An NFT is proof of ownership for a unique digital item that can be bought and sold on the cryptocurrency marketplace. Here’s what you need to know about buying and investing in crypto. (iStock)
Cryptocurrency has officially entered the mainstream after having a landmark year in 2021. About 1 in 6 Americans have invested in, traded or used crypto, according to Pew Research. The emerging financial tool has become so established, in fact, that a common cryptocurrency term has secured its spot in a popular online dictionary.
The Collins Dictionary word of the year is NFT, an abbreviation for a “non-fungible token” that’s traded in the cryptocurrency blockchain. It beat out other timely phrases like “climate anxiety” and “hybrid working.”
An NFT is a certificate that represents ownership of a digital asset, such as a work of art or collectible. Virtually any digital file can be transformed into an NFT, from GIFs and video clips to digital artworks and memes — former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s first tweet was sold as an NFT for $2.9 million, Reuters reported.
It’s difficult to understand the value of an NFT without having a base knowledge of how cryptocurrencies work. Keep reading to learn more about crypto, including whether you should borrow a loan to invest. You can compare rates on a variety of financial products on Credible’s online marketplace.
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What is cryptocurrency and how does it work?
Cryptocurrency, also known as crypto, is a digital currency that you can use to purchase goods and services. Unlike traditional banking systems, cryptocurrency uses decentralized blockchain technology that securely manages and records transactions.
Among its enthusiastic supporters, crypto is seen as the currency of the future. Some of these investors see cryptocurrency as a long-term investment, betting on its eventual widespread use. Other speculators invest in crypto to cash in on its short-term gains, which can be challenging to predict.
Take bitcoin (BTC) as an example. Since the token was first introduced in 2013, it has increased in value from around $100 to about $58,000 as of Nov. 30, according to the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. In the past year alone, the value of bitcoin has fluctuated between about $17,500 and $69,000.
Of course, bitcoin is just one of the thousands of cryptocurrencies currently on the market. The total value of all cryptocurrencies globally is $2.64 trillion, according to CryptoMarketCap, although bitcoin does make up the lion’s share of the crypto market. These are the top 10 cryptocurrencies by total market value:
- Bitcoin ($1.1T)
- Ethereum ($553.9B)
- Binance Coin ($104.7B)
- Tether ($73.4B)
- Solana ($64.9B)
- Cardano ($53.3B)
- XRP ($48.2B)
- USD Coin ($38.7B)
- Polkadot ($37.9B)
- Dogecoin ($29.3B)
There’s an important distinction between the cryptocurrencies listed above and NFTs. Fungible cryptocurrency tokens like bitcoin can be replaced by other fungible tokens. NFTs, on the other hand, are one-of-a-kind assets that can’t be replaced, which lends to their overall resale value.
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Should you borrow money to invest in crypto?
With the unique growth potential offered by cryptocurrency, you may be wondering how you can get your hands on it. A recent Wall Street Journal report found that upstart …….
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/non-fungible-token-2021-word-of-the-year-cryptocurrency