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The crypto market seems to be in vogue in the current scenario. With the high returns it offers, several people have shown a keen interest in cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency trading speculates the crypto price movements via a CFD account or buying and selling cryptocurrency via crypto exchanges. The cryptocurrency industry is a highly volatile market. It is because of this volatility that it is often compared to stock markets. People often tend to get confused between the two.
But fret not, since we’ve got you covered! Here is a detailed guide on the differences between a stock market and a crypto market, so the next time your friend starts lecturing you about crypto, you have some inputs to give. Read on!
What is the Crypto Market?
Let’s get you started with the absolute basics. A market is a place where goods are traded, bought, and sold. So it is common sense that the crypto market is a marketplace where cryptocurrency would be traded. However, there is a catch. They have no physical presence. They are only present on your screens and are operated on the blockchain.
Crypto networks are decentralized, which means they are not administered or supported by any central authority such as the government. Rather, they run across a network of computers. However, cryptocurrencies can be bought and sold via cryptocurrency exchanges. They can also be stored in ‘wallets,’ both of which you can avail on WazirX.
Contrary to conventional currencies, cryptocurrencies prevail only as a shared digital record of ownership stored on a blockchain. When a user wants to send cryptocurrency coins to another user, they send it to their digital wallet. The transaction isn’t deemed definitive until it has been ascertained and augmented to the blockchain through the process of mining. This process is also used to create new cryptocurrency tokens.
Since we have been referring to the blockchain so many times, one common query that you could have is, what exactly is this blockchain? Well, remember the lego blocks that you used to play with as a toddler? How did you build towers by connecting them?
The blockchain does pretty much the same thing. Just in this scenario, the lego blocks are replaced with blocks of data. Blockchain functions by documenting transactions in ‘blocks,’ adding new blocks at the front of the chain.
It is safe to say that cryptocurrency has come a long way from its former status of being for criminals and money launderers. Today it is being speculated that cryptocurrency might revolutionize the gaming industry, media, and even healthcare.
However, the crypto market is a lot different from the stock market. If you are a newbie in the crypto market but a veteran in stock, it could be a difficult territory to navigate. The biggest difference between stock and crypto is in terms of how each is valued. Stocks are backed by legitimate companies that are expected to turn a profit. They involve physical assets as part of their valuation. In fact, if you are good with numbers, you can reasonably predict if the stocks are rightly priced by using mathematics.
Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, aren’t backed by assets in most cases. They are mostly estimated based on their hype, though some also get value lifts based on their functionality. As a result, it’s a more subjective valuation. Hence, it is not always easy to predict whether a particular currency is worth it.
Difference between Stock Market and Crypto Market.
Apart from the difference in valuation mentioned above, there are several other fundamental differences between the two markets. Let’s discuss them.
#1 Decentralized vs Centralized exchange
As mentioned earlier, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, while stocks are under a centralized structure. This consequently means that crypto operations and transactions are not controlled by any central bank or any other central figure authority. This decentralization provides great transparency and control to crypto users. However, profits earned by stocks and crypto are subject to tax.
One drawback of this unregulated nature is that the crypto market can be more prone to fraud. The stock exchange market in India works under centralized regulation. It is regulated by the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to curb mismanagement and prevent fraud.
#2 Volatility
Stocks and cryptocurrency are sometimes considered at par because they both are subject to market changes. However, their volatility tends to differ a lot. Crypto exchange is a highly lucrative trading option because it is covered with risks owing to its budding market.
This makes the crypto market extremely volatile and consequently a source of quick and high returns. In comparison to this, the stock market is highly stable, even conventional in some sense, and offers diverse trading options. Investment returns are relatively simpler to foresee in a stock market.
#3 Profit Controlling Factors
Both the stock market and the crypto market are regulated by demand and supply. However, the key factors that affect this demand and supply tend to differ. For stock markets, this is regulated by political discussions, news about the company that the stock belongs to, natural disasters, etc.
On the other hand, crypto prices are generally regulated by the buzz it creates. And let us give you a fair warning, this could be something as trivial as an Elon Musk tweet. Sometimes the value fluctuation of cryptocurrency also depends on the functionality of the cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
Naturally, people want to invest their money in a good source to build wealth. All kinds of investment options come with a certain degree of risk. However, every investment differs in terms of volatility, and some can easily shield themselves against massive economic blows.
For this reason, in the 21st century, cryptocurrency and the stock market have emerged as the top investment choice. This has induced a great debate on the crypto market vs stock market. One can choose to invest in any of the two, or even both, depending on their risk potential. You can invest safely in crypto by simply looking into several popular crypto exchanges, WazirX being one of them.
Further Reading:
Indian Cryptocurrency Market – What to expect in 2021?
Best Cryptocurrencies For Day Trading In India (2021)
A Guide to Crypto Margin Trading: Definition, Pros, and Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Invest In Cryptocurrency?
Yes, with exchanges like WazirX, you may invest in cryptocurrency in India. To begin, go to the WazirX website and register. After that, you will receive a verification email. The link received by verification mail will only be available for a few seconds, so make sure you click it as quickly as possible. This will successfully verify your email address. The following step is to set up security, so choose the best solution for you. After you've set up the security, you'll be given the option of continuing with or without completing the KYC process.
Is crypto legal?
Crypto is legal in most countries, including India. While nations like the U.S. and many in Europe have regulatory frameworks, others like China have strict bans.
Who Invented Cryptocurrency?
Satoshi Nakamoto invented cryptocurrencies and the technology that makes them function in 2009. The presumed pseudonymous individual or persons who invented Bitcoin used this identity. In addition, Nakamoto created the first blockchain database. Even though many people have claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the person's identity remains unknown.
What Are The Best Cryptocurrencies To Invest In?
The best cryptocurrencies to invest in would be the ones you study and analyze in detail. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins such as Tron, Ripple, Litecoin, etc.
What Is Crypto?
Crypto or a cryptocurrency is a digital currency protected by cryptography, making counterfeiting and double-spending nearly impossible. Blockchain technology is used to produce cryptocurrencies (a distributed ledger enforced by a distributed network of computers). Cryptocurrencies are distinct in that a government does not issue them. The word "cryptocurrency" refers to the encryption methods employed to keep digital currencies and the network secure.
Is Mining Cryptocurrency Legal?
Cryptocurrency mining can be time-consuming, expensive, and sporadically profitable. Mining has an appeal for many cryptocurrency enthusiasts as miners are paid directly with crypto tokens for their efforts. The legality of cryptocurrency mining is dependent on where you live. In India, there is no restriction on crypto mining.
How To Invest In Cryptocurrency In India?
There are two ways of investing in cryptocurrency, mining and via exchanges. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of verifying and adding transactions between users to the blockchain public ledger. Purchasing cryptocurrency in India is a straightforward procedure where investors simply participate by registering with a crypto exchange such as WazirX. After registering for an account, citizens can trade multiple cryptocurrencies, store cryptocurrency in wallets, and more.
Is Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency The Same Thing?
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that was designed to facilitate cross-border transactions, eliminate government control over transactions, and streamline the entire process without third-party intermediaries. The absence of intermediaries has resulted in a significant reduction in transaction costs. Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, created the first cryptocurrency in 2008. It began as open-source software for money transfers. Since then, plenty of cryptocurrencies have emerged, with some focusing on specific fields.
How Safe Are Cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies can be safe, but your crypto wallets can be hacked if proper security steps are not performed. There are also dangers and uncertainties associated with investments, and we cannot declare any virtual currency investment risk-free. Buying and selling cryptocurrencies does not have to be dangerous if the trader is well-versed in the market and treats his coins with care.
Are Cryptocurrencies A Good Investment?
Cryptocurrency has the potential to make you extremely wealthy, and the potential to cause you to lose your money. Crypto assets, like any other investment, come with many risks and potential rewards. Fundamentally, cryptocurrency is an excellent investment, particularly if you want to gain direct exposure to the demand for digital currency.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is currently unregulated. Kindly ensure that you undertake sufficient risk assessment when trading cryptocurrencies as they are often subject to high price volatility. The information provided in this section doesn't represent any investment advice or WazirX's official position. WazirX reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change this blog post at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.
