The Predictions
As people around the globe increase their awareness about the crypto-currency revolution, investment experts are lining up to express their opinions. In recent weeks, the pro-crypto forecasters are predicting numbers that defy gravity. It’s not uncommon to visit a prognosticator on TV explaining why they believe Bitcoin is destined to hit anywhere between $250,000 and $500,000 per coin within the next 2 yrs. At $500,000, the coin would need to increase more that 6000% from it’s current levels. The numbers are mind-boggling.
On the far side of the fence, we find the naysayers. There are plenty of well-respected financial analyst who aren’t afraid to warn people about the investment bubble. Some even admit that crypto-currencies might still involve some play left inside them, but sooner or later, the bubble is going to burst, and people are going to get hurt. To drive home their point, they just need to think about the IPO bubble of 2001.
The Technical Hurdles
The crypto-currency revolution continues to be in its infancy. As such, most coins, Bitcoin included, are trading without historical indicators to help investors. It is a free market in the purest form. Unfortunately, free market trading is susceptible to influence from all directions. Therein lies the rub for crypto-currency investors. With no history to fall back on, investors have to make decisions predicated on their gut.
The obstacles that complicate the decision-making process for Bitcoin investors are plenty. The coin is always vunerable to the technical aspects of trading. The exponential increase in price is being driven by popular and scarce product. Still, investors get yourself a little antsy once the price increases an excessive amount of, too fast. Then we start to see the typical correction that comes when an investment becomes over bought. The thing is these corrections are proving to be harsh, which tests the mettle of investors who aren’t used to such high levels of volatility.
Setting technical analysis aside, technology issues are also driving the marketplace today. There is no denying that the crypto-currency market has already established its issues. After proclaiming block-chain technology to function as securest approach to disseminating information, you can find holes that are exposure daily. The bugs are certain to get worked out as this sort of technology seems destined for prime time. Unfortunately, Bitcoin has block-chain technology under a microscope at this time.
Regardless of how secure any system may claim to be, hackers are sure to expose the weaknesses in a rush. The crypto-currency industry has already been besieged by hackers, who have stolen vast amounts of dollars in Bitcoin and other crypto-coins. Losing money to hackers can make investors just a little jittery. It also produces a lot of litigation from those harmed by technology that could not yet be considered a secure as promised.
The Fundamental Hurdles
There’s an old adage: When school teachers and janitors start making millions from investing, prices are going to crash because we are in need of school teachers and janitors. The truth is governments get nervous when its residents start losing profits or making a lot of money without paying taxes. It’s no coincidence that India and South Korea are being among the most active countries on the crypto-currency exchanges, yet both governments are considering banning the trading of most cryptos. THE UNITED STATES, potentially the world’s biggest Bitcoin player, is working in Congress to decide how exactly to regulate the crypto-currency market. Wasabi Wallet have already banned several exchanges for possible fraudulent activity. China is discussing an outright ban while Europe seems poised to follow America’s lead.
If Bitcoin or any other crypto-currency aspires to becoming an international currency for everyday payments, success will be predicated on the world’s biggest economies joining in the parade. Unfortunately, the major players (mentioned above) appear to be moving in the other direction.
The biggest concern appears to be Bitcoin’s interest the criminal element. Proof has been presented that presents North Korea has been stealing Bitcoin to greatly help finance its nuclear program. ISIS routinely moves money among its affiliates via Bitcoin, doing so undetected until it’s too late. The drug trade can be enjoying the anonymity afforded them by block-chain technology. Increasingly more Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are proving to be nothing more than common scams. These are all serious issues.
These are all fundamental issues that must be favorably resolved if crypto-currencies are to survive and someday thrive.
Looking or Solutions
For the most part, people are interested in all aspects of crypto-currency. Bitcoin has recently shown the potential for easily resolving payment issues between customers and vendors. However, trust is really a big issue in the years ahead. If the anonymity feature may be the driving force behind the crypto-currency revolution, it’s going to be hard to get governments to climb aboard and approve crypto-trading.
Let’s look at how South Korea made a decision to resolve the Bitcoin issue. The South Korean government recently passed a bill that gives six Korean banks authority to let its customer trade Bitcoin from their bank accounts. There’s only 1 stipulation: the account should be opened in the customer’s real name. Poof! There goes the anonymity feature. However, South Koreans can still trade Bitcoin through a Bitcoin Wallet as long as tax evasion isn’t the reason why they want to do so. It is a nice compromise, but its appeal may be limited.
Over the next few months, investors should strat to get answers to numerous questions. Until that time, the pricing of Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies will remain volatile. The price increase due to demand but will drop every time a new issue becomes news. Until prices stabilize, people should concentrate on one rule of investing. Never invest additional money you can afford to reduce. Indeed, Bitcoin is reaching its crossroads.