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How Bitcoin Differs from Stocks

20 October 2022 15:16, UTC

Cryptocurrency has taken the world by storm, particularly in recent years. According to Bloomberg, the total value of all these digital currencies has risen to around $2 trillion. According to CoinMarketCap.com, Bitcoin is the most popular of these, with a market capitalization of more than $800 billion. Investors have often flocked to this digital gold rush with little knowledge and optimism. Furthermore, if you are thinking about investing, you may choose a reputable platform like Bitcode Method.

Because of the rapid rise of cryptocurrency, many investors are rethinking the role of stocks in their portfolios. However, there are significant differences between stocks and cryptocurrencies. The most crucial distinction is that company stock is an ownership interest in a company (backed by its assets and cash flow), whereas cryptocurrency is not.

It's essential to comprehend what you're getting and how it relates to traditional investments like stocks with a proven long-term track record when purchasing cryptocurrencies.

Should You Invest in Bitcoin or Stocks?

A wise investor should understand the product in which they are investing. It is critical to consider the risks and rewards of buying and the factors that will determine the success of the investment. They can't do the calculation unless they have this information. And failure to do this makes it more like gambling. Here are essential facts about stocks and cryptocurrency that investors should know.

Stocks

A stock is an ownership unit in a company. When you're distracted by fluctuating stock prices and the potential profit, it's easy to lose sight of this. The stock, as a legitimate ownership share of the company, gives shareholders a claim on the assets and cash flow of the company. These bolster your investment and serve as the foundation for its valuation.

Why do stocks go up and fall in value? The value of a stock rises and falls as investors examine the company's future success. Investors may become overly optimistic about the company stock in the short term. However, the company's ability to grow profits over time will ultimately determine the stock price. The success of the underlying company causes a stock to rise over time.

Bitcoin

Generally, hard assets (except specialized stablecoins) back the cryptocurrency, which is the case for many cryptos, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Crypto could enable you to perform specific functions, such as sending money to another person or using smart contracts, which execute automatically when the responsible party meets certain conditions.

Since no assets or cash flow backs the cryptocurrency, the only thing rolling crypto prices are speculation and sentiment driven. So, people purchase cryptocurrency hoping that someone will buy it for a higher price in the future. And some experts call this concept the "greater fool theory of investing."

The Benefits of Investing in Cryptocurrency

  • Possible protection against fiat currency: One of the most appealing aspects of cryptocurrencies to some investors is their decentralized nature. No central banks or governments manage crypto, meaning it's immune to the challenges of printing money and inflating fiat currencies like the US dollar or the euro. Some investors consider cryptocurrency "digital gold" because they believe it will protect them from inflation.
  • Potential for significant gains: Investing in cryptocurrencies has the potential for large returns. Since their inception, the prices of several cryptocurrencies have skyrocketed. Cryptocurrencies attract people due to these gains, but the potential for price appreciation comes with significant risk.
  • Widespread interest in digital currencies: Cryptocurrencies appear to be gaining popularity among investors, businesses, and governments. Tesla has Bitcoin on its balance sheet and briefly accepted it as payment before changing its mind. The IMF has asked El Salvador to reverse its decision to make Bitcoin a legal tender in 2021. Investors may benefit from the increased acceptance of digital currencies.

Parting Shot

No asset or investment is without risk. But people still invest in different assets even when knowing their inherent risks. Bitcoin differs from company stocks because no single entity backs or regulates it. Nevertheless, its increasing value has attracted more investors over the years.