Cryptocurrencies: What Are They?

In only a few years’ time, the cryptocurrency industry has exploded. From the now-ubiquitous tales of “Bitcoin millionaires” to the increasing number of companies jumping into the crypto arena, it’s hard to ignore the news—or the feeling that not owning cryptocurrency means missing out. The price of one bitcoin has ranged from $1,000 in early 2017 to more than $68,000 in November 2021—but with intense volatility, including periodic drawdowns of more than 50%, along the way.

So what is cryptocurrency? Should you invest in it? How can you invest in it? We’ll cover all three topics in this and related articles. For now, here are answers to some of the most common questions about the basics of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a virtual, digital, or “crypto” currency—so called because of the cryptography, or unchangeable coding techniques, involved in the blockchain code on which they exist. The intent of Bitcoin is to allow online payments to be made directly from one party to another through a worldwide payment system, without the need for a central third-party intermediary like a bank. Bitcoin is not issued by any central bank or government and is still not considered legal tender (meaning a national currency established by statute) in most countries. Like physical gold, Bitcoin’s value stems from a combination of its perceived scarcity and the perception that it can be a store of value, an anonymous means of payment, or a hedge against inflation, though none of these characteristics have yet to establish a long-term track record.

What’s the relationship between Bitcoin and blockchain?

Blockchain, the underlying technology that supports cryptocurrencies, is an open-source, public record-keeping system operating on a decentralized computer network (i.e., the internet) that records transactions between parties in a verifiable and permanent way. Blockchain provides accountability, as the records are intended to be immutable, which presents potential applications for many businesses. While blockchain has often been associated with cryptocurrencies, it has many potential uses beyond payments, including smart contracts, supply chain management, and financial services. Note that ownership of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies is not an investment in blockchain, the technology, or its current or future uses.

What is cryptocurrency, and how is it valued?

Fiat currencies like U.S. dollars and euros are forms of money issued by governments to serve as legal tender. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, on the other hand, are “non-fiat,” non-governmental forms of “digital cash” to be used for electronic payments. The idea of “digital cash” isn’t new—it started with credit cards, PayPal, Venmo and other services’ need for easy, traceable electronic payments. But those payments are tied to fiat currencies managed by central banks, whereas cryptocurrencies are managed by technology, specifically cryptology. Proponents believe the value of a cryptocurrency is based on the quality of the cryptology, the number of cryptocurrency units created, and the technology that limits the creation of additional units. Like any traded item—think baseball cards—the value often depends on supply and demand: The fewer units available, the higher the price potential buyers are willing to pay.

Why has Bitcoin become popular?

Like many new technologies or products, Bitcoin attracted adherents interested in innovation and the perceived absence of governmental control. Traders saw it as an alternative to traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and cash, and trading momentum led to a rising, if highly volatile, price. All of this attracted media attention, which has driven mainstream awareness and ultimately, increasing acceptance, and a market to trade it. While  companies as varied as PayPal, Microsoft, Starbucks, and AT&T accept Bitcoin as a form of payment, such transactions typically involve a third party processor; thus its use in everyday commerce remains far outside the mainstream.1

Who oversees Bitcoin?

Bitcoin was created based on a paper written in 2008 by a “founder” who goes by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, but no person or agency currently regulates it to ensure that it maintains value and liquidity and works as a means of payment. It’s governed by consensus of a private digital community according to guidelines based on the community, cryptology, and a network of computers. While individual countries may allow Bitcoin to be used as a means of payment, regulate the terms under which its citizens can trade or mine Bitcoin, and authorize the operation of cryptocurrency exchanges, they don’t regulate/control the existence or value of Bitcoin itself, or the blockchain code on which it operates. Bitcoin is promoted by the Bitcoin Foundation, but the foundation also does not control or manage Bitcoin’s trading or value. The number of bitcoins in circulation is limited by and managed by the original computer code and traded through one of several digital, decentralized exchanges.

How many investors own Bitcoin?

No one knows for sure, but according to a study released by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) in December 2021, just 0.01% of account holders controlled 27% of the total bitcoin in circulation. 1

Is Bitcoin the only cryptocurrency?

No. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and it is the best known, most widely held, and—with about 46% of the total cryptocurrency market cap2—the most valuable. However, as of June 2022 there were more than nineteen thousand digital currencies in the marketplace, of which more than 40 had a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion. Some of the more popular cryptocurrencies include BNB, USD Coin, Cardano, Tether, Ethereum, Polkadot, and XRP.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and SEC Chair Gary Gensler both have stated that they didn’t intend to outlaw cryptocurrencies, but Gensler said the SEC was exploring how best to ensure that the industry protects investors and consumers and follows anti-money laundering and tax compliance laws.

China already has launched a digital yuan in 2021 and it is estimated that at least 80 different countries around the world are exploring the idea of launching their own proprietary Central Bank Digital Currency. In March 2022, President Joe Biden signed an executive order outlining the U.S. government’s objectives, policies, and actions regarding cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and other digital financial instruments that utilize distributed ledger technology (i.e. blockchain). The purpose of the order is to ensure U.S. competitiveness in the crypto space, while also supporting responsible innovation; consumer and investor protection; financial stability and inclusion; and the reduction of illicit finance.  

Bottom line

Schwab continues to monitor cryptocurrencies as regulations and technology evolve. While some traders have made money on the change in price of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (and others have lost money), we suggest that most investors continue to treat them as a speculative asset primarily for trading with money outside a traditional long-term portfolio.

 

1 Quiroz-Gutierrez, M., “A minuscule .01% of Bitcoin holders control nearly a third of the supply,” December 20, 2021, Fortune.

2 According to June 13, 2022 data from coinmarketcap.com, indicating Bitcoin market cap of $0.452 trillion, and total global crypto market cap of $0.979 trillion.

Explore more about this topic in “Cryptocurrencies: Should You Invest in Them?” and “Cryptocurrencies: How You Could Invest in Them.”

Read about managing risk.

Learn about ways to invest in cryptocurrency at Schwab.

Schwab clients, please reach out if you’d like to discuss your portfolio. Contact your Schwab Financial Consultant or call us at 800-355-2162. If you’re not a client, learn how Schwab can help you reach your goals.


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Important Disclosures:

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market or economic conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.

Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.

Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument.

Currencies are speculative, very volatile, and not suitable for all investors.

Futures trading involves a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors.

This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 

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