Cryptocurrency Basics
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that use cryptography to secure transactions and verify ownership. They operate independently of central banks and governments.
Crypto market
The Cryptocurrency Market
A 24/7 global market built on blockchain technology — with extraordinary innovation and extraordinary volatility.
Blockchain Introduction
A blockchain is a distributed, append-only ledger maintained by a network of computers. It enables trustless verification — no single party controls the data.
Bitcoin and Altcoins
Bitcoin (BTC) is the original cryptocurrency and remains the largest by market cap. Altcoins refers to everything else — from Ethereum to thousands of smaller projects with widely varying quality.
- Bitcoin: digital store of value
- Ethereum: programmable smart contracts
- Stablecoins: pegged to fiat currencies
- High-risk altcoins: speculative, often illiquid
Market Volatility & Risk
Crypto can move 10-20% in a day. Position sizing, cold-storage security, and ignoring social-media hype are all essential parts of responsible participation.
Opportunities
- •Exposure to a fast-evolving technology
- •24/7 global accessibility
- •Low barriers to entry
- •Self-custody and financial sovereignty
Risks to know
- •Extreme price volatility
- •Scams, rug-pulls and fraudulent projects
- •Regulatory uncertainty across jurisdictions
- •Lost keys = permanently lost funds
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