NFT sales volume surges to $2.5 billion in 2021 first half
The market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) surged to new highs in the second quarter, with $2.5 billion in sales so far this year, up from just $13.7 million in the first half of 2020, marketplace data showed.
As Bitcoin price surged, it fueled rise in cyberattacks, researchers say
The rapid rise in the price of Bitcoin is a driving force behind a rise in cybercrime, according to new research.
Musk gives Dogecoin price boost with latest Godfather-inspired tweet
The cryptocurrency – which initially began as a joke in 2013 based on a popular meme – is getting some new love from Elon Musk.
Bitcoin price falls as new month begins
Bitcoin was trading more than 4% lower Thursday morning.
Bitcoin price pierces $35,000, ETF race heats up
Bitcoin prices rose for the second straight day Tuesday in part due to news Morgan Stanley bought into Grayscale Bitcoin Trust through its Europe Opportunity Fund, according to an SEC filing.
Raees Cajee, blamed by investors for billions of dollars in crypto losses, says fraction is missing
A South African cryptocurrency entrepreneur, pursued by investors who allege that billions of dollars of their digital assets have vanished, says that less than $5 million is missing.
Cathie Wood's ARK Invest files to offer a bitcoin ETF
Star stock picker Cathie Wood's ARK Invest filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday to create a bitcoin exchange traded fund (ETF), the latest fund manager attempting to cash in on investors' growing interest in cryptocurrencies.
Feds accelerating crypto world crackdown
Job postings indicate the Federal Government is worried about the proliferation of crimes involving digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, and plans a broad criminal crackdown on illicit activities in the crypto world. In recent weeks, crypto-related criminal activity has been making national headlines particularly with the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline in May that resulted in the days-long shutdown of the country’s largest fuel pipeline.
McAfee widow disputes reported suicide
The widow of John McAfee, the British-American tycoon who died in a Spanish prison this week while awaiting extradition to the United States, on Friday demanded a "thorough investigation" of his death, saying her husband did not appear suicidal when they last spoke.
Euro 2020 match halted by fan advertising lesser-known cryptocurrency
A Euro 2020 match between Belgium and Finland was briefly halted Monday as a scantily clad woman invaded the field advertising a cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin owner Senator Lummis supports cryptocurrency regulations: 'I want a level playing field'
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R- Wyo., told "Varney & Co." on Tuesday that she supports regulations for cryptocurrencies because she wants a "level playing field"
Bitcoin breaks below $30K before bounce back
The price of Bitcoin has fallen to a fresh low.
MicroStrategy boosts bitcoin hoard to more than 105K tokens
MicroStrategy Inc. said Monday that it owns more than 105,000 bitcoins after spending $489 million on 13,005 additional tokens.
Bitcoin slides to $32K, China cracks down again
Bitcoin takes a hit as China steps up its crackdown on cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin price holding steady above $40,000
Bitcoin was trading around 0.1% lower on Wednesday morning.
'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic selling NFTs from prison
“Tiger King” fans will be able to bid on several non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and physical items from Joe Exotic, the star of the popular 2020 Netflix docu-series, on Friday.
E11EVEN Hotel & Residences co-founder on collecting crypto deposits on real estate: Enthusiasm 'astounding'
E11EVEN Hotel & Residences co-founder Marc Roberts claims he’s the first to allow cryptocurrency deposits on real estate.
Bitcoin an ‘alternative store of value’ for the future: Digital asset expert
Chamber of Digital Commerce founder and President Perianne Boring on investing some 401(k) contributions into cryptocurrencies.
Americans made $4B in bitcoin profits in 2020 – more than any other country, analysis shows
A new study from Chainanalysis shows that Americans pocketed a whopping $4.1 billion in bitcoin profits last year – more than any other country.
Bitcoin tumbles after Colonial Pipeline ransom tracked
Bitcoin led a broad decline in the cryptocurrency market after the Department of Justice seized the Colonial Pipeline funds used to pay the pipeline’s hackers.
Cryptocurrency FAQs
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency, or crypto, is a form of digital asset that is secured by cryptography and the blockchain. The most notable example of a cryptocurrency is bitcoin, though thousands of other similar assets exist. Cryptocurrencies are regarded by many as the money tech of the future due to their accessibility and un-censorable nature.
How do cryptocurrencies work?
Cryptocurrency networks, or blockchains, are independently verified by a matrix of computers that record all transactions and ensure a consensus throughout the chain. This means that all network information is recorded immutably and permanently; transactions cannot be prevented, blocked, or changed. Network participants can thus trust each other and transact without the need for a centralized intermediary.
How can I buy a cryptocurrency?
There are many markets for cryptocurrencies where you can exchange USD for the cryptocurrency of your choice. These include centralized exchanges and services such as Coinbase and PayPal, or decentralized alternatives like UniSwap where you can swap between crypto-assets. To use a centralized exchange, you’ll need to submit personal information such as your passport or driver’s license. Note that the price of digital assets can change rapidly, so timing your purchases well is essential.
Where can I keep my crypto coins?
Cryptocurrencies can usually be held with the exchange or business you bought them from. However, as these exchanges can be hacked, it is advisable to move your assets to your own personal wallet. These wallets are more secure and can be accessed from your laptop, phone, or other mobile devices.
What can I buy with crypto?
Real work adoption of crypto is still ongoing. However, more businesses are accepting crypto and you can buy goods and services as diverse as real estate, stocks, travel, gambling, websites, and much more. This trend should continue over time as cryptocurrencies become better known, accepted and trusted.
Pros and cons of investing in a cryptocurrency
You may have read the news that crypto has broken all-time highs recently. This is the main advantage, that we are early in the asset’s history and prices have generally gone rapidly upwards. However, you should be aware that volatility is significant and you can similarly lose money quickly if your timing is poor. Security is also a major issue and you must ensure you secure your crypto and transactions well or you could become a victim of theft or fraud.