Bitcoin supporters contend that viewing it through the lens of fiat currencies like the dollar misses its true worth, seeing as they believe that it represents an entirely new monetary system – not simply digital money. Cathie Wood from ARK Invest recently made an outspoken prediction regarding this volatile digital asset class.
Bitcoin can be unpredictable, so investors must carefully assess their risk tolerance and investment goals before buying into it. But with time comes potential gains that could help turn it into an asset worth having.
It’s a form of digital currency
Bitcoin attracts many investors as an attractive digital currency option, as it holds promise to become a global, decentralized currency that doesn’t rely on banks or government institutions for control or management. Furthermore, its benefits include lower transaction fees and anonymity for transactions made on its blockchain network.
Investment in Bitcoin comes with numerous risks. Its prices can fluctuate abruptly, and its lack of intrinsic value means it may be less stable than other investments – both factors could result in large losses for investors.
Investors can reduce this risk by gradually increasing their Bitcoin exposure by buying small amounts each month; some experts advise investing as little as $20 monthly. Individual income and risk tolerance must also be taken into consideration before making this decision. Another method would be investing in companies using Bitcoin technology through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs offer less risky and better returns.
It’s a store of value
Stores of value are defined as assets that maintain their purchasing power over time, such as fiat currencies, precious metals, and real estate. Bitcoin has the potential to serve as a store of value because its features make it durable, fungible, divisible and scarce – with digital storage making transport and sending easier than physical assets.
Before investing in Bitcoin, it’s essential that you establish your risk tolerance and investment goals so you can determine whether it makes sense for you or not.
Bitcoin stands out among other stores of value as it experiences sudden price swings that regularly exceed 50%, creating massive drawdowns that deter many investors. Furthermore, its volatility makes it susceptible to pump-and-dump schemes where predatory investors take advantage of Bitcoin’s popularity to manipulate prices upward. Such speculation devalues its worth as an asset and lessens confidence in it being an adequate store of value.
It’s a means of payment
Bitcoin investments can be highly unpredictable and you could lose substantial portions in an unpredictable market surge. But if you believe its technology will lead to more open and efficient financial systems, long-term holdings may lead to lucrative returns – plus there are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) dedicated to investing in companies using this cryptocurrency platform.
Some experts advise only investing in Bitcoin if you possess an extremely high risk tolerance and have strong financial resources. You must remember that the value of cryptocurrency investments can fluctuate drastically within minutes, so be mindful to evaluate both your risk tolerance and financial goals before making decisions about investing. Furthermore, as Bitcoin has not been regulated by any government agency it could be subject to fraud or other risks; since it’s uninsured by a bank it leaves it open to hackers holding wallets hostage for ransom payments.
It’s a store of power
Bitcoin can serve as an ideal store of value because it can be safely stored and easily transported around the globe. Bitcoin can also be used to exchange goods and services more privately than credit card transactions or gold certificates do, while offering greater protection from theft or hacking attacks than credit cards or gold certificates do. Furthermore, its decentralized nature prevents theft or hacking attempts while its highly liquid status ensures any profits realized are realized quickly.
Not to forget, however, is that Bitcoin prices can fluctuate wildly compared to other stores of value such as gold. Bitcoin also runs the risk of pump-and-dump schemes where predatory investors prey upon novice or unwary investors to exploit market surges; such schemes have the potential for massive losses for investors if managed improperly; to mitigate such risks they should consider dollar cost averaging or other strategies as ways of protecting themselves against volatility in prices.