), MasterCard (11%), DocuSign (2%), and Amazon (AMZN) with the highest weight at 55%.

##  4. Explore cryptocurrency and blockchain-focused funds for investment

Investing in individual stocks may carry similar risks to cryptocurrency investments. If you wish to mitigate some of these risks, considering diversified index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with a proven history of long-term value growth could be a wise choice.

Leading index funds like the S&P500 comprise publicly traded companies involved in the industry, including those engaged in crypto mining or blockchain technology development.
For seasoned traders, allocating a portion of their portfolio to specific companies, mutual funds, or specialized index funds might be a preferred strategy. As always, thorough research into chosen investments is crucial.

Cryptocurrency ETFs track the price movements of multiple digital currencies. Most proposed crypto ETFs suggest using futures contracts traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the CME Group to track the prices of tokens.

The first-ever Bitcoin ETF, ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO), launched in October 2021. It follows Bitcoin futures contracts, directly tied to the cryptocurrency's price.

The cryptocurrency realm extends beyond coins to the underlying blockchain technology. Blockchain ETFs enable retail investors to access companies utilizing blockchain-based strategies across various industries. This provides an opportunity to leverage the potential of blockchain technology.

Thematic ETFs, known as Blockchain ETFs, hold stocks of companies using or developing blockchain technology. They often diversify across a broader range of assets compared to crypto or Bitcoin ETFs, which typically focus more on individual cryptocurrency prices.

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Among the largest blockchain ETFs by total assets are Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK), Siren ETF Trust Siren Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN), First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR), Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ), and Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH).

## Conclusion
In summary, the cryptocurrency investment landscape provides diverse options for investors. For those cautious about direct ownership, engaging in cryptocurrency CFD trading allows speculation on price movements without possessing digital assets. Alternatively, investing in "cryptocurrency stocks," encompassing companies like MicroStrategy, and Tesla, and tech giants such as NVIDIA, offers exposure to the crypto space without directly holding tokens.

Diversified index funds and ETFs present a prudent route, spreading risks and showcasing long-term growth potential. Cryptocurrency ETFs, like ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF, track multiple digital currencies, while Blockchain ETFs focus on companies utilizing blockchain technology. Whether opting for direct ownership, stocks, or diversified funds, thorough research and understanding of one's risk tolerance are essential in navigating the dynamic cryptocurrency market.