With cryptocurrency adoption increasing, you may have wondered how you could diversify your investment portfolio and take advantage of the high-risk, high-reward cryptocurrency market.
Cryptocurrencies can be held as an investment over the medium to long term or they can be actively traded over a shorter period.
Here we outline six ways that you can expose your current portfolio to the cryptocurrency sector, and how to store your cryptocurrency investment safely.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific
provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.
How do cryptocurrencies work?
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that is encoded using cryptography and based upon blockchain technology. A blockchain is a distributed ledger contained on a network of public computers that anyone can join, which means that no one entity controls it. The network is kept secure thanks to being decentralised, cryptography and economic game theory.
The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which has grown to be the most valuable. Since Bitcoin, there have been thousands of protocols and entities that have generated their own native cryptocurrencies. These cryptocurrencies range in utility from governance to payment, but they are all transferred using blockchain technology. They can be used to pay for goods and services or for investment purposes.
Buying cryptocurrencies directly
The most popular option for direct purchase is through a dedicated cryptocurrency exchange.
As cryptocurrency adoption has increased, so has the security and efficiency of exchanges, with many allowing the purchase of cryptocurrencies through simple debit card transactions. Some of the most popular exchanges currently include Coinbase, Binance and CoinSpot.
Order types when buying cryptocurrency directly
After selecting an exchange and a cryptocurrency to purchase, you will then need to choose between a market order and a limit order. A market buy order is when the digital asset is purchased at the current market value. This is often preferred for those starting out in the market. Some exchanges also offer an "instant buy" service which does the same thing – although the fees may be a little higher.
In comparison, for experienced investors, a limit order may be more suitable. A buy limit order is when a set purchase price is specified. This would be applied if the current market value is above the price at which you would like to enter that market, allowing you to set a lower price and wait for the market to drop.
Dollar cost averaging
If you are investing for the long term, remember that dollar-cost averaging is one of the best techniques for evenly distributing your capital.
Dollar-cost averaging is the process of making small investments regularly, rather than in one lump sum. The idea is to spread your capital over a longer time frame in order to take advantage of fluctuations in the market (i.e. when the price drops). Sticking to a regular schedule also helps eliminate the emotional side of investing – such as buying after seeing a big rally in price – which can be a trap for new investors.
This could mean making a series of small investments weekly, monthly or quarterly, depending on what's best for you.
This allows you to ignore short term changes in price and eliminates the need for you to try and "time the market". Over time, if the underlying cryptocurrency has increased in value, your average purchase price will be much less than the current market price.
If you don't fancy setting this up this yourself, you could use a recurring buy service through exchanges such as Coinbase, Crypto.com or Gemini. Although keep in mind that the fees are usually a bit higher here than through purchasing on the spot market. Alternatively, you can use a round-up app such as Bamboo to make regular microinvestments.
Pros
Instant access to cryptocurrencies
Convert straight from local currency to cryptocurrency
Ownership over the coins and how they are stored, spent and used
You can use cryptocurrency in things like DeFi or staking to earn additional income
It requires the storage of cryptocurrency assets on an exchange, which has its own set of pros and cons (alternatively, you can move your coins to a digital wallet)
Compare cryptocurrency exchanges
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Managed funds
If you are looking for a more indirect route, funds can provide a method of access to cryptocurrency markets without the hassle of cryptocurrency storage. Although initially slow to start due to regulations, there are now several investment vehicles that are directly related to cryptocurrency assets. These investment options can be broken down into exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds, hedge funds and 401ks.
ETFs and index funds
A cryptocurrency ETF is a fund that tracks the price of the underlying cryptocurrency or group of cryptocurrencies. It, therefore, allows exposure to cryptocurrencies without the need for holding the digital asset. You can also trade them on a traditional stock exchange.
ETFs that focus on groups of cryptocurrencies, rather than individual coins, can quickly diversify your risk. That's where index funds shine.
Index funds give broader exposure, which theoretically should lessen the risk. Cryptocurrency index funds track different groups of cryptocurrencies or blockchain-related companies. One of the first cryptocurrency index funds was the Bitwise 10 Index Fund, which tracks the 10 largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.
In comparison, Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF tracks companies innovating in the blockchain technology sector. Holding an investment with a collection of publicly traded companies, rather than a single entity, is often viewed with less risk.
Pros
ETFs and index funds can be accessed through trusted and regulated brokerages
There is no requirement for learning how to use a cryptocurrency exchange or digital wallet
It provides a form of passive investment
Some funds will rebalance the portfolio based on changes in the market, saving you the hard work
Cons
You're not directly in control of underlying assets, meaning you cannot spend or use them in things like DeFi
You have to pay ongoing management fees or a premium on the underlying asset price
Limited access to cryptocurrencies – only a small handful are represented by ETFs and index funds
Hedge funds
If you would like your cryptocurrency investment to be actively managed by investment professionals, hedge funds offer the clearest choice. Hedge funds are large investment bodies that pool capital to actively trade in order to make a profit from market movements. There are now several hedge funds that actively trade cryptocurrencies, which can be invested in for a management fee. Alpha Sigma Capital and Blue Block Group are just a couple of examples.
Hedge funds are often applicable to higher net worth individuals and can require a larger upfront investment in comparison to the other fund options.
Pros
Expert management
Funds engage in active management strategies on your behalf, which can be much more lucrative than passive investing vehicles
Funds take advantage of leveraged trading for potentially larger profits
Cons
They require a larger upfront investment
High management fees
May only be available to high net worth individuals
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Cryptocurrency stocks
Many companies that trade or develop cryptocurrency technology have shares that are actively traded on traditional stock markets such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Due to integration with the cryptocurrency markets, these shares can provide a proxy investment for the cryptocurrency industry.
Companies range from crypto services and infrastructure providers such as Coinbase, to those that hold cryptocurrencies on balance sheets such as MicroStrategy and Tesla.
Pros
Proxy investment to cryptocurrencies protects against immediate market volatility
No need to sign up to a cryptocurrency exchange
Company stocks can be accessed via traditional stock brokerages
Cons
Proxy investment – does not immediately benefit from growth in specific cryptocurrencies
Access to US markets is required, which can be expensive in certain regions
Investing in crypto exchanges
Decentralised crypto exchanges (DEXs) often process transactions using a native cryptocurrency token. If the number of transactions increases on an exchange, the value of that token usually increases. By purchasing the underlying cryptocurrency, the investor can indirectly invest in the exchange. Although it is important to note that tokens do not confer ownership of the platform the same way that stocks do.
Unlike DEXs, centralised exchanges such as Coinbase, Kraken and Bitstamp work based on a conventional brokerage system and therefore have no underlying token. However, centralised crypto exchanges are beginning to list on traditional stock markets, with Coinbase leading the group with a listing in April 2021. These listings provide a direct way to invest in the exchanges.
Pros
Purchase of shares can be completed via traditional brokerage firms
Shares can provide a proxy investment to the wider cryptocurrency market
Cons
Exchange tokens are based on the success of the exchange, which has historically seen a lot of fluctuation in which exchanges dominate
Decentralised exchanges are considered high-risk and for advanced users, although they are becoming more user-friendly over time
Exchange tokens are only a proxy investment and do not give ownership rights the same way that stocks do
Mining
Cryptocurrency mining (also known as proof-of-work, or PoW) is the process by which new transactions are verified and added to the blockchain (ledger) by d computers that compete to solve complex algorithms. In return for this, the miner who solves the algorithm and adds the new block of transactions is rewarded with newly minted cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency that uses PoW mining to verify transactions.
While Bitcoin mining requires specific equipment such as an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), other cryptocurrencies require less specific tools and can be completed using the average computer. There are also mining networks that can be joined for a fee, where several participants work together to mine and split the profits.
Instead of setting up your own mining rig, which is costly and time consuming, you could invest in companies that solely focus on cryptocurrency mining activity. The largest mining companies include Riot Blockchain, Hive Blockchain and Marathon Patent Group and trade on traditional stock market exchanges.
Pros
Pools make the process of mining cryptocurrency easier and ensure a guaranteed income
Some jurisdictions view mining as a business, which may reduce your tax obligation
There's the potential to mine low cap cryptos with a regular gaming computer
You can purchase crypto mining shares via traditional brokerage firms
Cons
Mining company shares display higher volatility than cryptocurrency assets
Specific equipment is required for mining high cap cryptos such as Bitcoin
It's typically expensive and difficult to remain profitable depending on the cost of electricity in your area
Many new cryptocurrencies are opting for proof-of-stake, which will reduce the demand for mining equipment over time
Staking
Staking is the process by which users lock up tokens in order to earn additional tokens as income.
The concept originated from proof-of-stake (PoS), which involves locking up coins in return for the privilege of being a validator node. Validator nodes verify transactions, and are rewarded with freshly minted crypto for doing so. If a validator submits false transactions, then their staked coins are destroyed – creating an economic incentive to do the right thing. Proof-of-stake has become the new norm across the industry as it eliminates the massive energy requirement involved in proof-of-work mining used in coins like Bitcoin.
Staking has since evolved to include any process by which users deposit coins in return for income.
One of the most popular vehicles for staking is through DeFi – an umbrella term for decentralised finance. This often involves lending the cryptocurrency you own to liquidity pools in return for additional cryptocurrency – either the same token you deposited or a different one.
With broad adoption comes broad innovation, and there are now plenty of niche opportunities to acquire cryptocurrency.
If you would like to perform small tasks in return for cryptocurrencies, there are also plenty of options. Brave, a decentralised browser, rewards users for allowing advertisements with its native basic attention token (BAT). Coinbase promotes cryptocurrency education through its Coinbase earn initiative, which rewards users with a small amount of crypto after each lesson.
Airdrops – free giveaways of cryptocurrency – provide an opportunity to receive digital assets for free. Airdrops can be awarded for anything, although they often involve registration or promoting a new service, or they're awarded retroactively for certain actions (such as using a particular DeFi protocol).
Video games are also exploring the integration of cryptocurrency, allowing you to earn cryptocurrency or NFTs while you play. Virtual worlds such as Decentraland, which combine elements of gaming, art and social media, even let users buy and trade virtual plots of land, artworks, buildings and clothing. If you're a digital designer, this could be a great way for you to earn a bit of extra income.
How to choose cryptocurrencies to invest in
Cryptocurrency investment requires due diligence and research just like any other form of investment. You need to weigh up the rewards against the risks. Consider the following when choosing a cryptocurrency:
Fundamental research of the cryptocurrency's tokenomics (i.e. what makes the token valuable) and its associated protocol
The crypto's historical price chart – in order to determine a fair market price and previous fluctuations
Any upcoming events or news releases
Remember that cryptocurrency is highly volatile, and that prices are constantly fluctuating
How to store cryptocurrency safely
If you have purchased cryptocurrency, storing your digital assets safely should be your next priority. Storing via an online exchange is very convenient and allows you to easily transact and access your cryptocurrencies, however, as with anything online, there is always a vulnerability of being hacked.
These devices work by never sharing your private keys on the Internet. Instead, transactions have to be transmitted to the device, which are then "signed" and sent back to the Internet.
How to learn the basics of cryptocurrency investing
Thanks to the Internet, there is plenty of information on cryptocurrency investing right at your fingertips. Standout resources include courses by Udemy, Blockgeeks and Trader Cobb.
Many exchanges, such as Coinbase and Binance, also provide guides and educational content to help you navigate this new field. Coinbase will even reward you with cryptocurrency through its Coinbase Earn program.
Cryptocurrency markets are one of the most volatile markets that can be traded. Double-digit price swings occur regularly.
The wider cryptocurrency market has gone through several periods where prices fell consecutively for months or years on end, and may do so once again. As such, investing in cryptocurrency should be planned on time horizons spanning several years to account for periodic downturns.
Like any good investment, the key to mitigating risk is diversification. It is always advisable to spread the risk across multiple cryptocurrencies, which means that your portfolio is not overly weighted by an individual token. Your cryptocurrency investments should also be part of a large portfolio of assets.
Frequently asked questions
Can you invest in cryptocurrency if you're under 18?
Cryptocurrencies can be invested in at any age. The age limit will vary from service to service. For example, you must be over 18 to use Coinbase.
How can you invest in altcoins?
Altcoins are offered by many of the major cryptocurrency exchanges. While some can be purchased using fiat currency (USD, GBP, AUD, EUR), many require Bitcoin or Ethereum to complete the exchange.
How much money do you need to invest in cryptocurrency?
There is no set amount required in order to invest in cryptocurrency. There are services that enable cryptocurrency purchases for as little as 1 CAD.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of
future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information.
You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory
requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
James Hendy is a writer for Finder. After developing a keen interest in traditional financial investing, James transitioned across to the cryptocurrency markets in 2018. Writing for cryptocurrency exchanges, he has documented some of the key blockchain technological advancements. James has a Masters of Science from the University of Leeds and when he isn't writing, you will either find him down at the beach, reading (coffee in hand) or at the nearest live music event.
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