After witnessing Bitcoin's remarkable price surge to new heights in November, the enigmatic realm of cryptocurrencies has once again taken center stage. From the complex blockchain technology to the intriguing "ETFs," the crypto market is brimming with terms that can be as perplexing as the erratic price fluctuations of its digital currencies. But fear not! If you're encountering these for the first time or simply need a refresher, here are some essential keywords and their meanings.

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Bitcoin

Bitcoin stands as the most renowned cryptocurrency, a digital currency that operates independently of centralized financial institutions. This characteristic attracts those who believe in the power of decentralization to bring financial freedom. However, it also makes Bitcoin highly volatile, with its value fluctuating at the whim of buyers and sellers. In 2024, Bitcoin's price continued to climb, especially in November when Donald Trump secured the US Election. Investors have long harbored hopes of Bitcoin reaching the $100,000 (£78,900) mark, and in late November, it came tantalizingly close. But it's important to note that Bitcoin's price can plummet just as rapidly as it spikes.Bitcoin's "halving" event is another significant aspect. The blockchain system that underpins Bitcoin rewards "miners" for validating transactions with Bitcoin. However, the supply of bitcoins is capped at 21 million, and most are already in circulation. Approximately every four years or when the blockchain reaches a certain size, the number of bitcoins rewarded to miners is halved. The most recent "halving" on 20 April 2024 reduced the reward from 6.25 bitcoins to 3.125. This helps extend Bitcoin's supply while, in theory, increasing demand over time. But it also leads some miners to question the financial viability of continuing their energy-intensive operations.

Blockchain

The blockchain is the technological backbone of all cryptocurrencies and related products like non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It's essentially a virtual spreadsheet that records all crypto transactions. These transactions are arranged in blocks and linked together in a massive chain, giving it its name. Every cryptocurrency transaction is individually recorded onto the blockchain by a vast network of volunteers using computer programs to verify its authenticity. The incentive for these volunteers in Bitcoin's network is to be the first to validate transactions and be rewarded with Bitcoin. This mining process, while potentially lucrative, is controversial due to the enormous amount of energy consumed as participants race to update the blockchain.

Crypto Exchange

A crypto exchange serves as the digital platform where investors can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. Similar to traditional investing, it acts as a brokerage, allowing people to transfer traditional currencies like pounds or dollars from their banks into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Most transactions on these exchanges come with fees. It provides a convenient space for investors to engage in the crypto market and manage their digital assets.

Crypto Wallet

A crypto wallet is a secure place where investors hold their cryptocurrency. It functions similar to a traditional wallet, storing virtual assets. There are two types: hot wallets and cold wallets. Hot wallets are connected to the internet, making them easily accessible for quick transfers and convenient use. Cold wallets, on the other hand, are physical devices like specialized USBs that store crypto offline, offering enhanced security and long-term storage options.

Ethereum

Ethereum refers to both the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, represented by the Ether token, and the blockchain that underpins it. It supports a wide range of applications and digital assets, including non-fungible tokens. Ethereum operates in a similar manner to other cryptocurrencies but made a significant shift in 2022 to a more environmentally friendly operating system that requires less computing power and energy.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

ETFs are investment portfolios that enable investors to bet on multiple assets without having to purchase them directly. Traded on stock exchanges like shares, their value is determined by the performance of the overall portfolio in real time. They can consist of a combination of various assets such as gold and silver bullion or a mix of shares in different industries like technology and insurance. A spot Bitcoin ETF buys the cryptocurrency directly at its current price throughout the day. The approval of several spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 allowed new investors, including large firms like Blackrock and Fidelity, to enter the speculative world of Bitcoin without the hassle of dealing with digital wallets or navigating crypto exchanges.

Stablecoins

The key feature of stablecoins is their stability in value. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are designed to be less volatile. This is achieved by linking their price to an existing asset, such as the US dollar or Pound Sterling. In theory, this makes them more stable than cryptocurrencies without such backing. Stablecoins are typically controlled by companies and their transactions are recorded on digital ledgers. While some view them as the future of finance, high-profile price collapses of stablecoins have alerted regulators to the risks faced by investors and prompted increased scrutiny of their claimed stability.

XRP

XRP is a cryptocurrency used by the XRP Ledger platform. Created by the co-founders of Ripple Labs in 2012, it was designed as a cheaper and faster alternative to Bitcoin. XRP has a fixed supply of 100 billion coins, with a significant portion held by Ripple and periodically released into circulation. Transactions using XRP are verified through consensus, where the majority of validators on its peer-to-peer network must agree on the validity of a transaction before it is added to the blockchain. This allows for high-speed and low-cost transactions, making it attractive to financial institutions and for cross-border payment processes. However, like other cryptocurrencies, XRP has faced regulatory scrutiny and witnessed sudden drops in value.