Cryptocurrency news and updates on the fast-moving digital currency world. From Bitcoin to Ethereum, find the latest on cryptocurrency prices, trading, and the best coins to invest in. Plus, expert interviews and explainers.
Unlike dollars and euros, cryptocurrency values are determined by supply and demand, making them prone to wild swings. That makes them a riskier investment than more traditional financial products, such as stocks and bonds. Also, because cryptocurrency is decentralized, it lacks many consumer protections that are standard with credit cards and other regulated investments.
Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, launched in 2009, and Ethereum, created in 2015. Both are built on top of the blockchain, a public ledger that records transactions. Unlike credit card transactions, which are private, cryptocurrency transactions are recorded on the blockchain, meaning that all parties involved can see who sent and received money.
Some cryptocurrencies are backed by banks or other institutions, offering stability and a degree of security. Others are purely speculation vehicles, such as Dogecoin, inspired by the internet meme, and Bitcoin Gold, an alternative to the original coin that was hard for miners to mine in 2018. A stablecoin called Tether maintains a 1:1 peg to the US dollar and is issued by Circle. And Binance Coin is the token of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange, offering reduced trading fees. Scammers may impersonate new or established businesses to issue fraudulent “coins” and tokens, promising large returns. They also promote phony celebrity endorsements and spread rumors in social media and chat rooms.